($1,562+) Washington DC, MD to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,578 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,781 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,684 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 7 to 21 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 $2,633, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,781 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,916 - $7,424, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,578 - $4,469.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,797 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 Washington DC, MD to Long Beach, CA
Moving options from Washington DC to Long Beach fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,797 - $8,165 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,684-mile route typically takes 7 to 21 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,684-mile route from Washington DC to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,633 - $5,822 with full-service movers, $1,916 - $3,951 with a container, $1,578 - $2,968 with a rental truck, or $1,725 - $3,351 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,797 - $8,165 full-service, $2,690 - $5,342 by container, $1,693 - $3,677 by rental truck, or $2,028 - $4,189 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $7,812 - $11,781 full-service, $3,673 - $7,424 by container, $2,139 - $4,469 by rental truck, or $2,797 - $6,113 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Long Beach, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Long Beach, California, costs between $2,633 and $11,781. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,684-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $466 - $3,108, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Washington DC and Long Beach. For a rough baseline, movers based in Washington DC tend to start around $180 plus $85/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,633 - $5,822
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,797 - $8,165
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,812 - $11,781
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 Washington DC to Long Beach.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Long Beach, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $777 - $7,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $311 - $1,865/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $466 - $3,730 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,554 - $4,662 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,885 - $15,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,164 - $2,211 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,554 - $3,885 |
| Piano | Any piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,243 - $5,439 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $466 - $2,331 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,010 - $3,108 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $466 - $23,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $466 - $5,439+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Long Beach?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Washington DC, MD. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,916 and $7,424. 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 Washington DC costs roughly $100/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,916 - $3,951
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,690 - $5,342
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,673 - $7,424
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $1,088 in Washington DC, MD. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $117 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $233 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Long Beach, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maryland 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 $1,916. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,690 - $5,342, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Long Beach?
- 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 Washington DC 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 Washington DC:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Long Beach, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,684-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Long Beach, California, costs between $1,578 and $4,469, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,327 - $1,517
- Daily insurance: $47/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $31
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Washington DC to Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,578 - $2,968
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,693 - $3,677
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,139 - $4,469
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,578 - $4,469 does not include fuel ($1,327 - $1,517) , lodging ($233/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Washington DC to Long Beach typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $233 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $101 and $505 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $1,327 - $1,517 in fuel for the 2,684-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $1,088 in Washington DC, Maryland, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Long Beach?
- 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 Washington DC, MD to Long Beach, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Washington DC, Maryland, to Long Beach, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $2,028 and $4,189.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,725 - $3,351
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,028 - $4,189
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,797 - $6,113
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $117 - $233 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, typically costs $1,088.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Long Beach?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Washington DC to Long Beach, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Long Beach, CA
Washington DC and Long Beach land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 151 in Washington DC and 162 in Long Beach, and rent tracks closely too ($2,400/mo vs. $2,075/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (77 vs 73) and safety scores (39.63 vs 41.42) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Long Beach, CA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Maryland to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 52 movers in Maryland, so you have real options to compare for this 2,684-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,684-mile route from Washington DC, MD, to Long Beach, CA, run $2,633 - $11,781 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,916 - $7,424, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,578 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,797, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Long Beach, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Washington DC, MD to Long Beach, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD to Long Beach, 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.
How long does a move from Washington DC, MD to Long Beach, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,327 - $1,517), daily insurance ($47/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $31) on top. Overnight stops can add another $233/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Washington DC, MD to Long Beach, 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 $1,693 - $3,677. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
