Native Van Lines
- Friendly and efficient staff
- Transparent pricing
- Prompt communication
Adams Van Lines
- Experienced staff
- Affordably moving
- Flexible scheduling
Out of State Moving Companies
- Stress-free moving
- Streamlined booking
- Different moving services
There’s a lot of moving companies in LA, so we made your search easy. Moving APT researched, scored, and handpicked the top 5 choices out of over 25 movers, using real customer feedback and our over 22 years of experience in the moving industry as a guide.
Read on and make your LA move easy with cost estimates, FAQs, and other insider info you can’t find anywhere else – all in one complete guide.
In this article
California is one of 38 states that require a valid USDOT number for moving companies to operate legally. Los Angeles movers also need FMCSA licensing to conduct interstate moves.
That’s why we verified each company’s license number through the state’s Public Utilities Commission and Department of Transportation during our research.
You can browse confidently knowing each company in this article is properly licensed in California and beyond – we’ve already checked.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Movers In Los Angeles?
The cost of hiring a moving company in Los Angeles for a local move ranges from $400 to $4900, while the cost for a long-distance move ranges from $1250 to $13500.
Your final price depends on how much you’re moving, and how far everything needs to be transported. There may also be some additional fees, which we’ll talk about in this section.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| Local (Less than 100 Miles) | $400 – $700 | $850 – $1800 | $1300 – $4900 |
| 100 miles | $1250 – $1600 | $1250 – $1700 | $1500 – $3400 |
| 250 miles | $1300 – $2000 | $1500 – $3500 | $2,000 – $4800 |
| 750 miles | $1500 – $2900 | $2100 – $6900 | $5500 – $7900 |
| 1500 miles | $1700 – $3200 | $2600 – $7400 | $6700 – $9500 |
| 2500 miles+ | $1900 – $3700 | $3900 – $8200 | $13500+ |
There are many other factors and fees to keep in mind when you’re planning a move in LA. Fortunately, Moving APT did the research for you. Check out these articles to get an idea of how much you’ll end up paying for your move:
Compare Moving Companies in Los Angeles
| Company | 
| 
| 
| 
| 
|
| Rating | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.9 4.9/5 | 4.5 4.4/5 | 4.2 4.2/5 | 4.5 4.5/5 |
| Avarage Price (2-3 Bed) | $3300- $7900 | $3210- $7320 | $3150 - $8100 | $3500- $8250 | $2900- $8250 |
| Superlative | Best Customer Service | Best For Long Distance | Most Experienced Movers | Best for Online Booking | Most Affordable |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
Top 5 Expert-Researched Movers in Los Angeles
Take the hassle out of moving with this ultimate list of the most reliable movers in Los Angeles. We screened them for quality and reputation, and found key details about each company to suit your moving needs.
Native Van Lines can connect you with a whole network of professional movers in your area. Their intensive screening and vetting is a valuable tool if you want to get your move done by reputable movers, and with over 500 agents across the United States, you can count on Native to find you the best of the best.
Native offers a wide range of different moving services, from car transport to corporate relocations, storage, and more.
They also boast several awards and great customer reviews, which is extra reassuring for those who are on the fence about hiring a moving company.
Pros
- Award winning movers
- Highly rated
- Broad range of services
- Vetted and verified network of movers
Cons
- Personal info required for free quote
Why We Recommend Native Van Lines
Native Van Lines always ranks high for us when it comes to finding movers near me. They have a whole network of vetted movers you can trust, and they act as a helpful filter when you’re looking for pros who can handle your LA move.
Native can sort out the good movers from those movers that just aren’t worth your time, and we’re grateful for it.
Another moving company, Adams Van Lines provides moving, storage, and everything in between. Their movers are handpicked to give you the best move possible, whether you’re heading across town or across country – and they have a whole range of moving services to get you there with ease.
Adams Van Lines provides one point of contact for your entire move. This approach means you won’t get bounced around between different departments if you ever need customer support.
