At Two Marines Moving, we believe in fairness, transparency, and old‑fashioned integrity. Our pricing doctrine is simple:
The hourly rate is fixed. The hours are the variable.
You are billed only for the time our Marines and movers are actively working—no more and no less. The clock starts when we shake your hand at arrival and begins the walk‑through, and it stops with the final handshake after the last piece of furniture is placed exactly where you want it. Breaks and chow time are off the clock—that’s our commitment to fairness.
But move duration itself is affected by real‑world conditions. This is why our estimates are presented in a range—because no honest professional can predict certain factors with precision.
Below are the key elements that can influence the time required for your move and therefore the final cost.
1. Weather Conditions
Weather is one of the biggest variables, and it’s completely outside anyone’s control.
• Rain, snow, or high winds require slower movement for the safety of your belongings and our team.
• Extreme heat affects the pace of physical work—just like even a marathon runner performs differently at 60 degrees at sunrise vs. 100 degrees at 2:00 PM.
We maintain high standards regardless of conditions, but weather can add time to any move.
2. Traffic and Travel Time
Traffic is unpredictable—especially in the D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia region.
For local moves, we drive directly to your destination and begin unloading immediately upon arrival. But delays en route can extend the total hours even though our crews are moving with urgency and professionalism.
3. Elevators and Building Logistics
Not all elevators are created equal.
• Newer buildings often have large, modern freight elevators designed for efficiency.
• Many historic Washington D.C. buildings, however, have small passenger elevators built a century ago.
A tiny elevator can triple the number of trips and significantly increase maneuvering time—especially when handling today’s larger, heavier furniture pieces.
Regardless of the terrain, our Team Leaders and Moving Specialists adapt, improvise, and overcome. But building infrastructure directly affects speed.
4. Distance From Truck to Door
This is a major factor most clients don’t think about.
• A long hallway,
• A parking garage,
• A loading dock,
• A high‑rise with multiple elevator transitions…
All add more time because every extra step translates into additional labor.
5. Packing, Organization, and Readiness
Clients who are fully packed, organized, and ready help accelerate the process.
If items still need boxing, labeling, or disassembly, that adds hours.
We can assist with packing—and do so at a professional standard—but it does influence total duration.
6. Client‑Directed Breaks and Lunch
Our crews always bring their own chow and hydration—often in that classic metal lunch pail tradition. We are old‑school like that.
• We do not stop the clock for our meals.
• We do not expect clients to provide lunch.
But if you choose to pause the move for a meal or to enjoy pizza with the team (a very common gesture), we simply adjust the timeline to match your preference.
A Fair System: Pay Only for the Time Worked
At Two Marines Moving, fairness is part of our doctrine.
You are billed for the actual labor time, and nothing else.
• No surprises.
• No games.
• No charging for breaks.
• No billing beyond work performed.
This system protects the client and protects us—clean, honest accountability on both sides.
Why We Give Ranges, Not Exact Predictions
Because real‑world variables—weather, traffic, elevators, stairwells, packing readiness, building layout—create movement in the final timeline.
Providing a range is the professional, transparent, and ethical way to set expectations.
Mission First, Client Always
Regardless of the conditions, Two Marines Moving brings Marine‑grade discipline, punctuality, and professionalism to every mission. Our goal is simple:
Move your home with precision, care, and excellence—efficiently and fairly.