How to Prepare to Move to Washington D.C.

Our nation’s capital attracts people from all over the world, whether to visit the many historic and political sights or to put down their own roots. Moving to Washington D.C., like moving to any other large, metropolitan area might seem like an overwhelming process. But if you start early and do the proper research prior to your move, you’ll settle in quickly, enjoying all this amazing area has to offer.

Moving to Washington D.C.

Studies have shown that the majority of people moving to D.C. do so for job purposes. Other reasons for relocating to Washington, D.C. include attending school or seeking an easier commute to work. The area is great for families, filled with amazing restaurants, great schools, plenty of job opportunities, and an abundance of cultural, educational and historical destinations. Your family will have easy access to a wide variety of museums, like the National Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery of Art, the National Air and Space Museum, and so many more!

The cost of living in D.C. is higher than many other areas of the country. For this reason, before moving to D.C. you should make sure you know what neighborhoods would be the right for you and your family. With 131 neighborhoods to choose from, there’s a lot of options to consider! Choose the area that will fit your lifestyle and your budget. For example, Georgetown, located near the university, is a beautiful area rich in history and charm. However, it features some of the most expensive rent prices. On the other hand, Capitol Hill is famous for its period row houses and is considered a nice area for young families and twenty-somethings looking for something more reasonably priced (for Washington, that is).

Getting Around Washington D.C.

As you plan your relocation to Washington D.C., it’s important to learn exactly how you’ll be able to get around after your move. Like most large cities, D.C. is a notoriously high-trafficked area, with rush hour being exceptionally busy. On moving day, plan to avoid the busiest hours of the day—6 am to 10 am, and 4 pm to 7 pm. That last thing you want on an already stressful moving day is for your moving truck to get stuck in gridlock on the highway!

However, after successfully relocating to Washington D.C., most residents find that public transportation is the best way to get around. Parking can be expensive in the downtown or touristy areas, and D.C.’s Metro offers a great way to safely and easily get from one place to the next. During peak hours, trains usually arrive every 5-6 minutes, and they run until midnight every day of the week.

Finding Moving Companies in Washington, D.C.

One of the most important tips for your moving day is to plan ahead and stay organized. The first step is to search for moving companies in Washington, D.C. on the internet or get referrals from family or friends. Research and book your moving company or rental truck at least a month before your desired moving date. Get several estimates and find out if they offer moving insurance, and also read reviews from other customers. Having all the right information upfront can save you time, money and headaches on your moving day.

There are pros and cons both to letting the professionals handle your move or going the do-it-yourself route. Professional movers will have the right equipment and supplies, and they will also know the best routes to take and how to pack and unpack the truck as efficiently as possible. However, renting the truck and handling the move yourself can save you money, and may give you peace of mind that since you packed everything yourself, you know the location of all your belongings. Moving to Washington, D.C. has great opportunities for those of all ages. And with so many amenities and exciting attractions nearby, you’ll never run short of things to do!

ezStorage’s D.C. storage facilities help make relocating to Washington D. C. as simple as possible. ezStorage offers a variety of storage unit sizes for household items you may not need or want to store in your new home. Check out any of our storage units in Washington D.C. to learn more today.