Average Cost of Moving Service in Los Angeles, CA

• Avg. local move (last 90 days): $1,250
• Avg. long-distance move: $4,500
• Most booked size: 2-bedroom apartment
• Top challenges in LA: Traffic delays, parking permits, elevator access
• Peak season: June–August (20–30% higher rates)

Long distance movers in Los Angeles will cost you between $1,400 to $11,200. But if you’re keeping it short-distance, expect your local LA movers to cost you from $270 to $8,000.

Long distance moves are calculated by a mile and the dimensions of your move, and local moves are calculated per hour, and per mover (usually about 2 movers per bedroom, at $40 an hour).

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save. In this article, we’ll show you how movers get your exact price on moving day, and we’ll also show you some tips and tricks to keep costs down.

You’ve seen the major factors behind the cost of your move, but there are always other extras and add-ons that can boost the final price. Keep an eye out for the following:

• Access Fees: Long driveways, hallways, elevators may add $100 to $500, and extra flights of stairs are all additional obstacles that your movers will have to deal with. Expect to pay an extra fee for all these challenges.

• Shuttle Fees: Long-distance movers use semi trucks to transport all of your stuff. Unfortunately, most cities don’t let semis park and block traffic on their crowded little streets. You may have to pay extra for a shuttle to ferry everything to the main truck, which may require $200 to $600.

• Specialty Hauling: Fragile items like antiques, pianos, or artwork will have to be specially wrapped and prepared for moving day. Specialty hauling costs more money, but you’ll be thankful you paid extra for the extra TLC. Costs vary $150 to $800 per item.

• Increased Demand: Summer is the peak moving season. Everyone’s trying to move during June, July, and August. This also means every mover is charging a premium during June, July, and August. Try to schedule your move far from holidays or vacation times.

• Tips and Gratuity: Yes, tipping movers is TECHNICALLY optional, but in the moving industry, they’re pretty much the norm. Unless something horrible happens, set aside a 15% to 20% tip to be divvied up across your whole moving team.

Local Insight: Many Los Angeles apartments charge “long carry” fees when movers can’t park close. This often adds $150 to $300 to your bill.

When you look over your moving quote for the first time, there are a few important factors that make up your final price. Let’s take a look at the major culprits:

• Distance: Whether you’re moving across town or out of state, the distance you’re traveling makes a huge difference. In fact, this may be the most important factor behind your moving price. More miles, more money. Simple.

• Physical dimensions: How much stuff are you moving? The physical dimensions of your move (either in pounds or cubic feet) are probably the second-most important factor behind your LA moving costs. If you’re not moving very far, this becomes #1.

• Packing services: Packing is optional. Should you shell out a couple hundred extra for it (or a couple thousand if you’re moving a huge house)? We recommend it if you value your time and your sanity. Plus, it’s a prerequisite for full-value insurance.

• Storage: Sometimes you need more space, and sometimes you just need more time to sell off the stuff you don’t want anymore. Either way, storage units are your friend. They come with a monthly fee, but some movers offer a free 30 days.

• Insurance: The default moving insurance that you get for free is usually only good for $0.60 per pound. That means your 4-pound laptop is going to give you a whopping $2.40 if it’s broken in transit. Want to get the full value back? You’ll need full-value insurance.

You’ve seen the price tag. Now, it’s time to get in touch with some of the best moving companies in Los Angeles. Fortunately, iMoving is here to help.

iMoving is the only platform that lets you shop for LA movers, compare their prices, and book their services entirely online. No need for annoying phone interviews or intrusive in-home estimates. Just tell us more about your move, and let’s get you packing!