Native Van Lines
- Excellent customer service
- Positive reviews and testimonials
- Award-winning moving teams
Roadway Moving
- Expertise in navigating big city moves
- Strong focus on timeliness and efficiency
- Nationwide presence and expansion
Rockstar Pro Movers
- Secure storage options available
- Helpful and informative website
- Excellent customer reviews
Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles takes a lot of work, but selecting the right moving company can cut down on your stress. Movers that provide a perfect balance between trust and affordability are few and far between, but that’s what we’re here for.
Moving APT did the research and found the best movers for San Francisco to Los Angeles relocations. We also found some easy hacks to make moving day as stress-free and smooth as possible. Read on to see our top recommendations, and get started with your move.
In this article
Cost of Hiring a Moving Company from SF to LA
When moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles, the cost of hiring a moving company typically ranges between $1200 and $7500. Your final price may vary based on how much stuff you have to move, and the exact distance everything needs to travel.
Aside from size and distance, additional services like packing, junk removal, and storage can all rack up extra charges. If you have stairs or elevators (or just a really long driveway), you can expect to pay for access fees as well.
For a more affordable move, avoid summer moving if possible – June through August are the busiest and most expensive months to move. We also recommend decluttering and selling off as much stuff as you can to cut down on the final weight of your move.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| San Francisco to to Bakersfield | $1000 – $1800 | $1800 – $3000 | $3900 – $5800 |
| San Francisco to Los Angeles | $1200 – $2400 | $2100 – $4000 | $4700 – $7500 |
| San Francisco to San Diego | $1400 – $2700 | $2400 – $4500 | $5200 – $8200 |
Best Moving Companies from SF to LA
You may not be leaving the state, but SF to LA is still a long haul. Here are the companies that’ll make your life a lot easier:
Native Van Lines is known for their strong commitment to customer service. They go the extra mile to keep everything safe in transit, and their agents and moving teams will walk you through the entire process so you know what to expect at every step.
Native Van Lines’ reputation is well-deserved: They’ve won several awards for their moving services, and their customer reviews paint a really positive picture of how they operate.
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Positive reviews and testimonials
- Award-winning moving teams
- Highly efficient and organized
- Commitment to a stress-free moving experience
Cons
- May have higher demand during peak moving seasons
Why We Recommend Native Van Lines
Native Van Lines consistently ranks high in our books, especially for any readers who might be first-timers.
Native’s reputation is built on a foundation of outstanding service, but they put an extra emphasis on trust.
If you’re unsure about hiring pro movers, seeing that a company is vetted, respected, and great at their job can definitely ease any doubts.
Having originated in New York City, Roadway Moving possesses a deep understanding of city moving.
Over the past decade, they’ve expanded their services nationwide while maintaining a strong reputation for timeliness and efficiency.
Roadway’s commitment to punctuality and clear communication really resonates with their customers, and they know how to keep a move smooth and hassle-free.
Pros
- Expertise in navigating big city moves
- Strong focus on timeliness and efficiency
- Nationwide presence and expansion
- Offers Roadway Black for a VIP moving experience
- Reliable and professional team of movers
Cons
- Costs for premium services may be higher
Why We Recommend Roadway Moving
If you have to wrestle with your city’s red tape, every minute counts. That’s why we recommend Roadway Moving.
They’re committed to efficiency and punctuality, and they have plenty of experience with dealing with big city moving.
If you feel like treating yourself, check out Roadway Black – it’s a VIP moving experience where Roadway handles every aspect of your move, from packing and unpacking to storage and beyond.
Rockstar Pro Movers are California natives, so they know a thing or two about SF to LA moving. These SoCal specialists pack extensive experience in handling moves of all sizes.
To sweeten the deal, they also offer an entire menu of moving services. Storage, junk removal, you name it – Rockstar Pro goes the extra mile to make sure all your needs are met.
Pros
- Secure storage available
- Helpful and informative website
- Excellent customer reviews
- Wide range of moving services
- Easy booking process
Cons
- Not much price info without getting a quote
Why We Recommend Rockstar Pro Movers
From California expertise and major attention to detail, Rockstar Pro Movers is a standout choice. Whenever we recommend Rockstar (which happens a lot), we always like to talk up their website.
You’ll find access to a whole range of moving services, but they also provide tons of insider information about moving, all free of charge.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Moving Company
Nobody wants to get scammed or ripped off. Check out these tips to make sure you’re working with the real deal:
1. Cost
You can’t move if you can’t afford it. Fortunately, if you’re getting out of the City, you’ll be saving quite a bit of money on rent.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, don’t compromise on quality and reliability: Compare quotes and weigh the different services you’re getting.
Finding the right balance between affordability and quality is tough, but the movers near me on our list are excellent examples.
2. Licensing and insurance
You’ve figured out your budget, and you think you have an idea of what movers you want to go with. Now it’s time to check for licensing and insurance.
Movers need a valid Department of Transportation (DOT) number, and if they handle interstate moving, they also need a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) number.
If your mover gets shady when you try to get their license info, walk away.
3. Reputation and reliability
Got the license number? Good. Next, check out their reputation. Start by conducting an online search for reviews and ratings. Aside from strangers on the internet (always a great source of information), reach out to family and friends for their firsthand experiences and recommendations.
4. Experience
You don’t want rookies handling your stuff. Movers with more years in operation have more years of experience with packing, hauling, and navigating tricky moves.
They’ll know how to make your move as smooth as possible, and they’ll also know all the questions they should ask you ahead of time to prepare for any challenges on their end.
