($1,389+) Washington DC, MD to Anaheim, CA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Anaheim, CA, runs anywhere from $1,389 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,903 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,664 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,386, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,903 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,853 - $6,616, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,389 - $4,303.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Anaheim, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,638 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Anaheim, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Washington DC to Anaheim: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,638 - $7,308. Moving containers run about 35% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 55% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,664-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,664-mile route from Washington DC to Anaheim, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,386 - $5,648 | $1,853 - $3,668 | $1,389 - $2,861 | $1,601 - $3,141 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,638 - $7,308 | $2,378 - $5,158 | $1,646 - $3,473 | $1,845 - $4,127 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,703 - $11,903 | $3,212 - $6,616 | $1,940 - $4,303 | $2,543 - $5,346 |
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 Washington DC, MD to Anaheim, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,664-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Anaheim, California, with costs ranging from $2,386 - $11,903. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $470 - $3,132. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Washington DC and Anaheim. Local movers in Washington DC typically start around $180 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Anaheim:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,386 - $5,648
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,638 - $7,308
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,703 - $11,903
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 Washington DC to Anaheim.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Anaheim, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Anaheim, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $783 - $7,830 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $313 - $1,879/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $470 - $3,758 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,566 - $4,698 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,915 - $15,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,173 - $2,228 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,566 - $3,915 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,253 - $5,481 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $470 - $2,349 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $1,018 - $3,132 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $470 - $23,490+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $470 - $5,481+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Anaheim?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage 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 Washington DC, MD. 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 Washington DC, MD to Anaheim, CA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Anaheim, California, cost between $1,853 and $6,616. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Washington DC typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Anaheim:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,853 - $3,668
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,378 - $5,158
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,212 - $6,616
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $117 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $235 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Anaheim, CA, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $1,096 in Washington DC, MD. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maryland to California 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 $1,853. 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 $2,378 - $5,158.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Anaheim?
- 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- Straightline Movers Inc. (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Anaheim, CA
Plan on $1,389 - $4,303 for a rental moving truck on the 2,664-mile route from Washington DC, Maryland, to Anaheim, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,327 - $1,517
- Daily insurance: $47/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $31
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Washington DC to Anaheim based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,389 - $2,861
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,646 - $3,473
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,940 - $4,303
Pro tip: A rental truck from Washington DC to Anaheim looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,389 - $4,303. But once you factor in fuel ($1,327 - $1,517), overnight lodging ($235/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $235 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $102 and $509 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,327 - $1,517 in fuel for the 2,664-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,096 in Washington DC, Maryland, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Anaheim?
- 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 Washington DC, MD to Anaheim, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Washington DC, Maryland, to Anaheim, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,409 and $4,127.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Anaheim:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,601 - $3,141
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,845 - $4,127
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,543 - $5,346
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Washington DC, Maryland, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,096.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $117 - $235 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Anaheim?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Washington DC to Anaheim, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Anaheim, CA
Washington DC and Anaheim land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 151 in Washington DC and 165 in Anaheim, and average rent is $2,400/mo vs. $2,550/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 77 vs 56 and safety scores are 39.63 vs 46.82.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Anaheim, CA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Maryland to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 220 movers in Maryland, so you have real options to compare for this 2,664-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Washington DC, MD, to Anaheim, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,386 for a studio to $11,903 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,664-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,853 - $6,616. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,389 - $4,303, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,638 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include PacSun and Firmenich.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Anaheim, CA
What are the best neighborhoods in Anaheim?
For families, Anaheim Hills, Canyon District, and Platinum Triangle are worth a look in Anaheim. If you're moving solo or without kids, Platinum Triangle, Anaheim Resort Area, and West Anaheim tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Washington DC, MD to Anaheim, CA 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 do local movers charge in Washington DC?
Local movers based in Washington DC typically start around $180 as a base rate, plus $85/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Anaheim run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Washington DC, MD to Anaheim, CA?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Anaheim, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,389 to $11,903, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,386 and $11,903, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.