The best local movers for Santa Ana to Richmond moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Santa Ana that also handles long-distance moves to Richmond. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 93 local movers in Santa Ana who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Santa Ana to Richmond.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
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
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
Company Info
State license #: 0191680
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3051481
Alternate Names: Best Fit Movers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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
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
How much does it cost to move from Santa Ana to Richmond?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,284 – $5,458 | $1,338 – $3,295 | $1,509 – $2,895 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,637 – $7,499 | $2,303 – $4,747 | $1,525 – $3,149 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,051 – $11,968 | $3,107 – $6,866 | $2,045 – $3,944 |
Cost to hire movers from Santa Ana to Richmond
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Richmond will cost between $1,284 and $5,458. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Santa Ana to Santa Ana will range from $3,637 to $7,499, and a large move from Santa Ana to Richmond will cost from $7,051 to $11,968.
Cost of moving containers from Santa Ana to Richmond
If you’re moving from Santa Ana to Richmond, expect to pay between $1,338 and $3,295 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,303 up to $4,747. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,107 and $6,866. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Santa Ana to Richmond
Renting a moving truck from Santa Ana to Richmond is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,509 and $2,895. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,525 and $3,149. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $2,045 up to $3,944 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Santa Ana to Richmond
The cost of Santa Ana movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,630, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $11,430.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Santa Ana, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,509–$3,637) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Richmond
Many movers find Richmond easier on the wallet than Santa Ana – roughly 64% less for singles and 52% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,270 for one person in Richmond versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it’s $5,336 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,537 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,539 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $350,897 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $59,606 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $2,270 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $5,336 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.75% |
- If you’re heading to Richmond from Santa Ana, you’ll find that rent is roughly 40% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 58% less in Richmond than in Santa Ana.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 23% lower in Richmond compared to Santa Ana.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Richmond. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 64% lower than in Santa Ana.
- Choosing to move to Richmond can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 52% less than in Santa Ana.
- The unemployment rates of Richmond and Santa Ana are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
- Sales taxes drop 35% in Richmond compared to Santa Ana, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 57% less in Virginia than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Santa Ana and Richmond:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.95 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $59.72 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Ana than in Richmond.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Santa Ana than in Richmond.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Richmond.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Richmond.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Richmond.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Richmond.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Richmond
| Santa Ana | Richmond | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 226,610 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 51 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 51 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 48.45 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 51.55 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Richmond’s population is about 27% less than Santa Ana.
- Richmond’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Santa Ana, making them very similar.
- Richmond is less walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Santa Ana’s 67 out of 100.
- Richmond has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Santa Ana, which has a score of 62.
- Richmond’s crime rate is lower than Santa Ana with a score of 48.45 compared to Santa Ana’s 54.17. This means that Richmond neighborhoods are safer than 48.45% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17%.
- Richmond is considered to be safer than Santa Ana with a safety index of 51.55 vs Santa Ana’s 45.83.
- Air quality in Richmond is Good, and in Santa Ana it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Richmond move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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). Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Virginia 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Richmond. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Richmond
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Capital of the South, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Richmond.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Monroe Ward
- The Fan District
- The Museum District
- Woodland Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bellevue
- Byrd Park
- Museum District
- Three Chopt
- Westover Hills
Things to do in Richmond
Once you’re settled into your new home in Virginia, it’s time to get out and discover what Richmond has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Richmond, such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, White House of the Confederacy, Science Museum of Virginia, and Edgar Allan Poe Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Belle Isle, Libby Hill Park, Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System), and Capitol Square Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Richmond Kickers (USL League One)Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Richmond?
The best time to move from Santa Ana to Richmond 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 Richmond?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Santa Ana to Richmond, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Richmond take?
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Richmond, covers 2,614 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Santa Ana movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Richmond.
Which movers in Santa Ana give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Santa Ana?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 73 movers in Santa Ana advertise piano moving expertise. 60 movers in Santa Ana provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Santa Ana moving services
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