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12 Best Moving Companies In Los Angeles
By Jamela Adam MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Residential, commercial, auto, interstate
Storage, packing, unpacking
N/A
Residential, commercial, auto, interstate
Storage, re-delivery, packing, unpacking, online tracking
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Local, long-distance, commercial
Packing, storage, piano moving
N/A
Residential, corporate, government/military
Full-service packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly, auto transportation, and storage in route
N/A
Moving to a new place is exciting. But let’s be honest: the process of getting all your stuff there? Not so much. Even if you’re just moving down the block, packing up all your belongings, loading them into a truck, and then unloading them again is enough to make you reconsider moving.
Fortunately, hiring professional movers can take a lot of the stress out of the equation. They can take care of all the heavy lifting (literally) and get your belongings from point A to point B. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? We did some digging and found the best moving companies in Los Angeles.
Our Top Picks for the Best Moving Companies in Los Angeles
- Tom’s Marathon Movers – Best for Local Moves
- Trek Movers – Best for Commercial Moves
- NorthStar Moving – Best for Storage Moves
- Adept Moving – Best for Piano Moves
- American Van Lines – Best for Long-Distance Moves
- International Van Lines – Best for Full-Service Moves
- Good Neighbors Moving – Best for Military Moves
- Affordable Moving- Best for Budget-Conscious Customers
- Man With A Truck Moving – Best for Customer Service
- LA Moving Star – Best Value for Money
- Moving APT – Best Moving Broker
- JK Moving Services – Best for Financing Options
Best Moving Companies in Los Angeles Reviews
Best for Local Moves: Tom's Marathon Movers
Tom’s Marathon Mover is an excellent choice for anyone looking to move within the Los Angeles area. They specialize in short-distance local moves and offer several services, including partial-packing, full-packing, and DIY packing using professional-grade packing products.
Apart from residential moves, the company also provides commercial relocation services. So whether you’re moving your restaurant equipment or office furniture, they can help. And since Tom’s Marathon Movers is local to Los Angeles, they have an intimate knowledge of the city that comes in handy when helping you relocate.
The company doesn’t mention flat-rate pricing on their website, but they can give you an estimate of your moving cost if you contact them directly.
- Great reviews on Yelp
- Offers commercial moves
- Special handling of valuables
- A rating with Better Business Bureau
- No pricing information on the website
- No information on cancellation policies
Best for Commercial Moves: Trek Movers
We chose Trek Movers as the best company for commercial moves because of their experience in office relocation projects.
Commercial moving is Trek Movers’ specialty, and they’ve successfully relocated businesses of all sizes, from small cubicles to medium-size private offices to entire buildings. They’re a family-owned company, so they don’t subcontract any jobs and are known for their high quality of service.
To perform an office relocation, Trek Movers sends four movers and a truck to your place at an hourly rate of $250. The service includes loading and unloading, assembly, packing and unpacking, free plastic wraps, and more.
- Family-owned and local to Los Angeles
- Clear pricing and no hidden fees
- Specializes in commercial moves
- Provides long-distance moving services as well
- Higher rates than competitors
- No storage services
Best for Storage Moves: NorthStar Moving
If you need a moving company that not only helps you relocate but also stores your belongings, NorthStar Moving is your best bet. The company offers individual storage units that measure 5’x7’x7.5’ and can accommodate most small appliances and furniture. If you have extra-large items like pianos or pool tables, NorthStar Moving can wrap them up and store them in their warehouse.
Also, the company keeps track of your items with an itemized inventory, so you don’t forget what you’ve moved into the storage facility. And if you ever need a specific item from your storage unit, NorthStar Moving can deliver it straight to your home.
- Full-service storage options
- A+ rating with BBB
- Local, interstate, and international moving services
- Extra fees for stairs
- No information about the cancellation policy
Best for Piano Movers: Adept Moving
If you’ve ever tried to move a piano, you know it’s no small feat. So it’s no surprise that most residential moving companies don’t offer this service. But Adept Moving is the exception. Though the company doesn’t help move Grand Pianos at this time, they can help transport Baby Grand Pianos. Because pianos are delicate instruments and can be damaged if they’re not handled properly, Adept Moving uses special piano boards on its trucks to stabilize the piano during transport.
