($1,414+) Arlington, VA to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Arlington, VA, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,414 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,229 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,677 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 $2,290, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,229 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,901 - $7,071, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,414 - $4,173.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Arlington, VA, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,653 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 Arlington, VA to Long Beach, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from Arlington to Long Beach: 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 $3,653 - $7,321. Moving containers run about 34% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 56% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 7 to 21 days for this 2,677-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 2,677-mile route from Arlington to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,290 - $5,546 with full-service movers, $1,901 - $3,762 with a container, $1,414 - $2,828 with a rental truck, or $1,728 - $3,322 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,653 - $7,321 full-service, $2,416 - $4,989 by container, $1,613 - $3,401 by rental truck, or $2,029 - $3,870 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,939 - $11,229 full-service, $3,297 - $7,071 by container, $2,119 - $4,173 by rental truck, or $2,585 - $5,491 by freight.
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 Arlington, VA to Long Beach, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,677-mile relocation from Arlington, Virginia, to Long Beach, California, cost between $2,290 and $11,229. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $490 - $3,264, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Arlington typically charge a base rate around $200 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Arlington to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,290 - $5,546
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,653 - $7,321
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,939 - $11,229
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 Arlington to Long Beach.
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 Arlington, VA to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Arlington movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Long Beach, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $816 - $8,160 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $326 - $1,958/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $490 - $3,917 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,632 - $4,896 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,080 - $16,320 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,222 - $2,322 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,632 - $4,080 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,306 - $5,712 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $490 - $2,448 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $1,061 - $3,264 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $490 - $24,480+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $490 - $5,712+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Arlington to Long Beach?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Arlington, VA. 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 Arlington, VA to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Arlington, Virginia, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,901 and $7,071. 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 Arlington costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Arlington to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,901 - $3,762
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,416 - $4,989
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,297 - $7,071
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Arlington, VA and Long Beach, CA. 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 $1,142 in Arlington, VA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $122 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $245 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 Virginia 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 $1,901. 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 $2,416 - $4,989.
What are the best moving containers Arlington to Long Beach?
- 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 Arlington 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 Arlington:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Arlington, VA to Long Beach, CA
Plan on $1,414 - $4,173 for a rental moving truck on the 2,677-mile route from Arlington, Virginia, to Long Beach, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,390 - $1,589
- Daily insurance: $49/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $33
- Arlington 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 Arlington to Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,414 - $2,828
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,613 - $3,401
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,119 - $4,173
Pro tip: A rental truck from Arlington to Long Beach looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,414 - $4,173. But once you factor in fuel ($1,390 - $1,589), overnight lodging ($245/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 $245 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 $106 and $530 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,390 - $1,589 in fuel for the 2,677-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,142 in Arlington, Virginia, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Arlington to Long Beach?
- 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 Arlington, VA to Long Beach, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Arlington, Virginia, to Long Beach, 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 $1,469 and $3,870.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Arlington to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,728 - $3,322
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,029 - $3,870
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,585 - $5,491
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?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $122 and $245.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Arlington, Virginia, for roughly five hours typically average $1,142.
What are the best freight companies from Arlington to Long Beach?
- 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 are a great option when you need your belongings in Long Beach fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Arlington, VA vs Long Beach, CA
Day-to-day costs in Long Beach are close to what you're used to in Arlington: cost of living index of 162 versus 164, with average rent of $2,075/mo compared to $2,718/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 71/100 and 79.15/100 in Arlington versus 73/100 and 41.42/100 in Long Beach.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Long Beach, CA to Arlington, VA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Virginia to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Virginia alone has 304 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,677-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Arlington, VA, to Long Beach, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,290 - $11,229 on the 2,677-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,901 - $7,071 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,414 - $4,173 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,653 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Arlington, VA, to Long Beach, CA
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Arlington?
Local movers based in Arlington typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $110/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 Long Beach run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What are the best neighborhoods in Long Beach?
For families, Bixby Village, Los Altos, and Wrigley Heights are worth a look in Long Beach. If you're moving solo or without kids, Belmont Shore, Recreation Park, and Carroll Park tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Long Beach?
Long Beach has a walkability score of 73 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 70, compared to 71 and 72 in Arlington. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Arlington movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Arlington handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.