Average Moving Costs in LA: Factors that Affect Moving Prices

In LA, where the vibe is as cool as the Pacific and the pace can be as slow as the 405 at rush hour, getting a handle on moving prices is more than just figuring out how much you’ll spend on moving day. Those LA moving costs start ticking up way before you load up the truck. There’s packing supplies, considering additional services, and more, including the question of whether you opt for a premium white-glove moving service to take care of it all, from start to finish.

It may not help that LA’s housing scene sprawls all over the map, from luxury Downtown high-rises to laid-back beach bungalows, just like the potential moving costs. Here at Piece of Cake Moving & Storage, we keep things straightforward with our flat-fee pricing, so there’s no unwelcome surprises. Feel free to get a tailored LA moving quote or read on below for help on estimating your LA moving costs.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide to help you accurately estimate your LA moving costs:

LA Moving Cost by Type

1. Local Moves
2. Long-distance Moves
3. Specialty Items

LA Local Moves

For local moves within LA, costs can vary significantly based on factors like the size of your home. On average, moving within LA costs $1,150 and can range anywhere from $600 for a studio to $2,200 for a large house.

Average LA Local Moving Costs by Size

LA Long-distance Moves

Out-of-state long-distance moves from LA generally cost an average of $2,400, depending on the distance and volume of items. Factors like fuel costs, tolls, or an expedited drop-off

Specialty Items or Services

When you’re planning your move, remember to give some extra TLC to those specialty items that need more than just a box and some bubble wrap, like pianos, fine art, antiques, or fitness equipment. These items aren’t just high-value items, they also warrant their own specialized packing and handling that your mover will need to know about in advance and to provide you with an accurate quote. Some high-value items need specific packaging like custom crating or climate-controlled transport to ensure they arrive safely at your new home.

For example, to move a pool table, you’ll need movers who are well versed in the art of handling and transporting pool tables, which means knowing how to navigate tight spaces without a single scratch or scuff to the pool table or the property. All this special care can add to the LA moving price tag since you’re paying for professional expertise and equipment, not just any set of extra hands.

Or if you’re thinking about optional add-ons like full-value insurance or a premium white-glove moving service, these can substantially shift your moving estimate, but it may be wise and well worth the investment knowing that your treasured possessions will arrive in mint condition. It’s a balance of knowing what’s best for your needs while still staying within budget.

LA Moving Cost by Size

1. Studio or 1 Bedroom moves
2. Multi-room moves

LA Studio or 1 Bedroom Moves

In LA’s real estate market, apartments can range widely in size just like the So-Cal landscape, from cozy studios in busy Downtown areas to spacious condos in the Hills or expansive mansions in the Valley. The size of a typical studio or one-bedroom apartment in central LA often falls between 500 and 800 square feet. Living in these smaller-sized spaces tends to promote a more minimalist lifestyle, which is helpful when it comes to lower moving costs since there’s fewer belongings and less furniture to move.

Managing a local LA move for smaller apartments or studios typically requires two movers, with costs averaging at $600 for a studio move and $900 for a one-bedroom move. But LA moves aren’t just about packing and unpacking—there’s the city-specific challenges like tight parking regulations in densely populated areas like Downtown or navigating narrow, winding inclined roads in hillside neighborhoods like the Hills. Moving in buildings with strict HOA regulations or those that require specific move-in/out times can also make moves more complex. It’s common for luxury building to require a certificate of insurance (COI) before being able to reserve service elevators for your move, which can also have limited availability during peak moving seasons. Be sure to check with your management company what their requirements are and ask your movers if they can provide the necessary COI paperwork. At Piece of Cake, we handle all the COI paperwork requirements free of charge, so you can have one less thing to think about.

LA Multi-room Moves

In Los Angeles, the draw of roomy two to three-bedroom apartments or homes is desired, but it also typically comes with higher moving costs due to the increased amount of possessions and furniture. These larger residences often include home offices, personal gyms, or expansive walk-in closets that come with their own custom built-in furniture setups, which can make moving it more complex and add to the cost.

