Tips for moving in Washington D.C.
Moving in Washington D.C. presents a unique set of challenges and concerns. Between the capitol shuffle, Georgetown, and the interplay between Virginia, Maryland and the district, having a solid sense of your goals and being well prepared is the best way to minimize issues. Below are several tips that can facilitate a smooth moving experience.
Multiple Zones – As anyone local to the District knows from dealing with the cab companies, navigating the differences between companies that operate in Virginia, Maryland, and within the District can be a challenge. Different permits and licenses are required, as since nobody is interested in a move requiring an Act of Congress, researching these details early on is advisable. Unfortunately there is no stock answer that will apply to all moving companies, because each one will have specific quirks are to where they operate, how much they charge, and what they are permitted to handle. These details will also differ if you are moving within one of these zones versus if you are moving between two of them. In general, it may be better to pay more to use a reputable mover that is experienced in each of these areas, than to find one that is less direct.
The Capitol Shuffle – Depending on what neighborhood you are moving to or from, being aware of what is going on in the U.S. Government is a good idea. Particularly if your move is anywhere near government offices, which is very rare, street closures and allowances for special events is a good precaution. Being aware of when national elections are held, for example, is wise and provides useful information – there are often a great many people moving after a large contingent of the Senate and House of Representatives has had to be re-elected.
Georgetown – With Georgetown, as well as all of the other universities in the area, the population of Washington D.C. has a significant college contingent. This has both positive and negative effects on anyone who needs to move in the area. On the positive side, if you are interested in the least expensive moving options available, there are always college kids willing to work as movers to earn extra money – many who have scrapped together small companies to accomplish the task. The drawback of such a concentration of college kids in town is that they move a lot. Before planning your move, you need to take the schedules of the various local universities in account. Around graduation, in particular, finding a mover that is not booked is a challenge. If moving at this time of year can be avoided, it should be. If not, checking the specific dates that are most likely to be booked and early planning is advisable.
Moving under any circumstances can be expensive and stressful, and while there is no way to completely alleviate this issue, good planning can help to minimize issues. Following the above tips for anyone who is moving in Washington D.C. will give you a good head start in avoiding problems and helping your move to be as smooth as possible.
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