Quick answer: A typical 2,437-mile move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem runs $1,889–$9,058 and takes seven to 18 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Winston-Salem to Santa Ana guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem

Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.

No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any move.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to NC movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Find trusted moving companies for your Santa Ana to Winston-Salem journey

Organizing a move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?

We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Santa Ana known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem.

  1. Best California Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
  2. Meathead Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  4. Maison Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/,
99% of all reviews were positive
1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving perfection is rare, but Best California Movers comes close. Out of 1,177 pieces of customer feedback, over 98% are positive. Customers highlight the company's efficient service, careful handling, quick moving process, professional staff, and great communication.
Moves are completed swiftly without sacrificing care, and teams are consistently polite and attentive. Transparent pricing and quick response times also set this company apart from many others. On the flip side, a small number of people mention issues like item damage, inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected costs, and slow resolution to complaints. While most customers found pricing and final charges accurate, those few negative experiences reflect the main risks found in the industry—miscommunication, claim delays, and the rare mishandling of belongings. Compared to typical movers, Best California Movers receives far fewer complaints about property damage and shows higher reliability and responsiveness. The feedback shows why so many recommend them for hassle-free, well-managed moves.
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Get a Quote

Company Info

State license #: T0192283

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3489907

Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/meatheadmovers?lang=en
77% of all reviews were positive
20% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Meathead Movers stands out for hustle, professionalism, and customer care. Out of 596 feedback entries, 76.7% reflected positive experiences, far surpassing most moving services. Customers consistently mention the professional and polite attitude of staff, quick and efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication throughout the process.
On the other hand, some input details damage to furniture or property, unexpected costs, and occasional delays with arrival or delivery. Still, the frequency of efficient and careful service notably outweighs these issues. Based on customer input, Meathead Movers sets a higher standard for moving companies by maintaining reliable service, though attention to damage prevention and transparent pricing could be further improved to match their strong reputation.
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Get a Quote (949) 485-7883

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc, Meathead Movers Inc


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/terrymoving/, https://twitter.com/terrymovingco
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Word travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customers—nearly 94% of whom share positive input. Customers consistently praise the speed and efficiency of service, the professionalism and courtesy of the moving team, and especially their careful handling of valuable items. Staff members receive high marks for their great communication, making the moving process less stressful.
Common negatives reported include occasional damage to belongings, unexpected fees or pricing differences, and some gaps in communication during problem situations. While some reviewers faced issues with lost items or claims handling, these incidents are much less frequent than is typical for the industry. Compared to most moving companies, Terry Moving and Storage Inc. is viewed as more reliable and responsive, with a reputation for organization and genuinely helpful crews. The significant volume of positive input confirms this company sets a high bar for moving and storage providers.
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Get a Quote (949) 587-9490

Company Info

State license #: 189603

Years in Business: 28

DOT #: 649215

Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc, Richards Moving Company, Orange County Storage Movers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/maisonmoving/, https://twitter.com/MaisonMoving
84% of all reviews were positive
14% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Word spreads fast about a moving company that gets the job done. Out of 293 customer reviews, Maison Moving earned high marks, with 84% giving glowing feedback. Customers repeatedly mention the efficiency, professionalism, and care shown by the movers, highlighting strong communication, timely arrivals, and careful handling of belongings.
Many found booking straightforward, pricing transparent, and crews helpful and polite. Moving day stresses were often eased by their quick, organized approach. Negative feedback, making up 14% of input, centered on damaged or missing items and rare delays or unprepared crews. Some clients were frustrated by the claims process or communication breakdowns after problems. Only 1% described neutral experiences, usually pointing out minor issues like unexpected fees or average service. Compared to others, Maison Moving stands out for its reliable, efficient service but could improve on accountability and claims handling when things go wrong.
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Get a Quote (800) 832-5950

Company Info

State license #: 0190726

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 76628

Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc, College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County, Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/NorthStarMoving, https://twitter.com/northstarmoving
94% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving day becomes stress-free with NorthStar Moving Company, based on feedback from 68 customers—94% shared strong praise. Their most valued traits include efficient service, careful handling of items, and a professional, helpful crew. Customers frequently highlight the movers’ speed, organization, and willingness to assist with unplanned needs, setting NorthStar apart from other companies.
Pricing transparency and reliable scheduling also add extra appeal, while both large and small moves often run smoothly, thanks to teams going above and beyond. Some dissatisfied input focused on hard-to-reach representatives, poor communication, and a few timing issues which caused frustration. Still, negative experiences accounted for less than 5% of all feedback, and most clients endorsed NorthStar for local, long distance, and even last-minute relocations. Compared to other moving companies, NorthStar consistently impresses with attentive teams and smooth execution, making it a top choice for those seeking security and reliability during a move.
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Get a Quote (800) 275-7767

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1836576

Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem?