It keeps communication simple and streamlined, and when it comes to the stress of moving, simple and streamlined is always good.
Pros
- Flat-rate pricing available
- Variety of moving services
- Streamlined customer support
- Vetted and verified network of movers
Cons
- Quote required for price info of extra services
Why We Recommend Adams Van Lines
If you’re looking for an LA moving company, Adams Van Lines has you covered. We’re fans of their easy-to-use customer service system, and we always like when movers provide a range of different services.
As an added bonus, Adams filters out the sketchy movers in your area while putting you in touch with the companies that are right for the job.
As you might have picked up from the name, Out of State Moving Companies is an interstate moving specialist. They have the skills, equipment, and know-how to get you moved to the next state over, or from coast to coast. Plus, they really know how to make moving easier.
A big part of Out of State Moving Companies’ approach is the concept of a stress-free move. Between planning, booking, packing, and everything else that goes into a move, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Fortunately, Out of State Moving Companies can handle the hard stuff so you can sit back and relax.
Pros
- Stress-free approach to moves
- Experienced long distance movers
- Custom-tailored moving plans
- Excellent customer service
- Professional moving teams that show up on time
Cons
- Not available in all regions
Why We Recommend Out of State Moving Companies
If you need the best out of state movers in the business, Out of State Moving Companies can help. They’re specialists at interstate moves, and we’re always blown away by how much they do to make sure you don’t stress out. From planning to packing (and of course the loading and hauling), they’ll handle it all.
Licenses Info:
DOT#: N/A
MC#: N/A
Unlike other moving companies, iMoving doesn’t do the heavy lifting for you. Instead, they’re more like a complete marketplace of moving specialists. You find movers that suit your needs, you compare prices, and you book without leaving your laptop.
iMoving really focuses on the convenience of the whole process. They make it easy to search and book a moving company in just a few clicks, and they don’t require any phone calls or in-home inspections. It’s super streamlined, and it gives you a chance to compare quotes, too.
Pros
- Find and compare movers entirely online
- Super convenient booking process
- Vetted and verified moving companies
- Easy inventory utility
- Filters out scammers
Cons
- iMoving doesn’t pack and haul; they’re more like a marketplace.
Why We Recommend iMoving
iMoving makes shopping for movers super easy. With an entire marketplace of over 1000 moving companies, you’ll be able to compare quotes and choose movers depending on what services you’ll need. We’re big fans of this kind of convenience, and we love that you don’t have to make any calls or deal with in-home inspections, either.
Don’t take the name the wrong way: REAL RocknRoll Movers provides a soft ride for all your stuff. They’re among the best moving companies in Los Angeles, boasting a solid 4.5-star Yelp rating and 97% referral rate.
With credentials like these, it’s clear they’ve left a positive impact on their over 15,000 customers over the past decade.
Aside from local and long-distance moving services, REAL RocknRoll Movers also offers packing services, moving supplies, celebrity moves, business storage, and more. REAL RocknRoll Movers pride themselves on custom yet straightforward moves with no hidden fees.
Pros
- Local to LA
- Transparent pricing
- Experienced
- Broad range of services
Cons
- Quote required for extra pricing info
Why We Recommend REAL RocknRoll Movers
REAL RocknRoll Movers are hometown heroes, based right here in Los Angeles for all your LA moving needs. We appreciate their straightforward, no-BS approach to getting your stuff from point A to point B: It means your pricing is clear, and you know what you’re getting from day 1.
What Other Factors Influence the Price of an LA Move?
In-person or virtual estimates are important if you want the most accurate moving quote. These estimates will help you plan around the many factors that can influence the cost of an LA move.
These factors include:
- Mileage: Long distance and local moves are both affected by how far your stuff has to travel. Local movers charge per hour, and a longer distance means more money paid. On the other hand, hauling all your stuff from out of state may cost you extra, as well.
- Stairs: Anything that makes entry and exit more challenging for your moving team is going to cost you extra. If your movers have to go up multiple flights of stairs, they may charge your per flight.
