Planning to drive from Boston to DC sometime the week of 5/11 (any weekday is fine). I looked into Amtrak and flights after learning that this drive this brutal, but I don't think either of those options will work for me as I have to bring my two cats, 2-3 bags of luggage and my golf clubs. I've been asking my partner to come with me but this is not guarantee, so I'll most likely be driving by myself.
When is the best time to leave, and what are some routes that I must avoid to not find myself in long spans of stop-and-go traffic?
Any advice is appreciated.