$1,330 Movers From Washington DC, MD to California

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Nov 1, 2024 • 5 min read
Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: The cost to move from Washington DC, MD, to California averages from $1,780 to $8,206, and can take anywhere from seven-twenty-one days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.

Best Overall Value Safeway Moving rating 4.85 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Best overall value Portion to charity Veteran owned Get A Quote (855) 650-0657

Best for personalized service Mayzlin Relocation rating 4.9 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Family owned East coast focus Affordable pricing Get A Quote (980) 217-6841

Best for Quick Quotes BLVD Moving rating 4.25 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Family owned & operated Affordable pricing Same-day estimates Get A Quote (844) 794-6004

Best Nationwide Coverage PODS rating 4.8 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Unlimited storage 3 container sizes 10% discount Get A Quote Visit Website

Most Experienced Mover American Van Lines rating 4.5 / 5 Licensed Insured Price Certified crews Flat-rate pricing Family-owned Get A Quote (866) 835-2392

Moving 2,793 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional Washington DC moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Washington DC, MD guide.

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The best Washington DC to California moving companies

Hiring the right interstate moving company from Washington DC to California is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier. We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 40 local movers in Washington DC and 267 throughout the Golden State — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Washington DC to California.

• Safeway Moving: Best overall value
• Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
• BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes
• PODS: Best nationwide coverage
• American Van Lines: Most experienced mover

Use our >moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD, to California?

Here are the average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck to move from Washington DC to California:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,793 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Washington DC, MD, to California will depend on:

• Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
• Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, so moving companies will likely charge more.
• DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Washington DC, MD, to California?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to California will cost between $1,330 to $5,718. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Washington DC to CA will range from $3,968 to $8,206. A large move from Washington DC to California will cost anywhere from $7,167 to $11,851.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Washington DC, MD, to California?

Moving pods from Washington DC to California will cost you $1,374 to $3,424. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,464 to $5,360. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,717 to $7,019. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Washington DC to California.

How much is a moving truck from Washington DC, MD, to California?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,518 to $3,157. A larger move will cost $1,780 to $3,576, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Washington DC to California costs from $2,207 to $4,389.

Is moving from Washington DC, MD, to California a good idea?

If you’re moving to California from Washington DC, MD, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Washington DC, MD, vs California

• Rent is about 61% less expensive in California than in Washington DC.
• Home prices are about 34.0% higher in California than in Washington DC.
• The average income is about 552.5% lower in California than in Washington DC.
• California has a lower unemployment rate than Washington DC by about 314.3%.
• Income taxes are 131.30% higher in California than in Washington DC.

How is life different in Washington DC, MD, from California?

• The population of California is approximately 5,560% greater than the population of Washington DC.
• In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Washington DC voted Democratic.
• The average high in the summertime in California is 87º F and in Washington DC, it’s 89º F.
• During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59º F and Washington DC gets down to 27º F.
• You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs. 43 inches of rainfall in Washington DC.
• In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs. 14 inches of snow in Washington DC.

Considerations for moving to California

• Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
• Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Washington DC movers?

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
most popular Olympia Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.9 overall rating	4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD, 20781 (703) 566-4391
Gentle Giant Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating	5782 2nd Street NE, Washington, MD, 20011 (202) 758-0213
Bookstore Movers, LLC	Get A Quote	4.8 overall rating	5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD, 20781 (202) 570-4697

Visit our best movers in Washington DC page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in California

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.

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Learn more about California

• What is the cost to move to California?
• Best moving companies in California