INTERSTATE HOUSEHOLD MOVING

Virginia to California movers

For Virginia-to-California moves, identify what must remain available after the Virginia home is emptied.

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Gorilla Haulers movers loading a wrapped, strapped shipment into a moving truck beside a semi-trailer

Your move from Virginia to California

Gorilla Haulers handles furniture protection, loading, transportation and unloading for your Virginia to California move. Packing and storage can be arranged as part of your moving plan.

An estimated 61% of housing units in Virginia are detached houses. For a house move, include the garage, basement, patio and spare rooms when counting furniture and boxes. 2020–2024 Census housing estimates.

Plan your packing · What to expect on moving day · Storage between homes

Planning your Virginia to California move

Separate work equipment, documents, and travel essentials before the crew packs or loads. If California receiving access depends on a lease or building appointment, explain that dependency while arranging pickup and any storage.

Cost to move from Virginia to California

Rates to California depend on the delivery ZIP code, plus a 13% fuel surcharge:

  • California: $6.50 per cubic foot up to 800 cu. ft. and $6.25 above 800 cu. ft., $1,650 minimum
  • Far Northern California (ZIP 960xx–962xx): $8.00 per cubic foot up to 800 cu. ft. and $7.75 above 800 cu. ft., $2,000 minimum

Example prices by shipment size, including the 13% fuel surcharge. Your written estimate is based on the cubic feet of your actual inventory.

Example prices by shipment size, including fuel: California
Moving routeSmall shipment
up to 600 cu. ft.
approx. 2,000–3,500 lb
Medium shipment
601–1,200 cu. ft.
approx. 3,500–7,000 lb
Large shipment
1,201+ cu. ft.
approx. 7,000+ lb
Estimate
Virginia to California$1,865–$4,407Studio, 1-bedroom, or lighter shipment$4,414–$8,475Typical 2–3 bedroom homeFrom $8,482Larger home or fuller inventoryRequest pricing for Virginia to California

Examples, not a quote. They assume one pickup and one delivery. Packing, storage after the free period, and some access situations can add to the total. See what's included and what costs extra.

Measure your shipment · Check estimate factors and add-ons · Prepare building paperwork

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From a customer who moved to California

“Honestly, this moving company was such a breath of fresh air! I’ve worked with other movers before and had some pretty horrible experiences — things broken, bad communication, just overall stress. But this time around, I can truly say it was the total opposite.They went above and beyond for us — super flexible, friendly, and professional. They treated my mom (she’s a senior) with so much kindness and respect, which really stood out to me. Our move was no small thing either: Pennsylvania to California, right through a snowstorm, and our stuff was mostly glass — huge mirrors, glass tables, vases, you name it. They wrapped everything so carefully, loaded it all up, and delivered it early without breaking a single item! They didn’t just drop everything off and disappear, either. The team brought every box and piece of furniture right where we wanted it in the new house and were super respectful the whole time. They even followed up afterwards to make sure we were happy with everything, which I really appreciated. After all the nightmare moves I’ve had before, this was such a relief. I’d 100% recommend them to anyone who wants movers who actually care and do things right.”

★★★★★Yasin M. · Pennsylvania → California · Price paid: $2,000+ · “Reasonable price” · Google review

Read more customer reviews · See all reviews on Google

Estimates, protection and state rules

Before you book, review how interstate estimates, added items and shipment protection work, and the rules for a move entirely within Virginia.

Interstate moving: estimates, inventory changes and shipment protection · Virginia in-state moving rules

California also licenses interstate movers

BHGS has an Interstate Mover license for businesses that only move household goods into or out of California. Movers doing both California intrastate and interstate work apply for the General license. Federal operating authority is a separate requirement. California BHGS: license categories.

Review the two ends of your move

Pickup and receiving checks for Virginia to California
LocationAccess to review
Virginia pickupA Northern Virginia pickup and a pickup elsewhere in Virginia need different scheduling arrangements. Provide the actual ZIP code, and tell us about townhouse stairs, driveway access, and any separate storage-unit pickup.
California deliveryFor a California delivery, check street access, building loading rules, and any appointment required for unloading. Keep travel essentials with you while your shipment is in transit, and discuss storage if you are still arranging your new address.

Compare the housing at pickup and delivery

Virginia

Detached houses
61% of housing units
Attached single-unit homes
11% of housing units
Buildings with 20+ units
9% of housing units
Renter-occupied homes
33% of occupied homes

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020-2024 ACS 5-year estimates, table B25024; B25003 (tenure). Rounded survey estimates.

California

Detached houses
57% of housing units
Attached single-unit homes
7% of housing units
Buildings with 20+ units
14% of housing units
Renter-occupied homes
44% of occupied homes

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020-2024 ACS 5-year estimates, table B25024; B25003 (tenure). Rounded survey estimates.

Moving from Virginia to California: the migration figures

About 18,100 people moved from Virginia to California in a single year, according to the Census Bureau's 2024 survey.

2024 ACS estimates: previous residence in Virginia
New residencePeopleMargin of error
California18,100±4,368

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 state-to-state migration flows (Excel). Counts people, not households; 90% margins of error.

Delivery and storage terms

When can I receive my Virginia to California shipment?

Our general delivery schedule is 2–10 business days for moves up to 750 miles, 2–14 business days for 751–1,500 miles, and 4–21 business days for 1,501–3,300 miles. Need a fixed delivery date? Ask about our Premium Guaranteed Service.

Can my Virginia to California move include storage?

Yes. The first 30 days after pickup are free on eligible long-distance moves. After that, storage is $0.50 per cubic foot for each additional 30 days or part of 30 days, with a 300 cubic foot minimum. Flat-rate moves with direct delivery are excluded, and the offer does not apply to local moves.

Read the complete moving policies and questions

More routes from Virginia

GORILLA HAULERS IN ACTION

Protection and loading for the journey

Furniture preparation and truck loading from our crew at work.

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Gorilla Haulers mover strapping dollies, moving blankets, and tool cases inside a truck

Secured for the road

Equipment and furniture are strapped in place so nothing shifts on the road.

Gorilla Haulers mover taping cardboard protection around stretch-wrapped furniture

Protecting furniture edges

Cardboard and stretch wrap used together to protect furniture.

Inside a Gorilla Haulers truck: stacked moving blankets, dollies, tool cases, and packing paper strapped to the wall

A truck stocked for your move

Every truck carries moving blankets, dollies, tools, and packing materials, strapped in place.

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