5. Services offered
Every move is unique, so it’s essential to choose a mover with a wide range of services you can tailor to your specific needs. Take a good look at all your stuff.
Are you sure you want to pack everything yourself? Will you need furniture disassembly? What about storage? A versatile moving company will have all your bases covered.
Tips for a Smooth Move
Your movers can handle the hauling, but you can take some steps on your end to make your moving day even easier.
1. Create a moving checklist
Don’t want to forget anything? Keep track of your whole move with a checklist. You can include important items like a room-by-room inventory but don’t forget to include must-haves like notifying utilities, forwarding mail, and packing timelines.
As usual, Moving APT has you covered – here’s a handy checklist in case you didn’t feel like making your own.
2. Pack efficiently
Pack efficiently to streamline your move. Start early and declutter to reduce the workload – and the final cost of your move. Use sturdy boxes and don’t skimp on the bubble wrap.
We also really recommend clearly labeling your boxes. It’s a good idea to mark whether a box is fragile, and it’s even better to mark where the box belongs in your new place, too.
3. Communicate with your moving company
Maintain open communication with your movers. You should keep them in the loop about any changes on your end, and you should also ask them about any heavy, large, or fragile items you need to move in case they need extra time to prepare. As you get closer to moving day, touch base with them to make sure everything is on schedule.
4. Get started early and avoid procrastination
We can’t stress this one enough: If you get started early, you don’t end up stressing out. Begin planning and organizing your move well in advance (we’re talking months, if possible), and do a little bit of packing, planning, and prep every day.
SF to LA Moving FAQ
What are some attractions to explore in San Francisco before my move to Los Angeles?
If you haven’t checked them out before, San Francisco offers some iconic landmarks. The Golden Gate Bridge is a must, and chances are you’ve already driven over it once or twice. Now’s your chance to check out more tourist-y areas like Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf, too. Don’t miss Chinatown and the Mission District, or the scenic beauty of Golden Gate Park.
How long does it take to move from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Generally, the average transit time for a SF to LA move is around 1-3 days. However, the exact duration of your move depends on the distance and the amount of stuff you’re carrying.
Sometimes, smaller apartments take longer to haul than big houses. Movers will bundle several smaller moves together on the same truck, so there may be additional delays for pickups and dropoffs. On the other hand, if your move fills an entire truck all by itself, it’ll get sent ASAP.
Are there any scenic routes to consider from SF to LA?
You’re moving in California. Why not stick to the coast? Sure, you could take the 5 the whole way down, but that’s no fun – just a lot of farmland and dust, and the amount of time you save barely justifies the route.
PCH (That’s the Pacific Coast Highway to you transplants) has some awesome scenery, but the twists and turns may be a little tricky with a moving truck. On the other hand, the 101 is a good balance between sightseeing and ease of use.
Should I consider hiring professional packers for my SF to LA move?
Packing is a pain. Fortunately, packing services can save you time, energy, and sanity. Your movers have experience with handling fragile items and proper packing materials, and many companies offer packing for just a little extra. While the service may cost a little more, it’s definitely worth the price.
What are some tips for adjusting to life in Los Angeles after moving from San Francisco?
San Francisco and LA are two totally different worlds. Take some time to explore different neighborhoods, and get in good with the locals: hide your Giants gear at any cost. Aside from that, embrace the sunny weather, learn the highways, and get used to the traffic.
Here’s How We Rank Our SF to LA Movers
Moving APT has 22 years of experience in the local and long-distance moving field, serving more than 22,000 clients to date. Unlike other recommendation sites, we do real, face-to-face business with the movers in our network.
This makes our data more in-depth and reliable than anything else you’ll find online.
Our rating methodology is based on the following:
Reviews
- Online Reputation: We sort through reviews and company profiles to make sure your movers are highly-rated and backed by plenty of experience.
- Industry-Insider Information: We work with movers to get a full picture of the services provided by other companies across the field.
- Mystery Shopping: We make sure movers are giving you the same rate they give us. Sometimes we call and pose as complete strangers to make sure they’re honest.
licensing and Accreditation
- Arbitration Program: Movers are legally required to have an arbitration program in place to compensate for lost or damaged items. We make sure it’s up to date.
- Active Claim Department: We check to see if movers have any outstanding claims to see how they handle customers who’ve reported damages – and how quickly they help.
- Safety Record: The FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System provides us with up-to-date information about a mover’s safety track record, including accidents and inspections.
- Active Moving Insurance: Long-distance movers in NYC are legally required to provide full or released-value protection on all of your items. We make sure of it.
Client Feedback
- Video and phone reviews: We ask our own clients for short video testimonies detailing their experiences with their movers. It shows which movers are exceeding expectations.
- Online surveys: We take the time to read about each completed move to get the full picture of how a mover performed.
As a moving broker, Moving APT actually deals with drivers and movers on a daily basis. We negotiate deals for our clients and ensure that movers always honor their contracts – no last-minute upselling, no overcharging, and no funny business.
It’s how we help our clients get moved with minimal fuss, and it’s part of maintaining clear communication between clients and moving companies.
More customers for better movers If a mover is exceeding expectations, we send them more business. If a mover needs to improve, we don’t. It’s simple.
Get in Touch with the Best SF to LA Moving Companies
A San Francisco to Los Angeles move takes a lot of work, but the right movers can make your life way easier. If you’re ready to get packing, get in touch with the movers on our list to get started. Don’t forget to use our moving cost calculator to get some helpful estimates, and check back in with the pros at Moving APT for more tips and tricks to make moving day even easier!
