Top-rated local movers that handle Santa Ana to Washington DC moves
When planning a move from Santa Ana to Washington DC, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 93 local movers in Santa Ana who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Santa Ana to Washington DC.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191680
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3051481
Alternate Names: Best Fit Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Washington DC?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,249 – $5,439 | $1,326 – $3,471 | $1,491 – $2,776 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,787 – $7,761 | $2,474 – $5,007 | $1,614 – $3,406 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,122 – $11,308 | $3,245 – $6,616 | $1,920 – $4,344 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Washington DC
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Washington DC, you can expect to spend between $1,249 and $5,439. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,787 to $7,761 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Washington DC typically runs between $7,122 and $11,308.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Washington DC
When moving from Santa Ana to Washington DC, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,326 and $3,471. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,474 to $5,007. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,245 up to $6,616. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Washington DC
Renting a moving truck in Santa Ana is usually your cheapest option to get to Washington DC. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,491 and $2,776. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,614 and $3,406. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,920 and $4,344.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Santa Ana to Washington DC
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,534, but larger homes can run up to $10,699.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Santa Ana.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,491–$3,625) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Washington DC
Many movers find Washington DC easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 37% less for singles and 1% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,963 for one person in Washington DC versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $11,093 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $2,568 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $5,417 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $594,337 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $101,722 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $3,963 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $11,093 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 9% lower in Washington DC than in Santa Ana, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 30% lower in Washington DC than in Santa Ana.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 32% higher in Washington DC compared to Santa Ana, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Washington DC, where the cost of living for a single person is 37% less than in Santa Ana.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Washington DC and Santa Ana, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- Both Washington DC and Santa Ana present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 35% lower in Washington DC than in Santa Ana. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Washington DC can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 57% lower in Maryland compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Santa Ana with Washington DC:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Washington DC |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $191.62 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $65.80 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.67 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $4.43 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $120.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $103.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Ana than in Washington DC.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Santa Ana than in Washington DC.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Washington DC.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Washington DC.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Santa Ana than in Washington DC.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Washington DC.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Washington DC
| Santa Ana | Washington DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 672,079 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 70 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 60.37 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 39.63 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Washington DC’s population is about 117% greater than Santa Ana.
- Washington DC’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Santa Ana’s score of 7.
- Washington DC is more walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 out of 100.
- With a score of 70 out of 100, Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Santa Ana, which has a score of 62 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Washington DC’s crime rate is higher than Santa Ana with a score of 60.37 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Washington DC is considered to be less safe than Santa Ana with a score of 39.63 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
- Air quality in Washington DC is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Washington DC move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Maryland doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Washington DC smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Washington DC
Now that you’ve chosen DC as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Washington DC to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Adams Morgan
- Capitol Hill
- Cleveland Park
- Foggy Bottom
- Logan Circle
Best neighborhoods for families
- AU-Tenleytown
- Chevy Chase
- Cleveland Park
- Georgetown
- The Palisades
Things to do in Washington DC
After getting comfortable in your new Maryland home, it’s time to see what Washington DC is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Washington DC offers cultural landmarks like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Gallery of Art, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s National Mall, National Gallery of Art – Sculpture Garden, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Washington Wizards (NBA)Washington Capitals (NHL)Washington Mystics (WNBA)D.C. Untied (MLS)Washington Commanders (NFL)DC Defenders (XFL)Old Glory DC (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Washington DC?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Santa Ana to Washington DC are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Santa Ana are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Washington DC?
Because spring and fall moves from Santa Ana to Washington DC are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Washington DC take?
A move of 2,666 miles from Santa Ana, CA to Washington DC, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Santa Ana sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Washington DC is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Santa Ana?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Santa Ana offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 73 movers in Santa Ana have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 60 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Santa Ana moving services
Popular California routes
- California to Maryland car shippers
- California to Florida movers
- California to Georgia movers
- California to Illinois movers
- California to Michigan movers
- California to New York movers
- California to North Carolina movers
- California to Ohio movers
- California to Pennsylvania movers
- California to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!