Keep in mind that Adept Moving might charge a small additional fee depending on factors such as the piano’s condition and where you want it picked up and dropped off. If the piano is located above the ground floor, expect to pay a little extra since movers will have to carry it down the stairs.
- Offers full-service moves
- Over 20 years of experience in the industry
- 24/7 customer support
- A+ rating on Better Business Bureau
- Doesn't provide long-distance moving services
- Doesn't offer storage services
Best for Long-Distance Moves: American Van Lines
American Van Lines is the best company for long-distance moves for many reasons, but one of the biggies is their flat-rate pricing for certain out-of-state moves. If you’re moving from Los Angeles to Houston, for example, you can expect to pay $3,869 for a one-bedroom apartment and $5,354 for a two-bedroom apartment. Though you should always request a binding estimate by contacting the company directly, the transparent flat-rate pricing on their website gives you an idea of what to expect.
American Van Lines operates a fleet of shuttles that run every few days to all major cities, which means you won’t have to wait weeks for your belongings to arrive at your new home. So if you’re looking for the best long-distance moving companies in Los Angeles, check out American Van Lines.
- Serves 48 states
- Offers storage services
- Moving shuttles between major cities
- Flat rate pricing
- Doesn't provide service in Hawaii and Alaska
- Has some negative reviews regarding customer service
- Requires a large deposit (up to 50%) at booking
Best for Full-Service Moves: International Van Lines
We chose International Van Lines as the best company for full-service moves because of its impressive range of services. Besides packing and unpacking, IVL offers various add-ons such as vehicle and auto transport, storage (long-term & short-term), debris removal, custom crating for fragile items, etc.
However, it’s important to note that International Van Lines operates as both a broker and a carrier. So even though the company directly conducts local moves in Texas and Florida, IVF outsources most of its local moving services in other states. Though IVF’s partners are fully licensed and insured, make sure to still ask your moving coordinator for more information on them before signing any contracts.
- Offers one month of free storage
- Services 50 states in the U.S. and over 140 countries
- Great customer service
- Contracts out most of its moves in the U.S.
- Not much information on the website about local moving services
Best for Military Moves: Good Neighbors Moving
If you’re in the military and need to relocate on short notice, consider checking out Good Neighbors Moving. This moving company in Los Angeles offers special packages and discounts for military relocations, making the relocation process pleasant and hassle-free for soldiers. Though Good Neighbors doesn’t specify what’s included in the military relocation packages, they recommend giving them a call to get all the details.
In addition to making your military move easy, the company also offers storage services so you can keep your belongings safe while you’re away on deployment.
- A+ rating with the BBB
- Extensive educational resources on the website
- Offers short-term and long-term storage services
- Recipient of Angie's List's Super Service Award
- No information on insurance options
- No information on the cancellation policy
Best for Budget-Conscious Customers: Affordable Moving
As its name suggests, Affordable Moving offers much more affordable rates than its competitors in the industry. To move a one-bedroom home or studio, the company sends two movers and a truck to get the job done, and the rate starts at just $129/hour. For a two-bedroom home, you’ll get the help of three movers and a truck, with a rate of $169/hr. And if you need help moving a three-bedroom home or a large office, the rate starts at $209/hr.
Remember that there’s a three-hour minimum to book, regardless of your home size. So technically, the lowest rate starts at $387 — which is still much lower than other companies’ pricing. And for long-distance moves, the company offers one month of free storage so you can take your time getting settled in without worrying about storage costs.
- The transparent pricing structure
- Lower prices compared to other moving companies
- Free one-month storage
- Poor website design and user experience
- No educational resources on the website
- No clear information about insurance options or cancellation policies
Best Customer Service: Man with a Truck Moving
We believe Man With A Truck Moving is the clear winner when it comes to finding a professional moving company with the best customer service. The company has received overwhelmingly positive customer feedback on third-party review sites such as Yelp — with a 4.9 average rating. Many customers mentioned how professional and friendly the staff was and how they went out of their way to accommodate special requests.
Besides great customer service, Man With A Truck Moving Company also offers competitive rates. For residential moves, the hourly cost ranges from $129 to $234, which is quite affordable. Plus, the company provides free moving supplies such as shrink wrap and tape and doesn’t charge extra for stairs.
