Top-rated local movers that handle Washington DC to Santa Ana moves
When planning a move from Washington DC to Santa Ana, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 82 local movers in Washington DC who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Washington DC to Santa Ana.
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Bookstore Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Artisan Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- BoxStar Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 2005212
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2005212
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2957382
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2957382
Alternate Names: Artisan Movers Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 373544
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3455884
Alternate Names: BoxStar Moving Services , BoxStar Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Santa Ana?
Movers in Maryland charge $125 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 | $1,275 – $5,385 | $1,285 – $3,235 | $1,520 – $2,833 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,564 – $7,609 | $2,402 – $5,007 | $1,630 – $3,440 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,773 – $11,670 | $3,212 – $6,752 | $2,020 – $4,262 |
Cost to hire movers from Washington DC to Santa Ana
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to Santa Ana, you can expect to spend between $1,275 and $5,385. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,564 to $7,609 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Washington DC to Santa Ana typically runs between $6,773 and $11,670.
Cost of moving containers from Washington DC to Santa Ana
When moving from Washington DC to Santa Ana, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,285 and $3,235. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,402 to $5,007. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,212 up to $6,752. 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 Maryland.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Santa Ana
Renting a moving truck in Washington DC is usually your cheapest option to get to Santa Ana. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,520 and $2,833. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,630 and $3,440. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,020 and $4,262.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Washington DC to Santa Ana
The cost of Washington DC movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,511, but larger homes can run up to $10,921.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Washington DC.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,520–$3,663) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Santa Ana
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Santa Ana runs about 60% higher for singles and 1% higher for families than Washington DC.
Singles spend around $6,333 in Washington DC versus $3,963 in Washington DC; families pay $11,160 compared with $11,093.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Washington DC | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $2,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $3,000 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $843,858 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $77,283 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $6,333 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $11,160 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 7.0% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 9.25% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 13.3% |
- As you consider relocating to Santa Ana, note that rent can be roughly 10% more expensive than it is in Washington DC; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 42% higher in Santa Ana than in Washington DC.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 24% less in Santa Ana than in Washington DC.
- Plan for higher expenses in Santa Ana, since the cost of living for a single person is 60% more than in Washington DC. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Santa Ana and Washington DC, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- Both Santa Ana and Washington DC present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 54% higher in Santa Ana than in Washington DC. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 131% higher in California compared to Maryland. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Washington DC with Santa Ana:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $200.96 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $54.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $4.59 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $25.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Washington DC than in Santa Ana, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Santa Ana.
- Eggs are less expensive in Washington DC than in Santa Ana.
- Bread costs less in Washington DC than in Santa Ana.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Santa Ana.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Santa Ana.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Santa Ana
| Washington DC | Santa Ana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 310,227 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 67 |
| Bike friendliness score | 70 | 62 |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 54.17 |
| Safety index | 39.63 | 45.83 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Santa Ana’s population is about 54% less than Washington DC.
- Santa Ana’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC’s score of 9.
- Santa Ana is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 67 out of 100 vs Washington DC’s 77 out of 100.
- Santa Ana has a bike-friendliness score of 62 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
- Santa Ana’s crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 54.17 compared to Washington DC’s 60.37. This means that Santa Ana neighborhoods are safer than 54.17% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Santa Ana is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 45.83 vs Washington DC’s 39.63.
- Air quality in Santa Ana is Moderate, and in Washington DC it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Santa Ana move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Santa Ana smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Santa Ana
Now that you’ve chosen as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Santa Ana to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Fairbridge Square
- South Coast
- Park Santiago
- Sanpointe
- Meredith Parkwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Meredith Parkwood
- Fairbridge Square
- West Grove Valley
- South Coast
Things to do in Santa Ana
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what Santa Ana is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Santa Ana offers cultural landmarks like the Bowers Museum, Lyon Air Museum, Discovery Cube Orange County, and Heritage Museum of Orange County.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Santiago Park Nature — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Los Angeles Angels (in Anaheim)Anaheim Ducks (in Anaheim)Santa Ana College Dons (Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Soccer, Track & Field, Wrestling)Santa Ana United (Soccer Team) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Santa Ana?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Washington DC to Santa Ana are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Washington DC are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Santa Ana?
Because spring and fall moves from Washington DC to Santa Ana are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Santa Ana take?
A move of 2,666 miles from Washington DC, MD to Santa Ana, generally takes seven to 21 days. Movers in Washington DC sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Santa Ana is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Washington DC?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 7 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 13 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Washington DC offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 58 movers in Washington DC have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 43 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across MD, there are 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Washington DC moving services
Popular Maryland routes
- Maryland to California car shippers
- Maryland to California movers
- Maryland to Florida movers
- Maryland to Georgia movers
- Maryland to Illinois movers
- Maryland to Michigan movers
- Maryland to New York movers
- Maryland to North Carolina movers
- Maryland to Ohio movers
- Maryland to Pennsylvania movers
- Maryland to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!