Finding a quality moving company in Los Angeles can make or break your relocation experience. With so many options to choose from, how do you know which movers you can trust to safely transport your belongings? We’ve researched the top-rated moving companies in LA to help you find the right fit.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, the movers on our list have the experience, equipment, and dedication to customer service that sets them apart. We looked at factors like experience, reputation, affordability, and specialization to come up with our recommendations. Keep reading for an in-depth look at the best moving companies in Los Angeles.
Our Top Picks for Moving Companies in LA
After extensive research, we narrowed down the top movers in the Los Angeles area. Here are our top picks:
Piper Moving Company
With over 15 years of experience moving homes and offices in LA, Piper Moving Company is our choice for the best moving company in Los Angeles. They have an outstanding reputation for providing excellent customer service and care. Their movers are professionally trained and reliable.
Piper Moving uses top-quality packing supplies and moving equipment. They offer a variety of moving services including packing, unpacking, storage, and junk removal.
Meathead Movers
For affordable, stress-free moving, Meathead Movers is a great option. Their unique labor service model means you only pay for the time it takes their movers to load and unload your items. With no hidden fees, the price you get quoted upfront is all you’ll pay.
Meathead Movers is especially popular with those moving locally within Los Angeles. Their movers have plenty of experience navigating LA’s streets and apartments.
La Bella Movers
Family-owned and operated since 1976, La Bella Movers is one of LA’s most established moving companies. They offer a wide selection of services including packing, piano moving, crating, and hoisting.
La Bella Movers works with both residential and commercial customers. Their experienced crew of movers handles local, long distance, and international moves.
Moving APT
For eco-friendly moving in Los Angeles, choose Moving APT. They offset 100% of the carbon emissions from their moves through carbon credits.
Moving APT provides green moving services focused on sustainability and reuse. They also partner with local charities, donating gently used furniture and clothing items from moves.
How We Chose the Best Moving Companies in Los Angeles
With so many movers to pick from in LA, it can be tricky evaluating which companies are truly the best. Here are the key factors we looked at in choosing our top recommended moving companies:
Years in Business & Reputation
We gave preference to movers with many years of experience moving in Los Angeles. Companies that have been in business for 10+ years have proven their reliability and reputation over time. We checked reviews, awards, and recognition given to each moving company.
Range of Services
The moving companies we picked offer extensive services – from basic loading/unloading to full-service packing, crating, and specialty item moving. We made sure to include movers that can handle pianos, safes, artwork, pools, and other unique LA moving needs.
Quality of Staff & Training
A moving company is only as good as the crew that shows up to do the heavy lifting on moving day. We looked for movers that background check their workers, provide extensive training, and treat staff well to minimize turnover.
Affordable Pricing
Moving can get expensive, so affordable rates were important. We included moving companies that offer competitive pricing, discounts, and reasonable hourly rates without skimping on service.
Availability for Local & Long Distance
The best moving companies in LA need to reliably handle both local moves within Los Angeles as well as long distance moves out of state. We made sure to recommend movers that can drive your belongings anywhere in California or across the country.
Specializations
Some types of moves require extra care – like pianos, antiques, studios, and more. We looked for LA moving companies that offer specialization in moving precious items, hot tubs, electronics, art and other unique belongings.
By evaluating movers on these key criteria, we’re confident we’ve found the top moving companies in Los Angeles to make your move stress-free.
What To Look For In Los Angeles Moving Companies
If you decide to do extra research beyond our top picks, here are some important factors to keep in mind as you evaluate movers in LA:
Licensed and Insured
Never hire a moving company that isn’t fully licensed and insured. This protects you in case of damages or injuries during your move. Ask to see all documentation.
Experience Moving in LA
Look for companies with extensive experience navigating Los Angeles’ roads, highways, neighborhoods, parking limitations, and apartment buildings. Familiarity with LA’s unique geography is vital.
Binding Moving Estimates
A binding estimate locks in the price you’re quoted, so there are no surprising charges later. Make sure to get this in writing. However, beware of unrealistically lowball estimates that seem too good to be true.
