($706+) Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA Movers
Moving from Olympia, WA, to Lancaster, CA, runs anywhere from $706 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,833 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,057 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $8,833 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,219 - $3,806, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $706 - $1,810.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Olympia, WA, to Lancaster, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,888 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 Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA
Moving options from Olympia to Lancaster 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 $2,888 - $7,026 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 46% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 75% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,057 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,057-mile route from Olympia to Lancaster, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,386 - $5,315, container $1,219 - $2,205, rental truck $706 - $1,237, freight trailer $1,107 - $1,868.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,888 - $7,026, container $1,568 - $2,917, rental truck $718 - $1,518, freight trailer $1,195 - $2,526.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,873 - $8,833, container $2,016 - $3,806, rental truck $949 - $1,810, freight trailer $1,564 - $3,203.
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 Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,057-mile move from Olympia, Washington, to Lancaster, California, with costs ranging from $2,386 - $8,833. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $396 - $2,640. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Olympia and Lancaster. Local movers in Olympia typically start around $296 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Olympia to Lancaster:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,386 - $5,315
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,888 - $7,026
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,873 - $8,833
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 Olympia to Lancaster.
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 Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 65% of Olympia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Lancaster, 66% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing75% of local movers | $660 - $6,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready65% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Olympic Moving & Storage Inc. | $264 - $1,584/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $396 - $3,168 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $1,320 - $3,960 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,300 - $13,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $989 - $1,878 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $1,320 - $3,300 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $1,056 - $4,620 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $396 - $1,980 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $858 - $2,640 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $396 - $19,800+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $396 - $4,620+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Olympia to Lancaster?
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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Olympia, WA. 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 Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA
Moving containers from Olympia, Washington, to Lancaster, California, cost between $1,219 and $3,806. 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 Olympia costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Olympia to Lancaster:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,219 - $2,205
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,568 - $2,917
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,016 - $3,806
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Olympia, WA and Lancaster, 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 $924 in Olympia, WA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $99 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $198 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 Washington 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 $1,219. 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 $1,568 - $2,917.
What are the best moving containers Olympia to Lancaster?
- 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 Olympia 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 Olympia:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 22 years in business
- Olympic Moving & Storage Inc. (4.7/5), 123 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,057-mile move from Olympia, Washington, to Lancaster, California, costs between $706 and $1,810, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $444 - $507
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- Olympia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.59
| 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 Olympia to Lancaster based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $706 - $1,237
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $718 - $1,518
- 4+ bedrooms: $949 - $1,810
Pro tip: A rental truck from Olympia to Lancaster looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $706 - $1,810. But once you factor in fuel ($444 - $507), overnight lodging ($198/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 $99 and $462.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $198.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $444 and $507 for the 1,057-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 $924 for 2 movers in Olympia, Washington, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Olympia to Lancaster?
- 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 Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Olympia, Washington, to Lancaster, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,195 and $2,526.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Olympia to Lancaster:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,107 - $1,868
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,195 - $2,526
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,564 - $3,203
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 Olympia, Washington, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $924.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $99 and $198 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Olympia to Lancaster?
- 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 Lancaster 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: Olympia, WA vs Lancaster, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Lancaster, side by side with Olympia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Olympia, WA | Lancaster, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 112 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,895/mo | $2,600/mo |
| Median home value | $457,660 | $400,712 |
| Average income | $76,930/yr | $76,083/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 15.6% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 39/100 | 29/100 |
| Safety index | 62.25/100 | 54.5/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lancaster, CA to Olympia, WA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Washington to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 279 movers in our Washington network to compare for this 1,057-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Olympia, WA, to Lancaster, 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 $2,386 - $8,833 on the 1,057-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,219 - $3,806 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $706 - $1,810 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,888 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 Antelope Valley Hospital and Antelope Valley Union High School District.
FAQs: Moving from Olympia, WA, to Lancaster, CA
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 is the best time of year to move from Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA?
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 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.
Is Lancaster a safe place to live?
Lancaster has a safety index of 54.5 out of 100 and a crime index of 45.5, compared to 62.25 and 27.95 in Olympia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Olympia, WA to Lancaster, CA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $718 - $1,518. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Olympia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Olympia handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.