- Parking availability and permits: Parking costs money, and that goes double for parking a moving truck on the street. Keep in mind you may have to shell out for a parking permit to avoid an even more expensive parking ticket.
- Narrow hallways: Just like stairs, narrow hallways can be a challenge for your movers. These obstacles fall under an umbrella category referred to as “access fees” in the moving industry. Make sure you and your movers know what to expect on moving day.
- Assembly/disassembly: Sometimes you need to disassemble an item so it can actually fit in the truck. If you’d rather have your movers take care of it, most LA movers provide disassembly and reassembly at an additional price.
- Heavy items: Since long distance moves are calculated based on the weight of your stuff and the distance everything needs to travel, exceptionally heavy belongings mean a heavier price tag.
- Packing materials: Packing is a pain, and not everyone has the time (or patience) to DIY it. Fortunately, many movers offer packing options – and you won’t be able to get the highest coverage moving insurance unless you request they pack your stuff for you.
Rates to Expect When Hiring Movers in Los Angeles
When hiring a moving company, remember that most movers in LA offer all-inclusive packages for an hourly rate – but the services included vary from company to company. Pay attention to what each moving package gives you, and choose a package based on what you need as you compare prices.
Ask ahead about what your estimate entails before you sign your contract. Some movers may charge additional fees for specialty moves. We’ll go over those fees in more detail in this section.
In the meantime, let’s take a look at how much you can expect to pay for your LA movers…
Rates for Local LA Moving Companies
Most local moving companies in Los Angeles calculate your moving cost and charge hourly flat rates based on the number of rooms in your home, or the number of movers involved. Depending on your home’s size and the items involved, expect prices to run from $100 to $200 per hour or more.
Although these are by no means fixed prices, here’s what you might spend on your local LA move:
- Studio apartment: $300 or more
- One-bedroom apartment: $400 and more
- Three-bedroom house: $1,200 and more
| Home Size | No. of Movers | # Hours | Ave Cost / Hr | Average Price |
| Studio | 2 movers | 2 – 4 hours | $80/hr | $278 – $599 |
| 1 Bedroom | 2 movers | 3 – 6 hours | $80/hr | $389 – $750 |
| 2 Bedroom | 3 movers | 4 – 8 hours | $125/hr | $750 – $1900 |
| 3 Bedroom | 4 movers | 6 – 12 hours | $165/hr | $1250 – $3500 |
| 4 Bedroom | 4 movers | 8 – 14 hours | $165/hr | $1,400 – $5100 |
| 5 Bedroom+ | 5 movers | 10 – 16 hours | $200/hr | $2500 – $8000 |
Local moves in LA typically cost between $100 and $200 per hour. But how many hours the job actually takes depends on how big your house is, and how far everything needs to go.
Moving a studio apartment down the block will just take one or two hours. But, moving a five bedroom home from from Whittier to Van Nuys will take 10-16 hours (and even more with all the traffic).
Your moving company should provide an estimate for the full move, along with any potential fees involved (such as those for heavy items or stairs).
Generally, an in-person or video estimate will evaluate each item’s size and weight, your move’s distance, and the expected time to complete the job. Make sure to mention any valuables, antiques, or specialty items if you want to receive the most accurate estimate.
Rates for Long Distance LA Moving Companies
You’ll see flat-rate pricing more often when you’re hiring cross country movers in Los Angeles. These companies usually provide an estimate based on the weight and size of your items, distance, number of movers, trucks, equipment, and more.
You’ll pay a single rate for the entire job, from packing the truck at your old home to unloading your goods at your new home. It sounds great – and it usually is – but watch out for hidden fees by asking what situations might trigger unexpected costs.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| 100 miles | $1000 – $1500 | $1250 – $1700 | $1500 – $3400 |
| 250 miles | $1200 – $2000 | $1500 – $3500 | $2,000 – $4800 |
| 1000 miles+ | $1400 – $2900 | $2100 – $6900 | $5500 – $7900 |
| 2500 miles+ | $1800 – $3700 | $3900 – $7500 | $8500+ |
As a general rule of thumb, any move that’s either A: across state lines, or B: over 100 miles qualifies as a long distance move. These moves are calculated by weighing how much stuff you’re moving, and accounting for how far everything has to travel.
