Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Moving To Northern Virginia

Relocating to Northern Virginia can be an exciting step forward, but it is often more complicated than people expect.

Between dense traffic, fast-paced real estate dynamics, and strict neighborhood policies, even experienced movers can run into trouble if they are not fully prepared. 

What Homeowners Should Know When Moving To Northern VA

Northern Virginia offers incredible opportunities, but it also presents a unique set of challenges that can catch newcomers off guard. From local regulations to logistical pitfalls, there’s more to relocating here than meets the eye. Before you book your truck or sign a lease, it’s worth learning what sets this area apart, and how to avoid the most common moving mistakes.

Overlooking The Real Impact Of Traffic

Northern Virginia’s roadways, part of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, rank among the busiest in the country. In 2024, Washington-area drivers lost more than 60 hours to traffic delays, putting it among the top 10 worst metro areas for congestion. Residents who work within or just around DC experience an average commute of 33.4 minutes, a total of 6.5 hours of traffic congestion per week, earning the number one spot as the longest average commute in the entire nation.

For moving trucks, this translates to late arrivals, missed elevator windows, and, all too often, overtime fees that quickly inflate the final bill.

Time slots at condo buildings and apartment complexes tend to be firm, and in townhouse neighborhoods, street parking fills up fast during commuting hours. A move that starts at 8 a.m. might sound efficient, but could leave a crew sitting on the Beltway for an hour before they even reach the property. Instead, target a truck arrival window between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., when roads are typically clearer and parking is more available.

For narrow-access or high-density areas, consider hiring a smaller shuttle van to transfer items from the truck to the door if the larger vehicle can’t get close during peak periods.

Underestimating Housing Costs & Surprise Fees

At first glance, Virginia’s property taxes appear relatively affordable compared to those of nearby states. However, with median home prices in Northern Virginia reaching nearly $790,000 as of May 2025, the actual tax burden is much higher than newcomers expect. 

A modest tax rate can still lead to annual bills exceeding $6,000, and that is before adding in HOA dues or condo fees, which often range from $300 to $600 a month in newer communities.

Some condo associations require a refundable move-in deposit, sometimes exceeding $500. These fees are not always disclosed upfront, and buyers often find these charges too late, when they’re already locked into the move.

To avoid unexpected financial surprises, it is essential to consider factors beyond the home’s listing price. Request the resale disclosure packet early in the buying process to review any HOA dues or special assessments upfront. Also, ask your settlement agent to calculate your first year’s tax escrow based on current home values, not just estimated percentages.

Skipping The Fine Print On Local Rules & Regulations

Moving trucks, contractor vans, and other commercial vehicles are restricted on many residential streets throughout Northern Virginia. 

In Fairfax County, for instance, parking a commercial vehicle in a residential neighborhood overnight can result in an immediate fine. Enforcement can be even faster in HOA-managed areas.

Beyond parking, many condo buildings and apartment complexes have strict move-in procedures. These often include weekday-only elevator reservations, required floor protection, and exact time slots that must be booked in advance.

Local rules and HOA policies can be easy to overlook but often have immediate consequences. At least two weeks before your move, confirm parking and move-in policies with your HOA in writing to avoid fines or the risk of towing. 

Forgetting To Arrange Parking Permits For The Moving Truck

In many Northern Virginia towns and cities, you will need a permit to leave a moving truck on the road. Arlington County, for instance, mandates a Moving Van/Container Permit for any curbside parking during a move. It’s not just a formality; trucks parked without permits risk being ticketed or towed. 

Other jurisdictions such as Alexandria, Vienna, and Fairfax City have similar requirements, sometimes including the need for meter-bagging or traffic-control setups, especially in denser areas.

For street parking, many Northern Virginia jurisdictions require permits for moving trucks, which must be filed several days in advance. Once you have the permit, print it and place “No Parking” signs at the curb at least 48 hours before the move to reduce the risk of conflicts with neighbors or parking enforcement.

Waiting Too Long To Book The Move

Similar to much of the country, Northern Virginia experiences a massive surge in moves during summer. Nearly two-thirds of all residential moves happen between May and September, and mover availability is limited. Weekends book out first, with some reputable movers filling their schedules six to eight weeks in advance.

Last-minute planning often leaves homeowners stuck with higher rates or less experienced crews. Even during slower months, moving closer to the start or end of the month can make it harder to secure the best dates.

Try to schedule at least eight weeks ahead for moves between May and September and four weeks for off-season moves. If your schedule allows, aim for a mid-week or mid-month move date, which offers better availability and pricing.

Make Your Relocation A Breeze By Reaching Out To Experienced Northern VA Movers

Relocating to Northern Virginia doesn’t have to include surprises or setbacks. A little knowledge goes a long way when you know what not to do. With a bit of foresight and the right team by your side, you can avoid delays, hidden costs, and last-minute stress and instead focus on settling into your new space with confidence.

At MG Moving Services, we’ve built our reputation by helping homeowners and businesses move with less hassle and more peace of mind. If you’re looking for a moving company that combines local knowledge with dependable service, we’re ready to help. Request a free moving quote online or call us at (888) 707-7709 to start planning your move today.

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