Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 01 2025
Los Angeles, known for its sprawling neighborhoods like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA, demands reliable and cheap moving services that cater to its diverse population and complex urban layout. Whether you’re moving within the city limits or heading to nearby regions such as Orange County, San Diego, or the greater Southern California area, securing affordable long distance moving companies in Los Angeles is crucial.
The city’s heavy traffic, narrow streets, and unique housing styles require movers who not only offer budget-friendly rates but also possess local expertise to navigate these challenges efficiently. Our guide highlights cheap moving options tailored to LA’s unique urban landscape and budget-conscious residents, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective relocation experience.
With a booming population and a high demand for housing, Los Angeles offers a wide range of cheap moving services that balance quality with affordability. From established companies like Affordable Moving and MiniMoves to smaller local movers specializing in cross-town and interstate relocations, residents have access to trusted professionals who understand the nuances of moving in the LA Metro and Greater Los Angeles areas.
Whether you’re relocating to a high-rise in Downtown LA or a suburban home in the San Fernando Valley, finding cheap movers who provide transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and personalized service is essential. This guide will help you identify the best cheap long distance moving companies in Los Angeles, ensuring your move is both efficient and budget-friendly.
Types of Shifters in Southern California
Los Angeles, the sprawling city of dreams, offers a myriad of challenges. Whether you're making a short-distance move within the Los Angeles area or embarking on a cross-country move, understanding the types of hauls and the services available is crucial. Here, we break down the different types of transport and what you need to know about each.
1. Local Movers
Local moves in Los Angeles typically cover distances less than fifty miles within the state. These local moves are generally more affordable than long-distance services. The cost is often calculated based on the number of hours the shifting will take, the number of relocators required, the volume of your belongings, and any additional services like packing services or furniture assembly.
When choosing local movers, it's essential to opt for a company that is both insured and licensed. A reputable service, like us, will be familiar with the Los Angeles area, ensuring a stress-free haul. Always look for a company with competitive hourly rates, excellent reviews, and the necessary credentials.
2. Long Distance Movers
A long-distance haul is one that goes beyond 50 miles, even if it remains within California. For instance, shifting is a long-distance transport but remains an 'intrastate move' as it's within the same state. However, if you're making a cross-country hauling, it's considered an 'interstate move'.
3. Interstate Movers
For those planning to cross state lines, hiring a licensed and insured interstate company is essential. While many companies offer cross-country services in the U.S., it's vital to choose the best company that stands out in terms of reputation and service quality.
Remember, not all long-distance shifters are also interstate movers. National moving companies, known for their extensive services, often have the required licenses to operate across states. Always check the relocators U.S. DOT number for more information.
4. Commercial Movers
Business relocations come with their own set of challenges and requirements. Whether you're hauling a small office or a large corporation, commercial haulers specialize in relocating businesses efficiently and with minimal disruption. These shifters often involve transporting sensitive equipment, confidential documents, and expensive office furniture.
When selecting commercial movers, it's crucial to consider their experience in handling business relocations. A reputable commercial hauling company, like us, will offer specialized packing services for office equipment, provide storage solutions for any excess inventory or furniture, and ensure a seamless transition to the new location.
It's also essential to check if the movers have the necessary equipment and vehicles to handle large-scale transport and can work around your business hours to reduce downtime.
5. Residential Movers
Moving homes can be an emotional and physically demanding process. These are trained to handle household items with care, ensuring that your belongings reach their new home safely. Whether you're moving from an apartment, condo, or a multi-story house, residential services cater to the specific needs of homeowners.
When choosing residential movers, it's essential to consider their experience in handling household items, from fragile glassware to bulky furniture. A full-service company, like us, will offer packing and unpacking services, disassembling and reassembling furniture, and provide trucks equipped with protective gear to safeguard your items.
Always inquire about their insurance coverage to ensure your belongings are protected against any unforeseen damages during the move.
Average Cost of Shifters Per Hour in Greater Los Angeles
Relocating to Los Angeles can be a costly affair, especially if you're unprepared for the expenses involved. One of the primary costs associated with moving is the hourly rate charged by local movers. Typically, local companies charge between $30 to $60 per hour.
This means that if you hire a two-person team for a four-hour haul, you're looking at a labor cost ranging from $240 to $480. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are other expenses to consider, such as transportation fees, packing materials, gas, and even tips for the shifters.
Example Costs for Long Distance Moving from Los Angeles
Here are five example calculations illustrating cheap moving costs from Los Angeles:
- LA to San Diego (120 miles): Average $900; considered cheap under $1,000.
- LA to Las Vegas (270 miles): Average $1,200; cheap if under $1,300.
- LA to Phoenix (370 miles): Average $1,500; cheap if below $1,600.
- LA to San Francisco (380 miles): Average $1,800; cheap if under $2,000.
- LA to Seattle (1,135 miles): Average $3,500; cheap if below $4,000.
