Best 5 Movers in Los Angeles, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Los Angeles

A few factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include customer reviews, cost, licensing, and services offered.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for a local mover in Los Angeles is $66. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs around $4,300 in total. Your actual costs will vary depending on your home size, move distance, any additional tasks you need your movers to handle, and the season.

We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Don't forget to request written estimates. These should detail the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Looking at customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau, social media, Trustpilot, Yelp, and Google Reviews will show you which movers have positive customer experiences. We suggest thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

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

If you're moving interstate, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also 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 look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.

Services

Assess whether your chosen mover can provide the services you need when requesting quotes. Take inventory of your home when seeking quotes and make a list of any additional services that you may need to ensure accurate pricing. Tell the moving company if you have any specific needs to determine whether the company is a good fit.

Types of Moving Services

For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the base price:

• 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. These services may lead to increased pricing for your move:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Moving a piano
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Los Angeles, CA

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when relocating to, from, or within Los Angeles.

Schedule an Early Move

The morning and evening rush hours in Los Angeles are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also increase your moving costs when charged an hourly rate. Try to arrange your move either several hours before or after the morning rush hour to prevent this issue.

Avoid Busy Season

May to September marks the peak moving season and Los Angeles' hottest time of the year. Moving at this time can slow or worsen your moving process, particularly if you begin your search for a mover too close to your move. The high demand could reduce your chances of securing your desired mover. You should be able to book the moving company you prefer by reaching out to companies at least eight weeks before your move. However, keep in mind that the heat may still present challenges for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Start packing about six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process more manageable. Most movers treat same-day packing requests similarly. Movers will not move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin in many cases.

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.