($1,447+) Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD Movers
The cost to move from Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD ranges from $1,262 to $11,546, with an average cost of $4,450. Moves can be as low as $1,447 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,662 miles and usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD
Moving options from Anaheim to Washington DC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,262 - $11,546 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,450, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 31% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 59% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 2,662 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,662-mile route from Anaheim to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,262 for a studio up to $11,546 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,835 - $6,752 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,418 - $4,220, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,734 - $5,510, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,662-mile move from Anaheim, California, to Washington DC, Maryland, with prices running from $1,262 - $11,546. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $478 - $3,188 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Anaheim and Washington DC are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Anaheim movers tend to run around $182 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Anaheim to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,262 - $5,702
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,635 - $8,069
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,265 - $11,546
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Anaheim to Washington DC.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Anaheim movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Washington DC, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $797 - $7,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Meathead Movers | $319 - $1,913/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $478 - $3,826 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,594 - $4,782 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,985 - $15,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,194 - $2,268 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,594 - $3,985 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,275 - $5,579 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $478 - $2,391 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,036 - $3,188 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $478 - $23,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $478 - $5,579+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Anaheim to Washington DC?
Movers licensed to operate in Maryland are typically members of the Maryland Motor Truck Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Anaheim, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from Anaheim, California, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,835 and $6,752. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Anaheim costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Anaheim to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,835 - $3,597
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,498 - $4,857
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,476 - $6,752
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Anaheim, CA and Washington DC, MD. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,116 in Anaheim, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $120 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $239 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Maryland move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,835. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,498 - $4,857.
What are the best moving containers Anaheim to Washington DC?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Anaheim to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Anaheim:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD
A rental truck for this 2,662-mile move from Anaheim, California, to Washington DC, Maryland, costs between $1,418 and $4,220. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,350 - $1,543
- Daily insurance: $48/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- Anaheim daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Anaheim to Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,418 - $2,918
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,504 - $3,372
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,100 - $4,220
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Anaheim to Washington DC starts at $1,418 - $4,220, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,350 - $1,543), overnight lodging ($239/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $120 and $558.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $239.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,350 and $1,543 for the 2,662-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,116 for 2 movers in Anaheim, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Anaheim to Washington DC?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD
For larger DIY moves from Anaheim, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Washington DC, Maryland.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,903 and $3,886.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Anaheim to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,734 - $3,173
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,903 - $3,886
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,596 - $5,510
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Anaheim, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,116.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $120 and $239 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Anaheim to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Anaheim to Washington DC. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Anaheim, CA vs Washington DC, MD
Good news for your budget: Washington DC isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Anaheim. Cost of living index runs 151 there against 165 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 56/100 and 46.82/100 here versus 77/100 and 39.63/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Washington DC, MD to Anaheim, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Maryland in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 2,662-mile route.
Our take
A move from Anaheim, CA, to Washington DC, MD, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,262 - $11,546 on the 2,662-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,835 - $6,752, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,418 - $4,220. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,635 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.
FAQs: Moving from Anaheim, CA, to Washington DC, MD
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,350 - $1,543), daily insurance ($48/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $32) on top. Overnight stops can add another $239/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 7 to 21 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Washington DC a safe place to live?
Washington DC has a safety index of 39.63 out of 100 and a crime index of 60.37, compared to 46.82 and 53.18 in Anaheim. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Anaheim movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Anaheim handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.