- Great customer reviews on third-party review sites
- Affordable pricing
- Insurance coverage options available
- No stair-carry or elevator charges
- Charges $150 for items over 300 pounds
- Requires a deposit when booking
Best Value for Money: LA Moving Star
Looking for a moving company that’ll give you the best bang for your buck? Check out LA Moving Star. For as little as $106 an hour, you can hire two movers and a truck to haul your stuff across town. And for larger moves that require four movers and a truck, the price is still affordable compared to other companies — only $196/hr.
But that’s not all. Apart from local residential and office moves, the company even provides small move services for those who only need help with a single item, like a mattress or sofa. And if you’re ever in a rush and need to move your stuff ASAP, the company also offers emergency packing and storage services to make your last-minute relocation as stress-free as possible.
- Offers moving services 24/7 and all year round
- Accommodates small moves and last-minute moves
- Affordable pricing
- No details about the cancellation policy
- Unclear pricing for services besides local residential moves
Best Moving Broker: Moving APT
Not all moving companies physically perform the move themselves. Some companies — known as brokers — outsource the work to other businesses. Since brokers have access to a network of different moving companies, they can often get you a better deal. If you’re looking for a broker to connect you with the best mover in town, we think Moving APT is an option worth considering. With a network of more than 2,500 independent moving companies, Moving APT is one of the largest brokers in the moving industry.
The company vets all its partners to ensure they have the licenses and registration to operate legally in the area. Most companies they work with also provide specialty services such as packing, unloading, auto transport, and antique moving. If you want a ballpark estimate of how much your relocation will cost, you can use their online quote tool at the bottom of their homepage.
- Available in 50 U.S. states
- Flexible payment options
- Provides a wide array of services
- A large pool of moving providers
- Offers discounts for seniors
- Add-ons are not available in all locations
- Customer complaints on BBB
Best for Financing Options: JK Moving Services
Moving expenses can put a serious dent in your wallet. If you dread the cost of your upcoming move, consider working with JK Moving Services. Unlike most moving companies that don’t offer financial assistance programs, JK Moving partners with Enhancify, a financing solution provider that provides financing options to qualified applicants. If you have a good credit score, DTI ratio, and income, you might be able to finance your move with zero percent interest.
Keep in mind that Ehancify’s partner network consists of many lending partners, so eligibility requirements may vary. The best way to figure out if you qualify is to get pre-approved. But don’t worry: pre-approval won’t affect your credit score since it only involves a soft credit pull.
- Low-interest third-party financing options
- Offers customizable moving packages
- A+ rating with Better Business Bureau
- 24/7 customer support
- Local moves are limited to a few states
- Some customers complain about the lengthy quote process
Other companies we considered
Here is a list of other companies we considered but ultimately decided not to go with.
- High customer satisfaction
- All-inclusive flat rate pricing
- A+ rating with Better Business Bureau
- Lengthy quote process
- Limited availability
- Offers both local and long-distance moves
- Storage services available
- Specializes in transporting valuables like antiques
- Not available in Hawaii or Alaska
- Customers complaints about poor communication
- Local to Los Angeles
- Business storage available
- Offers a variety of packing services
- Unclear pricing
- No interstate moves
Moving Companies in Los Angeles Guide
We’ve put together this quick guide to help you find the best moving companies in Los Angeles to make your relocation as smooth as possible.
Main things to know before moving in Los Angeles
- Understand the services you need: Before you start packing up your life into cardboard boxes, you need to decide what kind of move you’re making. Are you moving long-distance or within the city? How much stuff do you have? Do you need a full-service moving company to handle everything, or do you prefer to be more hands-on?
- Compare multiple quotes: Don’t just go with the first company you find; compare prices and services to find the best deal. Remember to factor in additional service costs like furniture disassembly and storage. These can add up, so include them in your budgeting.
- Get rid of unwanted stuff: By decluttering and throwing out the things you don’t need, you can save money on moving costs. You don’t want to pay to move things you’re just going to get rid of anyway.
What is the average cost of moving companies in Los Angeles?
If you’re planning a local move in LA, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. However, the actual quote you receive will depend on several factors, such as the size of the load, the number of movers you need, and how many hours it will take to complete the move. If you have many specialty items — such as antiques and fine art — that are difficult to move, you can expect to pay even more. And for long-distance moves, expect to shell out anywhere from $2,500 to around $7,000.
