($1,418+) Washington DC, MD to Santa Clarita, CA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Santa Clarita, CA, runs anywhere from $1,418 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,553 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,665 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 $2,434, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,553 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,872 - $7,025, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,418 - $4,055.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Santa Clarita, 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 Santa Clarita, CA
Moving options from Washington DC to Santa Clarita fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,638 - $7,911 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 59% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,665 miles and typically takes 7 to 21 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,665-mile route from Washington DC to Santa Clarita, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,434 - $5,590, container $1,872 - $3,704, rental truck $1,418 - $2,691, freight trailer $1,601 - $3,141.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,638 - $7,911, container $2,354 - $4,807, rental truck $1,504 - $3,541, freight trailer $1,999 - $3,806.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $7,192 - $11,553, container $3,212 - $7,025, rental truck $2,060 - $4,055, freight trailer $2,754 - $5,565.
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 Santa Clarita, CA
Full-service movers for the 2,665-mile relocation from Washington DC, Maryland, to Santa Clarita, California, cost between $2,434 and $11,553. 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 $466 - $3,108, 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 Washington DC typically charge a base rate around $180 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,434 - $5,590
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,638 - $7,911
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,192 - $11,553
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 Santa Clarita.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Santa Clarita, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Santa Clarita, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $777 - $7,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $311 - $1,865/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $466 - $3,730 |
| 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 | $1,554 - $4,662 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,885 - $15,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,164 - $2,211 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,554 - $3,885 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,243 - $5,439 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $466 - $2,331 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $1,010 - $3,108 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $466 - $23,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $466 - $5,439+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Santa Clarita?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Washington DC, MD. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Santa Clarita, CA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Santa Clarita, California, cost between $1,872 and $7,025. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Washington DC runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,872 - $3,704
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,354 - $4,807
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,212 - $7,025
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Washington DC, MD, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,088, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $117 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $233 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Washington DC, MD, and Santa Clarita, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,872. 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 $2,354 - $4,807.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Santa Clarita?
- 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 Santa Clarita, CA
A rental truck for this 2,665-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Santa Clarita, California, costs between $1,418 and $4,055. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,318 - $1,506
- 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 Santa Clarita based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,418 - $2,691
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,504 - $3,541
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,060 - $4,055
Pro tip: A rental truck from Washington DC to Santa Clarita looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,418 - $4,055. But once you factor in fuel ($1,318 - $1,506), overnight lodging ($233/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $117 and $544.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $233.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,318 and $1,506 for the 2,665-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 $1,088 for 2 movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Santa Clarita?
- 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 Santa Clarita, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Washington DC, Maryland, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Santa Clarita, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,999 and $3,806.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,601 - $3,141
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,999 - $3,806
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,754 - $5,565
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,088.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $117 and $233 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Santa Clarita?
- 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: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Santa Clarita 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: Washington DC, MD vs Santa Clarita, CA
Good news for your budget: Santa Clarita isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Washington DC. Cost of living index runs 162 there against 151 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 77/100 and 39.63/100 here versus 35/100 and 64.08/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Clarita, CA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 220 movers licensed in Maryland, useful context for sizing up this 2,665-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,665-mile route from Washington DC, MD, to Santa Clarita, CA, run $2,434 - $11,553 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,872 - $7,025, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,418 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,638, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Princess Cruises and Wesco Aircraft.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Santa Clarita, CA
How walkable is Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 33, compared to 77 and 70 in Washington DC. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Santa Clarita?
For families, Valencia, Saugus, and Stevenson Ranch are worth a look in Santa Clarita. If you're moving solo or without kids, Valencia, Newhall, and Canyon Country tend to be popular picks instead.
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 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 Santa Clarita run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 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.