Local moving companies in California

  1. Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  2. Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  3. Republic Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  4. Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. All Star Movers & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 3489907

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591
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Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Best California Movers & Storage
  • An Moving Forward
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Meathead Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 921143

Years in Business: 27

3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.

Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Meathead Packers
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Republic Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 3369820

Years in Business: 31

8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154

Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.

Get a Quote (619) 639-8352

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 3369820
  • State license #: 0190491
  • DOD certified

Alternative Business Names

  • Lovejoy's Family Moving
  • Republic Relocation Services

Local Associations

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Air 1 Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1095485

Years in Business: 22

9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Air 1 Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Chatsworth, CA, since 2004. The company stands out among nearby competitors with its extensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, along with specialized care for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive 4.4 average rating on Google and a solid A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Air 1 Moving & Storage is well-regarded for its reliability and professional service. Customers looking for a reputable local mover will find Air 1’s no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards convenient and customer-friendly.

Get a Quote (866) 485-1030

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
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All Star Movers & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 2971368

Years in Business: 10

101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA 94568

All Star Movers & Storage, serving Dublin, CA and surrounding areas since 2016, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. Praised for their exceptional service with an average Yelp rating of 4.8 from 152 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they stand out among local competitors. They offer a comprehensive array of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and can even handle delicate items such as pianos and art. Unlike many movers, All Star Movers & Storage accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making the process easier for their clients.

Get a Quote (925) 905-9889

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage

Additional Information

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Things to know before moving from California to Washington DC, MD

Cost of living: California vs Washington DC, MD

California Washington DC
Average rent cost $1,856 $2,400
Average home value $771,057 $594,337
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $101,722
Unemployment rate 5% 7%
State income tax 13% 6%
  • Rent is about 29% more expensive in Washington DC than in California.
  • Home prices are about 23% lower in Washington DC than in California.
  • The average income is about 11% higher in Washington DC than in California.
  • Washington DC has a higher unemployment rate than California by about 30%.
  • Income taxes are 57% lower in Washington DC than in California.

How life is different in Washington DC from California

Washington DC California
Population 705,749 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 49-48 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 89ºF 87ºF
Winter low 27ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 43" 22"
Annual snow 14" 7"
Crime index 60.37 28.43
  • The population of Washington DC is approximately 98% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Washington DC voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Washington DC is 89ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Washington DC reaches the temperature of 27ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 43 inches of annual rainfall in Washington DC vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Washington DC, it snows about 14 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Washington DC has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 60.37 vs 28.43.

Things to do in Washington DC

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Washington DC.

Museums in Washington DCtoggle

  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • National Gallery of Art
  • United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
  • National Air and Space Museum
  • National Portrait Gallery
  • Museum of the Bible
  • Ford's Theatre
  • The National Archives Museum
  • Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
  • Smithsonian American Art Museum
  • National Museum of American History
  • International Spy Museum
  • Renwick Gallery
  • National Geographic Museum

Parks in Washington DCtoggle

  • National Mall
  • National Gallery of Art - Sculpture Garden
  • Rock Creek Park
  • Theodore Roosevelt Island Park
  • The Yards Park
  • Potomac Park
  • Hains Point
  • Meridian Hill Park
  • Bartholdi Park
  • Constitution Gardens
  • Lincoln Park
  • Anacostia Park
  • Montrose Park
  • Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium
  • Francis Scott Key Memorial Park

Sports Teams in Washington DCtoggle

  • Washington Wizards (NBA)
  • Washington Capitals (NHL)
  • Washington Mystics (WNBA)
  • D.C. Untied (MLS)
  • Washington Commanders (NFL)
  • DC Defenders (XFL)
  • Old Glory DC (MLR)

Universities in Washington DCtoggle

  • American University
  • Catholic University of America
  • Gallaudet University
  • George Washington University
  • Georgetown University
  • Howard University

Other considerations when moving to Washington DC, MD

  • Weather: Winters are cool to cold with light snow more common but heavy snow not uncommon, and summers are hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild to warm. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid heavy snowfall or high heat.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Maryland moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Maryland does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Maryland. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from California to Washington DC take?

The time frame for a move from California to Washington DC, MD, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Washington DC will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Washington DC from California can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Washington DC?

Because of the 2793-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Washington DC as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Washington DC, MD?

With the summer highs of 89ºF and the winter lows of 27ºF, most people move to Washington DC from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Washington DC during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources