Moving can be daunting, especially in a bustling city like Los Angeles. Whether you’re relocating within the city or embarking on a long-distance journey, one of the crucial aspects to consider is the cost of hiring professional movers.
In this article, we will delve into the average prices of movers in Los Angeles for both local and long-distance moves and explore the various factors that influence these costs. Additionally, we’ll share some tips on cutting moving expenses and addressing frequently asked questions to help you navigate the process smoothly.
Average Movers Prices in Los Angeles: Local Moves
Local moves typically involve short distances within the same city, but even moving costs in Los Angeles can vary significantly based on several factors. The cost to move in Los Angeles is similar to the cost to move in other major cities, like Chicago.
| Home Size | Number of Movers | Average Cost Per Hour | Number of Hours |
| 1 Bedroom | 2 | $100 | 4-6 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 3 | $150 | 5-8 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 4 | $200 | 8-10 |
| 4 Bedrooms | 5 | $250 | 10-12 |
| 5 Bedrooms | 6 | $300 | 10 Plus |
Average Movers Prices in Los Angeles: Long-Distance Moves
For those moving long distances, the prices are influenced by additional factors like the distance of the move, the size of your home, and the number of movers needed.
Here’s a chart illustrating the average cost of long-distance moves in Los Angeles based on distance, number of movers, home size, and cost per hour.
| Home Size | Distance | Number of Movers | Cost Per Hour |
| 1 Bedroom | Under 1000 miles | 2 | $90 |
| 1 Bedroom | 1000-2000 miles | 2 | $100 |
| 1 Bedroom | Over 2000 miles | 3 | $130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | Under 1000 miles | 3 | $130 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 1000-2000 miles | 3 | $140 |
| 2 Bedrooms | Over 2000 miles | 4 | $180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | Under 1000 miles | 4 | $180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 1000-2000 miles | 5 | $220 |
| 3 Bedrooms | Over 2000 miles | 5 | $250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | Under 1000 miles | 5 | $250 |
| 4 Bedrooms | 1000-2000 miles | 6 | $280 |
| 4 Bedrooms | Over 2000 miles | 6 | $320 |
Please note that the costs per hour can add up quickly, especially on longer moves. The overall cost also includes other factors such as packing materials, additional services, and insurance. Always obtain specific quotes from multiple moving companies for the most accurate cost estimate for your move.
Cost Factors for Moving Prices in Los Angeles
Various factors can influence moving prices:
Size of Your Home
The size of your home is a crucial determinant of moving costs. Larger homes tend to contain more furniture and personal items, which will require more movers and take longer to pack, load, and transport.
You will need a larger truck size for a 5-bedroom home than you would if you were moving to a three-bedroom house, which will be more costly. Overall, the larger your home, the more you will pay for movers and packing materials.
Time of the Year
The time of the year can affect moving prices. The peak moving season, typically during the summer, tends to be more expensive than the off-season.
Peak moving season is considered May through September, mainly because it is easier to move with children when they are out of school for the summer. If you move during those months, you can expect to pay between 20 and 30 percent more than if you moved during the off-season.
Distance
Distance plays a significant role in long-distance moves. The farther you need to move, the more expensive it will be due to fuel costs, time, and labor required.
For example, moving out of state will cost you much more than a local move due to the time it will take the movers to pack and load your belongings and reach your new destination.
Long-Carry Fees
If the distance between the moving truck and your home entrance is substantial, movers may charge an additional long-carry fee for the extra effort.
Long-carry fees are most common in large cities, including Los Angeles, where parking is scarce, and the movers must transport your belongings from your location to their moving truck, which is not nearby.
Stair Fees
If you’re moving into or out of a building with stairs, movers may charge extra for navigating stairs, especially if there’s no elevator access. This is often a hidden cost of moving.
Most moving companies expect you to have two to three flights of stairs, and there is no additional charge for that amount. If there are more than three flights of stairs, you can pay about $50 for each additional flight.
Packing and Unpacking Services
Opting for packing and unpacking services can save you time and effort but will also add to your overall moving costs. When movers spend more time wrapping your items, packing them up, and putting them into boxes for you, you can expect to pay extra for their effort and time.