How to avoid moving scams in Los Angeles
To avoid moving scams in Los Angeles, do your homework before choosing a company. Check online reviews, ask friends and family for recommendations, and see if the company is licensed. Sites like Yelp and Angie’s List can be great resources for finding honest reviews from other customers.
Once you’ve chosen a moving company, read the contract carefully before signing it. Pay attention to any hidden fees or unexpected charges. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to ask questions or walk away.
Before the movers start packing your belongings, get everything in writing. The written document must include an estimate of the total cost and a list of all the services offered. That way, you can avoid being charged for services not part of the original agreement.
Is there any special law for moving companies in Los Angeles?
Yes. The Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) regulates moving companies in California and has set rules regarding estimates, prices, and complaints. Here’s what you need to know:
- Moving companies must provide you with an estimate in writing after they’ve conducted a visual inspection of your items. Verbal estimates or estimates given over the Internet are not binding.
- Moving companies must provide a “Not to Exceed” price for your move. In other words, they can’t charge you more than the estimate unless you request additional services.
- If you have a problem with your move or want to file a complaint against a moving company, visit www.bhgs.dca.ca.gov. The BHGS will investigate and take appropriate action if necessary.
How do I know if a moving company is legit in Los Angeles?
In California, all legitimate moving companies must be licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. So if you’re unsure about the company, you can always do a quick license search using their carrier ID. You can also look up the company’s complaint history on the Better Business Bureau website. And lastly, try to visit the moving company in person and talk to them about your move — a legitimate business should be able to answer all your questions and put your mind at ease.
Moving companies in Los Angeles FAQ
When is the best and worst time to move to Los Angeles?
Believe it or not, though Los Angeles is gifted with eternal sunshine, the time of year of your relocation can still make a difference in the moving costs!
In general, the demand for movers is usually at its peak during the summer, so prices are higher, and availability is lower. If you can avoid moving during those months, you'll save a good chunk of change. The fall and winter are typically slower times for the moving industry. Most people are busy with school and work then, so you'll normally have a better chance of finding a good deal.
How to choose the right moving company in Los Angeles?
The first step to finding the right moving company is figuring out what services you need. Are you looking for movers to simply transport your belongings, or do you need professional help with packing and unpacking? Do you have any special items that require extra care, such as a piano or a piece of art? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you find a moving company that's the perfect fit for your needs.
Once you've determined which services you need, you can start looking for companies that offer them. Get free quotes from multiple companies and compare prices. Be sure to ask about surcharges to get an accurate estimate of the total cost. Finally, don't forget to read customer reviews and make sure the company is licensed and insured.
Which are prohibited moving items in Los Angeles?
Though most moving companies are happy to provide a quote for moving your belongings, they may not be able to haul away everything you own. Here are some items that most movers prohibit:
- Batteries (alkaline and lead-acid)
- Household cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals
- Gas and oil products such as kerosene and diesel fuel
- Pesticides, weed killers, and fertilizers
- Flammables and explosives such as lighters and matches
- Ammunition (including gun powder for reloading purposes)
- Illegal items such as narcotics and drug paraphernalia
How we found the best moving companies in Los Angeles
We considered several factors to compile our list of the best moving services in Los Angeles. First, we read the customer reviews on Yelp and Angie’s list to get a more well-rounded view of each company. We also ensured each of our top picks has a good track record with the Better Business Bureau and that they’re all licensed and insured. Next, we prioritized companies that offer a wide range of services so that every customer can find what they’re looking for. Lastly, we looked at pricing to find companies that provide good value without charging an arm and a leg.
Summary of the best moving companies in Los Angeles of 2022
- Tom’s Marathon Movers – Best for Local Moves
- Trek Movers – Best for Commercial Moves
- NorthStar Moving – Best for Storage Moves
- Adept Moving – Best for Piano Moves
- American Van Lines – Best for Long-Distance Moves
- International Van Lines – Best for Full-Service Moves
- Good Neighbors Moving – Best for Military Moves
- Affordable Moving- Best for Budget-Conscious Customers
- Man With A Truck Moving – Best for Customer Service
- LA Moving Star – Best Value for Money
- Moving APT – Best Moving Broker
- JK Moving Services – Best for Financing Options
