Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 06 2026
Moving Companies Washington D.C. To Baltimore

Relocating from Washington, DC, to Baltimore, MD, is not a long-distance move, but it is a significant change. Any household move requires careful planning and coordination, so naturally, you want the best support you can find. Identifying the best Washington DC mover for your transition from Washington DC to Baltimore is time well spent. Three Movers is the moving company that provides moves.
How Do I Find The Right Company For Relocation From DC To Baltimore?
Moving the short distance from Washington, DC, to Baltimore is an interstate move. However, it is considered a local job, and can efficiently be completed in a day if you can choose the right haulers in Washington DC. You need to enquire about the hauling firm for such an interstate move. Interstate moving companies are regulated by the Department of Transportation, specifically by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA.
Protect Your Move From DC To Baltimore
FMCSA's primary mission is improving interstate highway safety, but it also plays an essential role in helping consumers avoid fraud from moving companies. To that end, the agency requires all interstate movers to maintain current licensing, and it collects data on their safety records and customer complaint history. Consumers can access this information about shifting service providers they are considering.
Besides the registration and performance information about movers, FMCSA has created some helpful resources for consumers. They issued a publication titled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, and the mover will provide you with a copy (or a link) when they submit an estimate for your job.
Review it before you start gathering estimates about moving from Washington, DC, to Baltimore. You will be more familiar with the terms the haulers use and be more comfortable in the conversation. The brochure explains all the assessment elements, the insurance, and what a mover must do.

Why should I get more than one estimate?
Consumer advocates suggest that you compare at least three estimates before you select a moving company to award the work based on a free quote.
Here are a couple of good reasons for this recommendation:
First, it's always a good idea to compare prices. Most of us don't move that frequently, so we have no idea how long it should take for a mover to load up the contents of our three-bedroom house.
If one mover estimates 5 hours and another estimates 10 hours, that is a puzzling discrepancy. Most likely, one vendor has overlooked items, or one company has included a service (such as packing) that the other did not. With three estimates, you can better determine which is more likely to be accurate.
However, you do need to ensure that you are comparing the same type of quote. Some estimates are binding (which means the price is firm, even if the move requires more time than was estimated). Some are nonbinding, so you would pay more if the work takes longer than predicted.
Also, one company might be quoting a price based on two workers, while another plans to use four. That would make a difference in how many hours the job takes and what they charge per hour. It is up to you to carefully review the bids and ask questions to ensure you understand where the differences are.
How can we minimize the cost of the estimate?
Many moving services providers have a minimum charge. If you have a tiny home, you may want to look for a vendor with a two-hour minimum rather than a four-hour minimum so you don't end up paying for the time you don't need.
Ask when the time starts (whether it includes the drive to your home from their warehouse or office and back from the destination?) and ends. Some movers will charge less per hour for packing labor than for loading and unloading, so if you want to have the movers handle the packing, ask about that.

