Local moving companies in California
When you’re moving from California to Arlington, VA, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Golden State to the vibrant .
Out of 317 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Arlington, VA.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from California to Arlington, VA
This table details typical cost ranges to move from California to Arlington, VA, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,300 – $5,269 | $1,428 – $3,423 | $1,427 – $2,911 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,996 – $7,563 | $2,316 – $5,190 | $1,658 – $3,327 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,231 – $12,194 | $3,461 – $7,080 | $1,953 – $4,169 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,789-mile move from California to Arlington, VA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from California to Arlington, VA
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to Arlington, VA, typically costs between $1,300 and $5,269. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,996 and $7,563. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to Arlington, VA, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,231 up to $12,194.
Cost of moving containers from California to Arlington, VA
When relocating from California to Arlington, VA, you’ll typically spend between $1,428 and $3,423 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,316 up to $5,190. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,461 and $7,080. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Arlington, VA
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from California to Arlington, VA, expect to pay between $1,427 and $2,911. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,658 to $3,327. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,953 and $4,169.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from California to Arlington, VA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Moving Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| All Star Movers & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Meathead Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Sterling Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rigo’s Moving Company Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
After evaluating 3,180 movers, here’s how California movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered services and discounts:
| California | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 61% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from California to Arlington, VA
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Arlington, VA differs from what you’re used to in California. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: California vs. Arlington, VA
| California | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $2,718 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $810,670 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $128,145 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 164 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.0% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
Arlington sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Arlington is approximately 46% higher than in California. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
- Home prices in Arlington are comparable to those in California, so the buying process should be pretty straightforward. Still, keep an eye on local market trends, which could change things.
- Salaries in Arlington are usually 39% higher than in California, giving you more wiggle room for living expenses or saving extra cash.
- Moving to Arlington means unemployment is roughly 26% lower than in California, giving you stronger job prospects.
- Income tax rates in Virginia are about 57% lower than in California, which means a lighter tax burden and more take-home pay.
How life is different in Arlington from California
| Arlington | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-17 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 27ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 43″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 15″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 28.43 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- California and Arlington both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summer temperatures in Arlington typically reach 88ºF, which is about the same as the average 87ºF you’re used to in California. That means you won’t have to worry about a major heat increase. However, be sure to consider local humidity, weather patterns, and possible shifts in energy costs for a complete picture of what summer living will be like in your new home.
- Winter in Arlington brings colder temperatures, often dropping to 27ºF. That’s noticeably chillier than the 59ºF winters back in California. Get ready for higher heating bills and a few adjustments to your routine. The upside? Arlington treats you to fresh air, beautiful winter landscapes, and loads of seasonal activities.
- You can expect about 43 inches of annual rainfall in Arlington vs only 22 inches in California. More rainfall equates to lusher landscapes and rainier days, so you’ll want to make a few tweaks to your routine. Grab some waterproof gear before you move.
- Each year, Arlington gets about 15 inches of snow, while California sees only 7 inches. More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
- Heading to Arlington means you’ll be moving to a safer place, with a crime index of 15.67, lower than California’s 28.43. A drop in crime usually means tighter communities, safer neighborhoods, and less daily stress. While safety isn’t everything, the peace of mind can be well worth the move.
Things to do in Arlington
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Arlington.
Museums in Arlington
- JW Tumbles
- Ball-Sellers House Museum
- David M. Brown Planetarium
- Arlington Historical Museum
- Arlington Arts Center
Parks in Arlington
- Gravelly Point Park
- Long Bridge Park
- Bon Air Park
- Upton Hill Regional Park
- Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Sports teams in Arlington
- Arlington Youth Football Club
Universities in Arlington
- Marymount University
Other considerations when moving to Arlington, VA
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- State licensing: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in Virginia, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to Virginia on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Arlington take?
The time it takes to move from California to Arlington, VA depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Arlington 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.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from California to Arlington can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Arlington?
If you’re planning a 2,789-mile move from California to Arlington, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Arlington, VA?
Summer temperatures in Arlington can soar to 88°F, while winters can get as chilly as 27°F. That’s why most people making the move from California to Arlington prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
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