Guide
The DMV Moving Checklist
Moving in DC, Maryland, or Virginia comes with its own quirks — building COIs, freight elevators, and parking permits. Here's a week-by-week plan to keep your move stress-free.
- One flat price
- Reply in 15 min
- Same-week slots
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- Licensed & insured
6–8 weeks out
Lock in the big decisions
- Confirm your move date and book movers early — DMV weekends fill up fast.
- Text us photos of your place for a flat-rate quote so there are no surprises.
- Start a folder for your lease, building rules, and moving paperwork.
- Declutter room by room — sell, donate, or schedule a junk removal.
4 weeks out
Handle DMV building logistics
- Ask your building (old and new) about Certificate of Insurance (COI) requirements.
- Reserve the freight elevator and loading dock time slots in writing.
- Apply for DC/Arlington/Montgomery County temporary no-parking permits if needed.
- Order packing supplies or ask us to bring them on move day.
2 weeks out
Change your address & utilities
- File a USPS change of address and update your DC/MD/VA driver's license.
- Schedule electric, gas, internet, and water transfers for your move date.
- Notify your bank, employer, and subscriptions of your new address.
- Start packing non-essentials and label boxes by room.
1 week out
Pack down to the essentials
- Confirm move-day timing, parking, and elevator reservations with your building.
- Pack an essentials box: chargers, toiletries, meds, a change of clothes.
- Defrost the fridge and empty/clean appliances you're taking.
- Confirm payment and deposit details with your movers.
Move day
Make it smooth and chill
- Do a final walkthrough — check closets, cabinets, and the balcony.
- Keep valuables, documents, and your essentials box with you.
- Point the crew to fragile and priority items; tip if they crushed it.
- Take photos of meter readings and the empty unit for your records.
FAQ
DMV moving questions, answered
How far in advance should I book movers in the DMV?
Aim for 4–6 weeks ahead, especially for end-of-month and weekend moves in DC, Bethesda, and Arlington — those slots fill up fastest. If you're flexible, a mid-week, mid-month move is easier to schedule and often cheaper.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and do I need one?
Many DC-area apartment and condo buildings require your movers to submit a COI before move day — it proves the crew is licensed and insured. Ask both your old and new building management early, then send us the requirements and we'll handle the paperwork.
Do I need a parking permit to move in DC?
Often, yes. DC, Arlington, and Montgomery County offer temporary no-parking / moving permits so the truck can park curbside near your door. Apply 1–2 weeks ahead to reserve space and avoid tickets or a long carry.
How does the flat-rate quote work?
Text us photos of your stuff or fill out the photo-quote form and we send a flat-rate price back — usually within about 15 minutes. No hourly surprises: you know the number before you book.
What should go in my move-day essentials box?
Pack a box you keep with you: phone chargers, toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, and basic tools. It keeps the first night comfortable while everything else gets unpacked.
Related guides
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