If you’re moving a studio apartment from LA to Santa Barbara, it’ll cost you a lot less than moving a five bedroom home from New York to LA. But don’t forget to adjust your budget for any additional factors that may affect the price of your move…
Calculating the Cost of Living in Los Angeles
Before moving to an expensive area like Los Angeles, make sure to math out your cost of living. The cost of living may vary for everyone, but as the entertainment capital of the country (and a major tech hotspot as well), you can expect to spend $500 per month on groceries alone if you’re living in LA.
You can find somewhat lower prices on rent and food outside of the city center, but be suspicious of anything too good to be true based on LA averages.
Here are some essential stats on the average cost of living in LA. You’ll want to get familiar with these before you make your move:
- Rent: An average one-bedroom apartment costs $2,258 per month while a three-bedroom runs about $4,300 to rent. These rates make Los Angeles one of the costliest cities in the world.
- Transportation: Monthly transportation costs $320 on average, depending on your commute, the gas prices, and your parking permits. Check back for our upcoming blog on LA’s transportation prices.
- Food costs: Expect to budget at least $500 a month for groceries and food – even as a frugal shopper, considering a dozen eggs can set you back over $3.60.
- Utilities: The average 915-square-foot apartment pays $150 per month in LA for utilities alone. Keep in mind, LA county’s microclimates and weather changes make real utility costs a lot more unpredictable.
- Taxes: Los Angeles residents pay a hefty sales tax rate that varies by city. This runs between 9.5% and 10.5%.
Best Moving Companies Near Los Angeles
LA’s a big place. Need something a little closer to home? We’ve got you covered. Check out these articles for LA movers by city.
Hassle-Free Moves Start with the Best Long distance Movers in LA
Hiring professional local and long distance moving companies in Los Angeles is the best way to make sure your move is as stress-free as possible. However, a Los Angeles relocation can be a hassle without the proper planning. Here’s how Moving APT can help:
The Best Movers for Your Local Move
Even a local move within a few dozen miles can be challenging when juggling work, family, and the move itself. From estimating budgets to confirming licensing and insurance, and (finally) to scheduling the move itself, it’s essential to have the best tools at your disposal for a successful move.
That’s why literally hundreds of thousands of people have turned to Moving APT. With our comprehensive lists of reliable local moving companies in Los Angeles, it’s easy to find and compare the best options for your specific needs.
Hiring Long Distance Movers Just Got Easier
For big moves, you need to turn to the pros. Our nationwide network of moving professionals provides us with the insider info that you need, so you can understand the moving process from start to finish.
Make your interstate move easy with our detailed cost calculators, informative city guides, and recommendations based on honest and genuine customer reviews. We do the research for you, and we do regular, face-to-face business with the movers in our network to find who’s the best of the best.
Don’t trust your long distance move to just anyone. Count on Moving APT’s 22+ years of moving experience and knowledge to find the best local and long distance movers, and give yourself the gift of a hassle-free moving experience.
Best Neighborhoods in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a bustling metropolis, filled with neighborhoods that each have their own personalities. It’s easy to find a spot with a vibe that suits you.
Here are some popular neighborhoods in Los Angeles you might want to consider for your move.
1. Downtown LA
Apartments in Downtown Los Angeles put you near the best nightclubs, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment in the world. Previously a ghost town of desolated businesses and homes, Downtown LA is now a vibrant community with renovated warehouses shops, and apartments.
Currently, Downtown LA is a destination for urbanites who appreciate luxury amenities. You can find apartment buildings with on-site gyms, city views, pools, and parking to enjoy living the DTLA life.
