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DMV Helping Hands

Loading & Unloading Services in DC, MD & Northern Virginia

Already rented a truck or have a portable container? We provide the crew and equipment to load and unload it safely and efficiently. You handle the driving — we handle the heavy lifting.

How It Works

We Bring the Crew. You Bring the Truck.

Labor-only moving is a practical choice when you've already arranged a rental truck or have a portable container delivered to your property. Our crew arrives with all the moving equipment, loads or unloads efficiently, and you drive the truck yourself.

Billed at the same hourly crew rates as our full-service moves. The only difference is no truck from us.

We Provide

  • 2, 3, or 4-mover crew
  • Furniture blankets & padding
  • Moving straps & tie-downs
  • Hand trucks & furniture dollies
  • Furniture disassembly & reassembly
  • Careful stacking to maximize space

You Arrange

  • Rental truck or portable container
  • Driving to origin and destination
  • Fuel and truck rental costs
  • Parking arrangements at both locations

Works With Any Rental Truck or Container

We load and unload rental trucks and portable containers from all major providers — no matter who you rented from.

U-HaulBudget TruckPenskeEnterprise TruckPODS1-800-Pack-RatABF U-PackStorage units

Loading & Unloading FAQs

What's the difference between labor-only and full-service moving?
With full-service moving, we provide the crew, truck, driver, and all equipment. With labor-only loading and unloading, you rent and drive your own truck or container — we provide the crew and equipment to load and unload it. Labor-only is a good choice if you've already booked a rental truck or have a PODS container delivered.
Do you bring dollies and straps for a labor-only job?
Yes. Our crew arrives with hand trucks, furniture dollies, moving blankets, and straps — the same equipment used on our full-service moves. The only thing we don't bring is the truck itself.
Can you load or unload a PODS container or portable storage unit?
Yes. We regularly load and unload PODS, 1-800-Pack-Rat, ABF U-Pack, and similar portable containers. The container needs to be accessible and at ground level at your property. Confirm parking and access before your move date.
How is loading and unloading priced?
Labor-only loading and unloading is billed at the same hourly crew rates as full-service moves: starting at $115/hr for a 2-mover crew, $150/hr for 3 movers, and $185/hr for 4 movers. Minimum hours apply: 2 hours for 2- and 3-mover crews, 3 hours for a 4-mover crew.
What size truck should I rent for my home?
As a general guideline: a 10–15 ft truck works for studios and 1-bedroom apartments; a 16–20 ft truck fits most 2-bedroom homes; a 22–26 ft truck handles 3–4 bedrooms. Rental company websites (U-Haul, Penske, Budget) have sizing guides based on rooms. When in doubt, go one size up — overloading adds trips, which adds time.
Can you do just a load, just an unload, or both?
Any combination works. We can load only at your origin, unload only at your destination, or do both on the same day. Each is billed hourly with the applicable minimum. Let us know your exact needs when requesting a quote.

Need a Loading or Unloading Crew?

Tell us your truck or container type, location, and timing and we'll confirm availability and send an estimate.