Santa Ana movers charge $75 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,595 - $6,418 $1,636 - $3,908 $1,641 - $3,242
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,625 - $9,058 $2,794 - $5,800 $1,889 - $4,096
4+ bedrooms $8,781 - $15,343 $3,962 - $7,958 $2,268 - $4,782
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,437 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from California to North Carolina

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to North Carolina will cost between $1,595 and $6,418. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to NC will range from $4,625 to $9,058, and a large move from California to North Carolina will cost from $8,781 to $15,343.

Cost of moving containers from California to North Carolina

Moving from California to North Carolina? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,636 and $3,908. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,794 to $5,800. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,962 up to $7,958. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to North Carolina

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $1,641 and $3,242 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,889 to $4,096. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,268 to $4,782.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

Key factors that influence moving costs from Santa Ana to Winston-Salemtoggle

The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem might cost just $1,595 for a one-bedroom, but up to $14,281 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Santa Ana, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,641 and $4,232, though you'll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem

Moving from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Santa Ana than in Winston-Salem, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Santa Ana compares to Winston-Salem so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Santa Ana Winston-Salem
Average rent cost $2,650 $1,300
Average home value $843,858 $248,806
Average income (per capita) $77,283 $62,431
Cost of living (single person) $6,333 $2,420
Cost of living (family of 4) $11,160 $5,265
Unemployment rate 7.0% 5.2%
Sales tax 9.25% 7.0%
State income tax 13.3% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Winston-Salem are 51% lower than in Santa Ana, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Winston-Salem.
    Home prices in Winston-Salem are 70.5% lower than in Santa Ana.
  • Income in Winston-Salem is 19.2% lower than in Santa Ana, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Winston-Salem — including Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Novant Health, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools — may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Winston-Salem. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 61.8% lower than in Santa Ana.
  • A move to Winston-Salem can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 52.8% less than what it costs in Santa Ana.
  • The unemployment rate in Winston-Salem is 25.71% lower than in Santa Ana.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Winston-Salem, since the city's sales taxes in Winston-Salem are 24.32% lower than in Santa Ana.
  • One perk of moving to Winston-Salem is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.17% lower than in Santa Ana.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,146.38 in Winston-Salem to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Santa Ana.

How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem Santa Ana
Population 249,545 310,227
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 7
Walkability score 22 67
Bike friendliness score 29 62
Crime Index 32.67 54.17
Safety Index 67.33 45.83
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Winston-Salem might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 20% less than Santa Ana.
  • Getting around Winston-Salem without a car might be more difficult than in Santa Ana. Winston-Salem has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Santa Ana is ranked 7. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Winston-Salem neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Santa Ana. Based on its score of 22 out of 100, Winston-Salem isn't as walkable as Santa Ana, which has a score of 67 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Winston-Salem, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Santa Ana. While Santa Ana has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, Winston-Salem earned a 29. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • Winston-Salem has a lower crime rate than Santa Ana based on scores of 32.67 and Santa Ana's 54.17, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Winston-Salem than in Santa Ana, based on Winston-Salem's safety index of 67.33 versus 45.83 for Santa Ana. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • You can breathe easy knowing that Winston-Salem has better air quality than in Santa Ana. Winston-Salem has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Santa Ana. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

Other things to consider for your Santa Ana vs. Winston-Salem move

  • Weather: Climate in Winston-Salem is unlikely to affect your move but a freezing day in the winter could affect the conditions of the roads.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a North Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: North Carolina doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Winston-Salem. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Winston-Salem

Now that you've chosen Camel City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Winston-Salem to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • West End
  • Ardmore
  • Buena Vista
  • Old Salem
  • Washington Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Sherwood Forest
  • Ardmore
  • Buena Vista
  • West Highlands
  • West Salem

Things to do in Winston-Salem

Once you're settled into your new home in North Carolina, it's time to get out and discover what Winston-Salem has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Winston-Salem, such as the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Frank L Horton Museum Center, Kaleideum Downtown, Kaleideum North, and Reynolda House Museum of American Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's REYNOLDA ESTATE, SALEM LAKE, QUARRY PARK AND NATURE PRESERVE, and POLO PARK — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Winston-Salem State University Rams (NCAA), Winston-Salem Dash (High-A East), Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL), or Winston-Salem Wolves (East Coast Basketball League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem?

The best time to move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Santa Ana.

When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem?

With many people choosing to move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Santa Ana to Winston-Salem take?

The 2,437-mile move from Santa Ana, CA, to Winston-Salem, NC, takes seven to 18 days. Some Santa Ana movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Winston-Salem.

Helpful moving resources