Best 5 Movers in Los Angeles, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Los Angeles

Consider each company's services, cost, licensing, and customer reviews before deciding.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, Los Angeles movers charge $66 per hour on average. The typical cost overall is $4,300 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, the season, move distance, and your home size.

Consider getting quotes from at least three moving companies in your area to make an educated choice. Written estimates are important in this process. They should include a comprehensive breakdown of the total cost, including the hourly rate or flat fee. Hold onto your moving company's estimate until your move is finished.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays a crucial role for moving companies. Visit sites such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, social media, and Google Reviews to gain insights into customer experiences with that moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Los Angeles must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are moving from one California city to another, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can verify a company's state license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.

The requirements are different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assess whether the mover provides the specific services you need during the quote process. Get ready for the quote process by making a detailed inventory of your home and writing down any services you may need. Discuss any specific requirements or unique circumstances with your moving company representative in order to evaluate if the company is able to meet your specific requirements.

Types of Moving Services

A full-service mover includes the following services for standard moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

Ensure you inform your mover of any special services you need in the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher pricing are:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Los Angeles, CA

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when moving in Los Angeles.

Schedule an Early Move

Los Angeles traffic during rush hour is notoriously congested. Navigating gridlock in a moving truck is even more difficult than with a standard personal-use vehicle. Movers stuck in traffic will typically lead to higher costs if they charge by the hour. Arranging your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers get there before traffic peaks and make the trip to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is lighter.

Avoid Busy Season

Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Los Angeles, this time corresponds to very hot summer weather, which can slow or worsen your moving experience. You should be able to secure your preferred moving company by contacting movers well in advance. However, remember that the heat may impact your movers.

Pack in Advance

We recommend you start packing around six weeks before your move to avoid rushing to pack on your moving day. Spending time packing a couple boxes each day can get it done without overwhelming you. Most moving companies only transport items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before their arrival.

How Much do Movers Cost in Los Angeles, CA

Movers in Los Angeles cost $2,661 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,446 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.