($1,503+) Washington DC, MD to Santa Clarita, CA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Santa Clarita, CA, runs anywhere from $1,488 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,620 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,665 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 $2,452, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,620 or more.
- Moving containers run $2,004 - $7,086, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,488 - $4,299.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Santa Clarita, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,818 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Santa Clarita, CA
Moving options from Washington DC to Santa Clarita fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,818 - $7,668 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,665 miles, this route usually takes 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,665-mile route from Washington DC to Santa Clarita, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,452 - $6,109 | $2,004 - $3,776 | $1,488 - $2,853 | $1,839 - $3,365 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,818 - $7,668 | $2,470 - $5,574 | $1,611 - $3,647 | $1,957 - $4,163 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,700 - $12,620 | $3,370 - $7,086 | $2,184 - $4,299 | $2,892 - $5,611 |
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 Santa Clarita, CA
Hiring full-service movers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Santa Clarita, California, costs between $2,452 and $12,620. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,665-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 Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,452 - $6,109
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,818 - $7,668
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,700 - $12,620
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 Santa Clarita.
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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Santa Clarita, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Santa Clarita, 86% 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 Santa Clarita?
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 the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Washington DC, MD, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Santa Clarita, CA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Santa Clarita, California, cost between $2,004 and $7,086. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Washington DC runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,004 - $3,776
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,470 - $5,574
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,370 - $7,086
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 Santa Clarita, 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 $2,004. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,470 - $5,574, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Santa Clarita?
- 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 Santa Clarita, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 2,665-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Santa Clarita, California, costs between $1,488 and $4,299, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,318 - $1,506
- 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 Santa Clarita based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,488 - $2,853
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,611 - $3,647
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,184 - $4,299
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,488 - $4,299 when pricing out a rental truck from Washington DC to Santa Clarita. Fuel alone runs ($1,318 - $1,506) , and overnight lodging ($233/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,318 - $1,506 for the 2,665-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,088.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,665-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $233 per night, adding $466 - $699 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $78 and $466.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Santa Clarita?
- 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 Santa Clarita, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Washington DC, Maryland, to Santa Clarita, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,957 and $4,163.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Santa Clarita:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,839 - $3,365
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,957 - $4,163
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,892 - $5,611
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $117 and $233.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly five hours typically average $1,088.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Santa Clarita?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Santa Clarita quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Santa Clarita, CA
Good news for your budget: Santa Clarita isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Washington DC. Cost of living index runs 162 there against 151 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 77/100 and 39.63/100 here versus 35/100 and 64.08/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Santa Clarita, 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 2,665-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,665-mile route from Washington DC, MD, to Santa Clarita, CA, run $2,452 - $12,620 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $2,004 - $7,086, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,488 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,818, 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 Princess Cruises and Wesco Aircraft.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Santa Clarita, CA
What do local movers charge in Washington DC?
Local movers based in Washington DC typically start around $180 as a base rate, plus $85/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Santa Clarita run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What are the best neighborhoods in Santa Clarita?
For families, Valencia, Saugus, and Stevenson Ranch are worth a look in Santa Clarita. If you're moving solo or without kids, Valencia, Newhall, and Canyon Country tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 33, compared to 77 and 70 in Washington DC. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Santa Clarita a safe place to live?
Santa Clarita has a safety index of 64.08 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.92, compared to 39.63 and 60.37 in Washington DC. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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.