For packing and unpacking services, you can pay around $60 per hour in addition to your typical moving costs.
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Specialty Items
Moving delicate and heavy items, such as pianos, pool tables, or valuable artwork, requires specialized handling, which may lead to additional charges.
The type of specialty item being moved will significantly impact your cost of moving. Larger, heavier, or more delicate items typically cost more, and the price will be higher if you move long distances. If the movers need to navigate these items through narrow hallways or tight staircases, you can also expect to pay more.
Insurance
Protecting your belongings during the move is essential. Movers may offer insurance options, and your coverage level will impact the cost. Moving companies in the United States are legally required to provide two types of insurance:
Released Value Protection: This is the most basic coverage option and is typically included in the mover’s quote. It covers your belongings at a minimal rate of about $0.60 per pound per item. So, if a 50-pound television valued at $1,000 were damaged or lost, you would only be entitled to $30 (50 pounds x $0.60) in compensation, irrespective of the item’s actual value.
Full Value Protection: This coverage is more comprehensive, but it also costs more. Under Full Value Protection, the mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods.
Storage Fees
If there’s a gap between moving out of your old home and into the new one, you might need to store your belongings in a storage facility, incurring additional fees. Here are some ballpark figures for storage costs:
Self-storage Units: These are typically rented on a month-to-month basis. For a small unit (5’x5′), you might expect to pay around $40-$50 per month in less expensive areas and $100-$150 or more in more expensive areas like Los Angeles. A large unit (10’x20′) could range from $100-$200 in cheaper regions to $300-$400 or more in higher-cost areas.
Full-Service Storage: Some moving companies offer full-service storage, where they handle all the labor and transportation. This convenience comes at a higher price, often starting at around $150 per month for a small number of items and scaling up from there based on volume and duration.
Portable Storage Units: Companies deliver these to your home, and you load them at your convenience. PODS is an example of a portable storage unit. Once loaded, they’re taken to a storage facility or your new home. Expect to pay around $200 to $300 monthly for the unit, plus initial delivery and final pick-up costs.
Gratuity
Tipping is not mandatory for moving companies, but it is an excellent way to reward movers for their hard work, especially if they do an excellent job or overcome challenging circumstances like bad weather or heavy furniture.
The amount you should tip is subjective and should reflect your satisfaction with the service. However, a standard guideline is to tip between 10-20% of the total moving cost. For example, if your move costs $1,000, a reasonable tip would be between $100 and $200.
How to Cut Moving Costs
These are some of the best ways to cut costs when planning your move in Los Angeles.
Move During the Off Season
Plan your move during the off-season to take advantage of lower flatrate movers costs in Los Angeles and increased availability.
Compare Moving Quotes
Obtain quotes from multiple moving companies and compare their services and prices to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
Cut Down on Clutter
Before the move, declutter your home and remove items you no longer need. Reducing the load will lower both the time and cost of movers in Los Angeles.
Purchase Your Own Packing Supplies
Buying your own packing supplies, such as boxes and bubble wrap, can be more cost-effective than opting for the movers’ packing services.
Movers Prices in Los Angeles: FAQs
How much are movers in Los Angeles?
For local moves, expect to pay between $100-$300 per hour depending on home size and the number of movers. Depending on distance and home size, long-distance moves can cost from $1,500 to over $10,000.
How much should I tip movers in Los Angeles?
While tipping is not required, it’s appreciated. A standard tip is around 10-20% of the total movers in Los Angeles cost.
How much does it cost to move a car for long-distance moves?
Moving a car for long-distance moves can cost between $500 and $1,500, depending on the distance and the type of transport (open or enclosed). The average car move cost is about $0.60 per mile for distances over 1,000 miles.
Final Thoughts
Moving in Los Angeles comes with its unique set of challenges and costs. With a clear understanding of the factors influencing the moving costs and some clever cost-cutting strategies, you can manage your move effectively without breaking the bank. Plan ahead, make informed decisions, and your move will be successful.
The Agoyu moving app can help you read mover reviews and compare the cost of the best moving companies in Los Angeles. Check out the Agoyu app today to begin planning your move in Los Angeles!
