How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Los Angeles
Consider each moving company's services, cost, licensing, and customer reviews before picking.
Determine Your Budget
The average cost of a local move in Los Angeles is $66 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,300 for a two-bedroom move. These figures come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Your move date, move distance, home size, and any additional services you need will affect your actual cost.
We suggest obtaining quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should outline your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are valuable when looking into moving companies. Reading customer reviews on social media, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Yelp will indicate which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.
Ensure Proper Licensing
The Bureau of Household Goods and Services regulates intrastate moving companies in California. Check the company's state license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.
Interstate companies in Los Angeles must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to check a mover’s registration status and complaint history.
Services
Assess whether the mover you chose can provide the services that align with your expectations while obtaining quotes. Create a list of any services you might need and take a comprehensive inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Notify the moving company about any special conditions or needs to assess if the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
A full-service mover will include these services for basic moves:
- Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
- Loading and unloading
- Released liability coverage for loss or damage
If you require additional services from your moving company, disclose these during the quote process. Services that can lead 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
Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within Los Angeles.
Schedule an Early Move
Los Angeles usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more challenging in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge hourly. You can prevent this by arranging your move a few hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season is the busiest between May and September. In Los Angeles, this time overlaps with very hot summer weather, which can slow or worsen your moving experience. If you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to schedule with your preferred mover regardless of the season. However, your movers may be hampered by the heat.
Pack in Advance
Most movers approach same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed by the time your move is scheduled to start. You should start packing about six weeks before your move. Allocate some packing time daily to prevent last-minute scrambling on moving day.
Los Angeles Moving Services FAQ
What is the job market like in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a bustling economy and a wide range of sectors and jobs. Its current unemployment rate is 4%, lower than 28% of other cities.
What is the average cost of living in Los Angeles?
The cost of living in Los Angeles is lower than 95% of other cities, with housing being the main contributor. According to the U.S. Census, the median home value is $705,900, while the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,641.
How much would a Los Angeles move cost for a one-, two-, or three-bedroom house?
With about 5, 7, and 10+ hours for one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes respectively, we estimate it would cost $3,730 for a local one-bedroom move, $4,300 for two bedrooms, and $4,938+ for three bedrooms when using one of our top-rated professional movers in Los Angeles. These estimates are based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and account for other expenses you might incur in addition to the hourly charge.
What is the best moving company in Los Angeles?
The best mover for you depends on several factors, including the moving distance, your budget, and the services you require. We recommend any of the top providers we've reviewed in this guide, but our top-rated mover in Los Angeles is NorthStar Movers.
What should I do if I need to change my move date?
Contact your moving company as soon as you know you need to change the date of your move. Availability may be limited, especially during peak moving season, so prompt communication improves your chances of securing a new date. Review your contract for any terms and conditions related to rescheduling and address potential fees with your moving company representative.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