Do I need an in-person estimate?
It’s a good idea to ask the movers from the moving company to come to your home to provide a free quote for the estimate compared to over a phone estimate. The exception is if you have minimal boxes and little furniture, with no complicated logistics. For most moves, it's helpful for the transporters to see what you have so they can accurately assess how much time will be necessary for the work.
Additional Charge For Moving Services Not Included In Estimate
In addition to the hourly charge, movers will add a fee for certain shifting services you usually can’t control. These items include stairs and elevators, for example. Added costs may include bulky items like pianos, pool tables, exercise equipment, and outdoor items. The mover will itemize these charges on the quote, but if they don't come to your residence to do the initial survey, they might miss something and have to add it later. When it comes to moving costs, no one likes surprises. The company offers estimates by consolidating several carrying services, and additional costs could come up if packing services (packing and unpacking) and junk removal services are required.
The estimate is also a good opportunity to decide whether they are professional and trustworthy. Most moving companies are honest and hard-working, but there are some shady operators out there, and the in-home survey request is often an excellent tactic to weed out those with the tendency to charge hidden fees. The visit with the mover’s representative allows you to review the terms of a free quote with the mover and ask questions. You will likely find it a fair use of your time.
How To Ensure Good Mover For Moving From DC To Baltimore?
You have to ensure that the mover provides a good experience for your move from Washington DC to Baltimore. While there are no guarantees, there are some signs you can look for that indicate a shady company before you hire them:
- They are reluctant to do the onsite survey (or even refuse).
- The estimate seems too good to be true.
- The mover demands a large deposit upfront (particularly a cash deposit).
- The mover asks you to sign blank or incomplete documents about the move.
- The mover does not provide a written estimate.
- The mover does not have a local address, or the address is a P.O. Box or a residential address.
- The mover claims their insurance covers everything.
- The phone is answered with a generic greeting like "moving company" instead of the name of the business you believe you are working with.
- The truck the carriers bring is not branded with the agency name but seems rented or in poor condition.
- The movers who show up to do the work appear unprofessional (they may be temporary workers or day laborers).
These are all suspicious indications, and you should avoid these companies. In addition to looking on the FMCSA site to determine that the firm you are hiring has the appropriate registration and a good record, check the Better Business Bureau to see what consumers say about the firm. Then, ask for references.
The moving company should be eager to connect you to you some recent customers to discuss their experience with the agency and the transporting services it provides. Take the time to do this before you make a final choice, and if the mover is hesitant to provide the information, be wary of hiring them for your project.
Once you have chosen a moving organization, make sure that you keep a copy of all the paperwork you receive, whether it is hardcopy or electronic. The mover will provide various forms and agreements, which will help you if anything goes wrong during the move.
Do pay attention to the mover's dispute resolution program. Each company must have one and offer you information about how it works. Hopefully, it won't be necessary, but it is always better to be prepared.
Washington, DC Includes The Following Zip Codes:
20001, 20002, 20003, 20004, 20005, 20006, 20007, 20008, 20009, 20010, 20011, 20012, 20013, 20015, 20016, 20017, 20018, 20019, 20020, 20022, 20024, 20026, 20027, 20029, 20030, 20032, 20033, 20035, 20036, 20037, 20038, 20039, 20040, 20041, 20042, 20043, 20044, 20045, 20047, 20049, 20050, 20052, 20053, 20055, 20056, 20057, 20058, 20059, 20060, 20061, 20062, 20063, 20064, 20065, 20066, 20067, 20068, 20069, 20070, 20071, 20073, 20074, 20075, 20076, 20077, 20078, 20080, 20081, 20082, 20090, 20091, 20201, 20202, 20203, 20204, 20206, 20207, 20208, 20210, 20211, 20212, 20213, 20214, 20215, 20216, 20217, 20218, 20219, 20220, 20221, 20222, 20223, 20224, 20226, 20227, 20228, 20229, 20230, 20232, 20233, 20235, 20237, 20238, 20239, 20240, 20241, 20242, 20244, 20245, 20250, 20251, 20252, 20254, 20260, 20261, 20262, 20265, 20266, 20268, 20270, 20277, 20289, 20299, 20301, 20303, 20306, 20310, 20314, 20317, 20318, 20319, 20330, 20340, 20350, 20355, 20370, 20372, 20373, 20374, 20375, 20376, 20380, 20388, 20389, 20390, 20391, 20392, 20393, 20394, 20395, 20398, 20401, 20402, 20403, 20404, 20405, 20406, 20407, 20408, 20410, 20411, 20412, 20413, 20414, 20415, 20416, 20417, 20418, 20419, 20420, 20421, 20422, 20423, 20424, 20425, 20426, 20427, 20428, 20429, 20431, 20433, 20434, 20435, 20436, 20437, 20439, 20440, 20441, 20442, 20444, 20447, 20451, 20453, 20456, 20460, 20463, 20468, 20469, 20470, 20472, 20500, 20501, 20502, 20503, 20504, 20505, 20506, 20507, 20508, 20509, 20510, 20511, 20515, 20520, 20521, 20522, 20523, 20524, 20525, 20526, 20527, 20528, 20529, 20530, 20531, 20533, 20534, 20535, 20536, 20537, 20538, 20539, 20540, 20541, 20542, 20543, 20544, 20546, 20547, 20548, 20549, 20551, 20552, 20553, 20554, 20555, 20557, 20559, 20560, 20565, 20566, 20570, 20571, 20572, 20573, 20575, 20576, 20577, 20578, 20579, 20580, 20581, 20585, 20586, 20590, 20591, 20593, 20594, 20597, 20599
Baltimore, MD Includes The Following Zip Codes:
21201, 21202, 21203, 21204, 21205, 21206, 21207, 21208, 21209, 21210, 21211, 21212, 21213, 21214, 21215, 21216, 21217, 21218, 21219, 21220, 21221, 21222, 21223, 21224, 21225, 21226, 21227, 21228, 21229, 21230, 21231, 21233, 21234, 21235, 21236, 21237, 21239, 21240, 21241, 21244, 21250, 21251, 21252, 21263, 21264, 21270, 21273, 21275, 21278, 21279, 21281, 21282, 21284, 21285, 21286, 21287, 21289, 21290, 21297, 21298
Frequently Asked Questions
Moves from DC to Baltimore typically cost $600 to $1,800 for most homes. A studio or one-bedroom with 2 movers often falls between $600 and $900, while a 3–4 bedroom home with 3–4 movers ranges from $1,200 to $1,800. Pricing reflects move size, crew size, packing needs, stairs or elevators, long carries, parking access, and traffic on I-95 or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. This route is commonly handled as an interstate moving service.
Most DC to Baltimore moves are completed in 1 day, with total transit time around 1–1.5 hours for the 40-mile drive. Same-day delivery is standard, even for larger homes. Total job time depends on loading speed, building restrictions, elevator reservations, parking permits, and congestion during weekday rush hours. Movers typically schedule early morning loading to avoid peak traffic. Many customers compare this route to a short long distance moving service.
Although the distance is short, moving from Washington DC to Baltimore crosses state lines, making it an interstate move under FMCSA regulations. Interstate moves require federally registered carriers, proper documentation, and transparent estimates. Pricing is still closer to local rates due to distance, but regulations differ from in-city moves. This distinction matters for liability coverage, valuation options, and consumer protections enforced by the FMCSA.
The biggest cost drivers are home size (studio to 5BR), number of movers, packing or unpacking services, stairs versus elevators, long carry distances, heavy items like pianos or safes, and parking logistics in dense DC neighborhoods. Seasonal demand and weekday versus weekend scheduling also affect rates. Traffic timing between downtown DC and Baltimore City can add labor hours if loading windows are missed.
Yes. Apartment moves on this route are very common and usually use 2–3 movers. Key planning factors include freight elevator reservations, COI requirements, loading dock access, and parking permits in DC zones. Buildings often limit move-in hours, which affects labor time. Movers experienced with dense urban buildings treat these as coordinated apartment relocations similar to a local moving service.
Late fall through early spring typically offers the best availability and pricing. Summer months, especially May through August, book fastest and cost more due to peak demand. Weekday moves avoid heavy I-95 and BW Parkway congestion and reduce labor hours. Weather rarely stops moves, but winter ice or summer heat can slow loading and increase total job time.