For these larger moves within LA, it’s common to require a team of at 3+ professional movers. The complexity of the move can also increase if your residence is in a tightly-packed neighborhood like Silver Lake or if it has limited access like many hillside homes in areas such as the Palisades. Factors in determining the move cost include house or building layouts, elevator access, and handling specialty items.

When you’re getting quotes from movers, it’s important to provide detailed information about the volume of your belongings and the specifics of your residence. Other considerations like the time of day or week of your move, and any additional services like packing or storage, will also influence the price of your moving quote.

LA Moving Cost Factors

1. Packing supplies
2. Housing application fees
3. Lease terms
4. Connections & utilities
5. Your time & effort
6. DIY move

Packing Supplies

In LA, even relocating from a studio can have a cost of $150-$200 for quality packing materials to ensure your belongings are securely packed, especially when it comes to fragile glasses and dishware. For example, each shelf on a typical three-shelf bookcase generally needs three medium-sized boxes—one for each shelf. This simple calculation helps ensure you gather enough packing supplies without overbuying.

To try to trim down on these expenses, consider sourcing strong boxes in good condition from local shops or reusing boxes from neighbors. And if you’re looking to save while being kinder to the planet, there’s the option of eco-friendly reusable plastic moving bin rentals. They cost about $50-$100 for a set of 20 to rent for a week. These bins are durable, waterproof, and designed to stack perfectly, which make them a great option, especially if you want to reduce all the moving box clutter for a greener move. Just remember, if you’re the type to slowly settle in, these moving bins are usually rented by the week and costs can start to add up if you keep them beyond the initial rental period.

Housing Application Fees

In LA, navigating the rental market can feel like auditioning—high stakes and plenty of competition. From swanky bachelor pad penthouses in West Hollywood to charming bungalows in Venice beach, the application process here often entails non-refundable application fees. You might see a $50 charge for credit checks, while application fees typically run between $100 and $150.

As you budget for your LA move, make sure to account for these potential upfront costs to avoid any underestimated expenses that could throw off your budget.

Lease Terms

In LA’s fast-paced rental market, it’s crucial to read the fine print of your lease, especially when it comes to the notice period needed for vacating your apartment or not renewing your lease. While a 30-day notice was once the norm, some leases now require a 60-day notice. Also, be on the lookout for any clauses that might allow the management company to recoup concessions like discounted rent if you move out sooner than your lease term.

Getting a clear understanding of your lease conditions is important when it comes to preventing unexpected costs and planning your move so that there’s no surprises throwing your budget off balance.

Connections & Utilities

Making sure your utilities and services like Wi-Fi and electricity are smoothly transferred to your new address can save you time and money. Be sure to get in touch with your service providers in advance of your move to arrange the start/stop dates of your service. Make sure to also update your billing address and review your current plan for any possible upgrades or promotions—sometimes there’s an even better subscription deal than the package you are on.

Also, don’t be surprised if your new apartment building is tied to a specific service provider, which would mean switching from your current one, like AT&T, to another, such as Comcast. If you’re a tenant in a newly opened apartment complex, this could also mean you may need to schedule a technician’s visit to get your service set up and running, which usually comes with additional one-time fees for setup and equipment costs.

Handling these details of your move ahead of time can help to ensure you can enjoy your new LA home, whether that means kicking back and watching your favorite streaming show or facetiming long-distance friends with a crystal clear fast Wi-Fi connection from the moment you settle in.

Your Time & Effort

In the busy and spread-out city of Los Angeles, where every minute counts as much as every mile, taking a day off to manage your move is a must. It’s so you can oversee the movers and make sure they get everything just the way you like it, so you can feel settled into your new space from day one.

If your calendar is flexible, try moving on a weekday. It’s typically cheaper and you’ll avoid the weekend traffic and rush when moving prices spike due to higher demand. But if weekdays are a no-go and you have to opt for a Saturday move, just be prepared for it to be a bit busier and pricier. Sometimes the convenience of a weekend move can more than justify the cost, especially if you need that extra down time to unpack and get more settled in to make your new space truly feel like home.