These estimates reflect typical budget-friendly options for long distance moves, helping customers identify affordable services in the Los Angeles region.
Read More: Your Complete Guide To California DMV Change Address Process
Why Choose Us?
We pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to fit every need. Whether you're relocating across the street or across the country, our team of professionals is here to ensure a seamless transition. Let's dive deeper into what makes our services stand out.
1. Comprehensive Services
- Local Moves: Our expert team specializes in local shifters, ensuring a quick and efficient relocation.
- Long-Distance Moves: Whether it's an interstate move or a cross-country relocation, we've got you covered. Our experienced crew ensures your belongings reach their destination safely.
- Piano Relocations: Our team is trained to handle delicate items like pianos, ensuring they're hauled without a scratch.
- Antique and Art Moves: We understand the value of antiques and artworks and provide specialized services to ensure their safe transit.
2. Packing and Unpacking Services
- Professional Packing: Our team uses high-quality packing materials to ensure your items are secure.
- Customized Solutions: From electronics to glassware, we have specialized packing solutions for every item.
- Stress-Free Setup: Once at your new home, our team can assist in unpacking and setting up, allowing you to settle in faster.
- Debris Removal: We ensure your new space is clutter-free by removing all packing debris.
3. Storage Solutions
- Secure Facilities: Our storage units are climate-controlled and monitored 24/7 for maximum security.
- Flexible Options: Whether you need storage for a few weeks or several months, we offer flexible solutions to suit your needs.
4. Valuation and Insurance
- Full Value Protection: For added peace of mind, opt for our comprehensive coverage that compensates for the current cash value of items.
- Released Value Protection: A basic coverage option that's included in our quotes, offering protection at no additional cost.
5. Transparent Pricing
- Upfront Quotes: We provide detailed quotes, ensuring transparency in pricing.
- Competitive Rates: Our rates are competitive, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
We are not just a company; we're your partner. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our comprehensive services, ensures that every move is smooth, stress-free, and tailored to your unique needs. Choose us for a experience that's a cut above the rest.
Get a Free Moving Quote!
Choosing the right company can be a daunting task, given the myriad of options available. However, with the right information and considerations, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs.
We stand out as a top choice for many due to our comprehensive solutions, specialized services, and customer-centric approach. Our team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for all our clients.
So, whether you're relocating within the city, across the state, or even internationally, trust us to handle your move with professionalism and care. Contact us today, and let us make your next relocate a breeze!
Frequently Asked Questions
Long distance moves from Los Angeles typically range from $2,500 to $7,500+, depending on direction and distance. Costs rise with larger homes (2–5 bedrooms), packing labor, stair access, tight loading zones, and seasonal traffic leaving LA on major corridors like I-5 or I-10. Intrastate California routes may be lower, while interstate moves fall under FMCSA rules and mileage-based pricing. Adding full packing or fragile handling increases time, crew size, and total weight. For typical cost structures, see the long distance moving service.
Most interstate deliveries from Los Angeles fall within 5–14 days, depending on mileage, weather, and traffic along western corridors. Moves staying within California may arrive in 1–3 days. Timelines shift with crew loading time, building restrictions, long-carry distances, and whether the move includes consolidation or exclusive truck service. Remote or mountain destinations also slow transit. Delivery windows must comply with FMCSA long haul standards. A full-service option can speed scheduling; see the full service movers in California.
Select companies licensed for interstate work under a valid USDOT and FMCSA registration, and confirm they provide written, itemized estimates. In LA, access is critical: narrow streets, limited curb space, and loading-dock scheduling can impact cost and timing. Review experience with long-haul routes, fragile-item handling, and binding estimates. Ask whether crews provide packing, furniture protection, and disassembly. For regulated state-to-state carriers, review guidance within the interstate moving service.
Most reputable LA long distance carriers offer full or partial packing, with fragile-only service for items like glass, electronics, or artwork. Packing adds hours of labor and increases required crew size (2–4 movers for most residences). High-rise buildings on the Westside or Downtown create staging delays, elevator reservations, and longer packing timelines. Unpacking is available but usually scheduled for delivery day or the following morning.
Yes. LA-to-California intrastate moves often follow weight and hourly hybrid pricing, not the federal tariff structure used for interstate routes. Travel time across corridors like the 101, 5, or 395 adds cost, and delivery can be same day or 1–2 days for most city-to-city relocations. Factors affecting price include home size, packing, truck accessibility, stair/elevator logistics, and long-carry distances common in dense LA neighborhoods. See typical California patterns on the California movers cost page.
Yes. Small loads such as studios, partial shipments, or 1–2 rooms can travel on dedicated or consolidated trucks. Consolidation reduces cost but may widen the delivery window. In Los Angeles, small-move crews still navigate challenges like tight parking, alley access, or building time limits. Expect 2 movers for smaller jobs and additional time if packing is included. Long haul rules still apply for interstate transport. For options, see the long distance movers for small moves.