2. Hollywood
Located in central LA, Hollywood includes micro-neighborhoods like West Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills, all packed with luxurious homes.
As an international entertainment destination, Hollywood locals mingle with tourists from around the world at neighborhood attractions like Madame Tussauds, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and the Dolby Theatre.
3. Wilshire Center – Koreatown
This central downtown neighborhood is filled with diverse and energetic residents. Find your favorite dive bar, grab a bite to eat 24/7, sip on cocktails, or hit the clubs.
Although people of all backgrounds now live in Koreatown, you’ll have no trouble finding some of the top Korean barbecue (and some of the top food in the country, period) in this LA neighborhood.
4. Marina del Rey
Love living along the water? How do you feel about sailing? Whatever your interests, Marina del Rey is the place to be if living near the ocean is a must.
Marina del Rey has a super relaxed environment, but it’s close enough to the rest of Los Angeles that you’re not totally disconnected from city life. Check out Venice Beach for some window shopping, and pop your head into some of the galleries and pubs.
If sailing isn’t really your scene, don’t worry – you can still enjoy the water with paddleboards, sportfishing, parasailing, and much more.
Here’s How We Rank Our Los Angeles 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.
LA Moving FAQ
What does it cost to hire movers in Los Angeles?
Expect your full move to run between $278 and $8500 (and sometimes more). This figure is based on the average hourly rate of LA movers, which fluctuates between $120 and $180 per hour.
Keep in mind, this price tag doesn’t always include packing supplies, stairs, disassembly, and other fees, so make sure to pay careful attention to each moving company’s package rates.
Is hiring a moving company in LA worth it?
Yes. DIYing your move is usually cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company, but make sure you consider how much you’ll pay for the gas, truck rental, parking permits, and other costs when you’re planning out your budget.
If you only have to move a few boxes a few miles, renting a moving van may be your best bet. But if you’ve got a lot of furniture, multiple flights of stairs, a long drive, or all of the above, hiring some professional movers is worth the price.
What type of insurance do I need for moving in Los Angeles?
Every moving company in Los Angeles must carry standard insurance policies. This insurance coverage includes cargo insurance, auto liability, and workers’ compensation. Auto liability works similarly to personal auto insurance plans, giving coverage for property damage and bodily injury.
Make sure to ask how to file a claim should anything happen to your items. You should also ask what value the company assigned to your belongings, and whether there are exceptions or full coverage plans available for valuables like antiques or fine art.
Who is in charge of regulating Los Angeles’ out-of-state movers?
All moving companies operating in Los Angeles are required by law to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) if they do out-of-state moves.
Any company selling moving services in LA also must have a valid Department of Transportation number regardless of the service they provide.
Do I need to pay Los Angeles moving companies up front?
No reputable moving company will ask you for cash or a huge deposit before the move. Some may request a small deposit to hold the date, but you should only pay the full cost after your items are delivered. If you pay up front, you have no leverage to guarantee when your items will arrive – if they arrive at all.
To be extra safe, make sure you pay with a credit card so you can easily fight any fraudulent activity. Many moving companies in LA offer cash discounts, but just be aware of the risk.
What are the best months to move in Los Angeles?
Mid-September through April are the best months for an LA move. Demand is lower during the fall and winter, so rates are lower too. You’ll be able to find movers and save money all at once.
The months between Memorial Day and Labor Day are peak moving season. Almost 80% of all relocations happen during the late spring and the summer, which means peak rates and a tougher time booking a moving company.
Find the Best Movers in Los Angeles Now with Moving APT
No matter the circumstances, packing and hauling your whole life on a truck is stressful. Just staying organized is overwhelming enough, but moving furniture, cleaning, and decluttering all adds up to a major headache – not to mention renting the truck and loading everything up.
Fortunately, choosing the right LA mover can make moving day a breeze. With Moving APT’s research and insider info, you can save time on vetting companies and still find the best option for your budget.
Need help preparing for the big day? Grab our Moving Checklist PDF to keep everything you need right on your phone or computer.