DIY Move

For those considering a DIY move in LA, diving into the rental truck details can make a big difference in both cost and convenience. Start by checking whether your truck rental agreement includes free mileage for local trips since this can be a major cost-saver. Also, explore the possibility of a one-way rental that allows you to drop off the truck at a rental location closer to your new home, to avoid needing to make a roundtrip back to the original pickup spot, which in a city like LA could easily mean the difference between saving or losing hours of time in traffic.

Keep in mind that the total cost of your truck rental might also climb with additional expenses such as fuel charges, tolls, extra mileage, or more comprehensive insurance coverage. These costs can vary depending on factors like the size of the truck, how long you’re renting it, and the distance you’re moving.

Driving a large rental truck in LA also presents its own set of challenges, especially if you’re navigating hilly areas, maneuvering through narrow roads, or parking in tight spaces at an incline. Being comfortable behind the wheel of a larger truck is crucial in a city like Los Angeles, where the terrain and traffic can test even the most experienced drivers.

Handling a DIY move in LA demands thorough planning, even with your driving routes to avoid traffic areas and busy areas. Balance the potential savings against the time and effort needed to manage every detail of your move. Unless you’re just moving down the street or hallway, hiring professional movers can be well worth the investment in your mental sanity given the scale of Los Angeles, its sprawling distances, and unexpected highway accidents that can easily throw any move off course.

If you’re weighing the benefits of hiring professionals, we provide a seamless moving experience, so you can relax and enjoy your new home without any of the moving stress. With our transparent flat-fee pricing and accurate quotes, you can be confident that there won’t be any unexpected costs, especially when it comes to time-based moves in a city like LA where traffic can cause major delays.

Tips for Reducing LA Moving Costs

1. Declutter before moving
2. Off-peak moving times
3. Gather free packing materials

Declutter Before Moving

Here’s the simple breakdown: the fewer items you pack, the less your move will cost. Take a moment to go through your belongings and larger items. Living in LA, where space is at a premium, it’s wise to only keep what truly fits your current lifestyle. Consider donating what you don’t need. LA has plenty of thrift stores and charities that welcome contributions. Or, if you’re up for it and have the time, sell off those extra items. Listing on online marketplaces like Facebook, Offer Up, or Poshmark, can not only lighten your load but also boost your budget. Perfect for splurging on something for your new place or funding the convenience of a premium white-glove moving service experience.

Off-Peak Moving Times

Timing is key when planning your move. If your schedule is flexible, aim for a mid-week move like a Tuesday or Wednesday. People tend to book moves during the weekend or at the end of the month, which drives up prices up because of higher demand. Opting for a weekday move not only can mean cost savings, but you’ll also face less competition for scheduling your preferred moving date and time. Plus, avoiding LA’s traffic will be easier without the weekend rush.

Gather Free Packing Materials

Why spend on boxes if you can get them for free. Try visiting local grocery stores, bookstores, and retail shops. Many are happy to pass on boxes they no longer need. Don’t forget to check community boards or neighborhood apps, too. This isn’t just a money-saver, it’s eco-friendly as well. Plus, it can be a great way to connect with neighbors, especially if you pick up boxes from folks in your new area who have recently moved.

So, what’s the going rate for a move in LA as we look ahead? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, you can estimate your LA moving costs based on factors like your move’s size, distance, timing, and complexity.

Whether you’re setting up shop in a trendy beachfront spot or settling into a more laid-back vibe in the Valley, getting a handle on your moving expenses is crucial. With some savvy planning and a reliable mover like Piece of Cake Moving & Storage at your side, your move can be as smooth and chill as a drive down the 101 Pacific Coast Highway.

Thinking about your next big move? Reach out to Piece of Cake Moving & Storage for a personalized quote that’ll help you gauge your LA moving costs. Let us make your move a piece of cake!