Responsiveness
Pay attention to how quickly movers return your calls and emails. Good communication is key, especially as moving day approaches. Prioritize movers who make themselves available to answer all your questions.
Storage Options
Some Los Angeles moving companies also offer storage facilities in case you need to keep belongings in between closing on your old place and your new home. Inquire about short and long term storage options.
Specialty Equipment
Evaluate what types of specialty equipment and trucks the moving company has access to. For example, lifts, ramps, and dollies may be needed for multi-level homes or tight spaces. Make sure they’re prepared to move your largest items.
By keeping these factors in mind as you research, you’ll be able to select a moving company in LA that meets your specific needs.
Types of Moves in Los Angeles
Los Angeles movers have experience with all types of moving scenarios. Here are some of the common moves within LA:
Apartment and Small Moves
Moving between LA apartments or condos is very common. Experienced movers know how to navigate tight hallways, stairs, and elevators. They should provide furniture padding, dollys, and lift gates as needed.
Local Moves Within Los Angeles
Relocating across Los Angeles can vary from 15 miles to over 100 miles depending on traffic. Reputable LA movers have familiarity driving all over the greater metro area.
Interstate Long Distance Moves
Many people move to LA from other states. Quality long distance movers make this relocation smooth by offering full-service packing, load/unload, and drive times averaging 2-5 days.
Piano Moves
Pianos require technical disassembly and special equipment to move safely. We recommend using experienced piano movers in LA rather than attempting this yourself.
Corporate Relocation
Companies with LA offices often relocate executives and employees. Corporate movers work with your HR team to coordinate the move.
International Moves
Quality overseas moving companies help with the logistics of international relocation including customs, crating, and overseas shipping.
Experienced moving companies are equipped for all these types of moves – and more – within the Los Angeles area.
Cost to Move in Los Angeles
The cost to hire movers in Los Angeles can range from $100 on the low end for a studio apartment move done in just a couple hours, to $10,000+ for a huge multi-bedroom home move with packing services.
Small local moves of 1-2 bedrooms generally start around $600-$800. The final price depends on factors like:
- Distance traveled within LA
- Number of trucks/movers needed
- Amount of items (more stuff means a longer move)
- Additional services like packing, crating, or piano moving
For long-distance interstate moves out of LA, base pricing is generally around $2,000-$4,000. Extra services, driving distance, packing supplies, and weight will impact the final long distance moving costs.
Get free estimates from multiple moving companies to compare pricing. Be wary of quotes that seem suspiciously cheap – unrealistically low prices usually indicate inexperienced movers or potential hidden fees.
Pay for quality service from reputable LA movers, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your belongings are handled professionally.
Questions to Ask Moving Companies in Los Angeles
Don’t be afraid to ask movers plenty of questions upfront before booking them. Here are some important things to inquire about:
How long have you been in business in LA?
Look for companies with 10+ years experience moving in Los Angeles. This indicates a stable business and familiarity with the area.
Do you have full insurance coverage?
Only use fully licensed and insured movers in case damages occur. Ask for proof.
What is your safety record?
Inquire about safety practices, training standards, and worker’s compensation injury rates. Quality movers prioritize safe processes.
What size trucks do you use?
Make sure they have trucks suited to fit your home’s largest items, especially if you have pianos, safes, hot tubs, etc.
How are your movers trained?
Look for extensive hands-on training in careful moving techniques. Well-trained movers know how to prevent damages.
How do you pad and protect furniture?
Ask for details on their furniture padding and wrapping methods. Look for things like stretch wrapping, nylon straps, and heavy padding.
Do you offer storage options?
In case you need flexible move timelines, ask about short and long term storage facilities.
What happens if my items are damaged?
Only hire movers who take full responsibility for any damages and have a claims process.
What do you need from me to prepare?
Good movers will provide tips like decluttering, removing hanging items from walls, and packing ahead of time when possible.
What are your COVID protocols?
Inquire about vaccinations, masking, and enhanced sanitization procedures for your safety.
Asking the right questions upfront gives you clarity on what to expect during your move. Professional LA moving companies will be happy to answer any questions and assure you they can meet your needs.
How to Choose a Mover in Los Angeles
Once you’ve researched top moving companies in Los Angeles and asked important questions, here are some final factors to consider before booking:
Check Reviews
Look beyond their own website to review sites like Yelp and Google to get unbiased customer feedback. Pay attention to how movers respond to negative reviews.
Compare Estimates
Get estimates from 3-5 moving companies to compare pricing for the specific inventory you’re moving. In-home estimates may cost extra but are the most accurate.
Go with Experience
While every company has to start somewhere, extensive experience (10+ years) is ideal when entrusting your belongings to movers.
Request References
Ask each company for references from past LA customers. Reaching out validates they consistently deliver quality service.
Trust Your Gut
Pay attention to how the company treats you from the initial call. Good movers focus on understanding your exact needs.
Avoid Red Flags
Steer clear of movers that seem shady, pushy, vague on pricing, dodge questions, or ask for large deposits upfront.
Taking the time to carefully evaluate multiple Los Angeles moving companies gives you the best chance of a smooth, stress-free move.
How to Have a Successful Move in LA
Once you’ve booked a quality moving company, there are things you can do to prepare for a smooth moving process:
Declutter Beforehand
Get rid of items you don’t need or use well in advance. Less stuff means lower moving costs and less stress on moving day.
Organize Important Documents
Keep passports, social security cards, medical records and other critical paper documents in one designated box for easy access.
Back Up Computers and Photos
Use an external hard drive or cloud storage to securely back up your electronics and irreplaceable photos before moving.
Label Boxes Clearly
Use a color coding system and keep a list noting contents and destination room for each box. This helps movers know where to place items.
Pack Non-Essentials Early
Start packing items like seasonal clothes, books, decorations, and kitchen gadgets weeks before moving day.
Clean Appliances
Have appliances like ovens and fridges fully cleaned out and ready to transport. No loose or heavy items inside.
Prepare Outdoor Items
Disassemble swing sets, gas grills, plants, hoses, and other outdoor belongings before the movers arrive.
Proper preparation ensures your LA movers can work efficiently and prevents problems. Take advantage of all the moving tips and resources your chosen moving company provides.
Why Hire Professional Movers in Los Angeles?
After seeing all that goes into a smooth Los Angeles move, you may be tempted to just rent a truck and move yourself to save money. While DIY moving seems like an easy option, here are the biggest benefits of hiring professionals:
No Heavy Lifting
Avoid back-strain and injuries by letting trained movers lift all the heavy boxes, furniture, and appliances. They make it look easy.
Insured Protection
If any of your items get damaged during the move, professional movers’ insurance will reimburse you. You’re on your own if you move it yourself.
Efficient Experience
Experienced LA moving crews have systemized processes that get belongings loaded and unloaded significantly faster than amateur movers.
No Logistics Hassles
When you hire professionals, they handle all the equipment rentals, parking limitations, permits, weighing trucks, etc. It’s a major time saver.
Reduced Stress
Sit back and steer clear of headaches like driving rental trucks or scrambling to borrow manpower. Moving companies let you relax on move day.
While hiring Los Angeles movers costs more upfront, protecting your health, belongings, and sanity is priceless. Leave it to the professionals.
Key Takeaways
Moving in Los Angeles can be exciting and challenging. Finding the right moving company makes all the difference in having a positive move. To recap, key tips include:
- Look for movers with extensive LA experience, top-notch training, a wide range of services, and affordable pricing.
- Evaluate factors like insurance, specialty equipment, responsiveness, and availability for long-distance moves.
- Ask plenty of questions upfront about process, preparations, and protections.
- Avoid red flags like pushy sales tactics or vagueness about pricing.
- Prepare thoroughly by decluttering, backing-up electronics, and labeling boxes ahead of time.
- Hire professional movers in LA rather than attempting a stressful DIY move.
Follow our guide and you’ll be ready to choose the right movers to get your relocation in Los Angeles off to the right start. Trust us, the expense is worth it for the peace of mind that your belongings are in good hands.
With an organized approach and reputable moving company, you’ll be settled into your new LA home before you know it. Best of luck with your upcoming move!