Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 02 2025
As the most populous, diverse state in the union, California has something for everyone. It boasts the beautiful Bay Area, the bountiful Central Valley, and many recreation options, from mountains to beaches to deserts. If you are moving south to San Diego from Los Angeles, you are about to enjoy what many say is the secret jewel of the Golden State. San Diego is a little less crowded and expensive but no less golden than the rest of California.
How can I find a cheap mover from Los Angeles to San Diego?
Finding an affordable, cheap moving vendor for your residential and corporate relocation job is the most important thing on your list. Shifting within the state is long-distance, but it isn’t as far or as complicated as a cross-country move.
LA to San Diego shifting is too far to be considered local (anything under 50 miles is local). It is considered a long-distance move. Still, because it is not an interstate move, it is not covered by federal regulations on interstate commerce.
In California, local and long-distance movers are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Household Goods and Services, which aims to protect consumers from fraudulent practices. BHGS requires that haulers conduct an in-person (or virtual) inspection of the household goods you need to move before they submit a quote for your job.
Verbal and online rate quotes are prohibited in California; only written, "not-to-exceed" prices are allowed. Hire a hauler three or more days before the move. They must provide you with their moving services agreement and a copy of a publication called Important Information for Persons Moving Household Goods (within California). That document outlines how professional shifters can operate within the state, how liability coverage works, and what to do if something goes wrong.
How much will it cost to move?
The best way to find out how much your move will cost is to get a quote from multiple San Diego hauling services to get an accurate moving estimate. That process will also help you choose the best moving company and hire professional movers. It isn't always wise to pick the lowest price offered. As mentioned, the mover must come to your residence and visually inspect the things you want to move.
Take that opportunity to interact with the representative and develop a rapport. Is this someone you can trust with your belongings? It's an important question. The mover should ask about anything you plan to dispose of—perhaps you plan to clean out the garage and have fewer boxes than they see now.
Alternatively, you may need to add a stop at a storage unit. Whatever circumstances make your move project special, be sure to tell the moving estimator so that the inventory and the quote are accurate.
Because the hauler will calculate the price based on the shipment's weight, it is essential that they can make a reasonable determination of that element. Other factors that impact the cost when moving from LA are the services you want the mover to add.
A full-service mover can take care of all the packing and packing supplies or part of it. Some people like to have the relocating company take over packing for specific items, like fragile pieces. Remember that if you pack something and it gets damaged, the mover will not assume liability unless they damage the container.
But if they pack it and it is damaged, they are responsible for how it was packed. It may be wise to engage dedicated movers and packers for artwork that needs to be crated. Also, ask for unpacking assistance. If you decide to do the packing on your own, ask your hauler if you can borrow some of their wardrobe boxes—those are very handy for moving the contents of your closet, and you probably don't want to invest money buying them.
What if I have a small move?
Most companies providing long-distance moving services from Los Angeles to San Diego have minimums. If you move a few items from your apartment or have minimal furniture, you may still have to pay the carrier's minimum weight charge. Make sure that you ask about this. The mover may be able to combine your shipment with another one or provide an alternative for you. Some movers specialize in small moves, so talk to several companies if your job fits this category.
How Do I Decide Which Hauling Company Is Best For Me?
When you meet with the long-distance moving company representatives to get the estimates, you should ask questions about their business. It would be a good sign if the company had a local office and had been providing moving services to San Diego from Los Angeles for a long time.
If you have checked with BHGS to ensure they are appropriately licensed, go to the Better Business Bureau site to look for positive and negative reviews about their services.
Unlike possibly fabricated reviews you may see on a company's website, the BBB is careful to validate the reports it receives from consumers. Ask each Los Angeles to San Diego movers for references. The mover should gladly offer recent customers' contact information so you can call and inquire about their experience with the company.
Do I Need Insurance When Moving From Los Angeles to San Diego?
Choosing an excellent shifting company is essential, but even great service providers have accidents, and sometimes things go wrong. More importantly, if you have accidentally engaged a disreputable company, you will be glad you have taken precautions to obtain coverage for your belongings.
The moving company estimate will explain the various levels of coverage. Primary liability is included with the moving cost, but remember that this level is trimmed and doesn't usually offer enough reimbursement if anything is lost or broken.
Most consumers who choose this coverage and suffer damage report wishing they had paid for better protection. $0.60 per pound is minimal—if a twenty-pound flat-screen television is dropped and broken, the $12.00 replacement coverage will not be enough to replace it.
Similarly, if you have a desk that weighs 100 pounds, a $60 payment will not be sufficient if you need to replace it. Your belongings are worth protecting, so review the other options for the fair market (actual) value or complete (replacement) value that the mover will offer you. These choices will require that you pay a fee and have deductibles.
Also, genuinely precious articles like antiques, china, art objects, gold, and silver should be individually described on the inventory and need a declared value. Don't pack cash, jewelry, critical financial records, or other papers into the truck. Keep those items with you when you travel.
One thing to keep in mind when packing is that you should never send in the moving truck. Any hazardous material is prohibited. This list includes flammables like lighter fluid, paint and paint thinner, gasoline, propane, and propane tanks. It also contains explosives like firearms and ammunition, corrosives, including acids, drain cleaners, swimming pool chemicals, bleach, and household chemicals.
Compressed gases like fire extinguishers, aerosol cans, and scuba tanks are prohibited. Professional moving companies won't knowingly accept any of these items. If you accidentally pack one and it damages your shipment, your liability coverage will be void, so be careful.
Best Haulers From San Diego To Los Angeles
Moving from San Diego to Los Angeles involves the same things as moving from Los Angeles to San Diego. Since housing in both cities is similar, you'll face the same difficulty when loading and unloading a truck. The main difference is the starting point of the move.
Since our fully licensed professional movers are also present in San Diego, we can easily carry out a stress-free relocation from San Diego to Los Angeles.
If you decide LA is better for you than SD, contact us, and we will provide you with a stress-free moving experience to Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most LA to San Diego moves range $1,200–$3,000 for apartments and $2,000–$4,500 for larger homes. Costs depend on home size, packing needs, number of movers, stair or elevator access, and long-carry distances in dense areas like Downtown LA or Hillcrest. Travel time along I-5 or US-101 also affects labor hours. Adding full packing, specialty handling for pianos, or large items increases the total. For broader pricing context, see our moving prices guide.
Most same-day LA to SD moves take 6–10 hours, including loading, transport, and unloading. Travel time is typically 2–3 hours depending on traffic near Orange County, especially through Irvine and Oceanside. Packing, stairs, parking restrictions, and large homes can extend the schedule. Moves starting in high-rise areas like DTLA or Century City often require elevator reservations that influence timing.
Yes. Full service crews can pack everything, including kitchens, wardrobes, and fragile items. Packing volume, custom crating needs, and the number of movers determine timing. Many customers request partial packing for delicate items only. Buildings in LA and San Diego may require protection materials or insurance certificates for elevators. For more details, visit our full service movers page.
Yes. Although the route is roughly 120 miles, it is usually classified as intrastate long distance under California regulations. Movers follow state rules for written estimates, valuation options, and travel charges. Delivery occurs same day in most cases. Steep drive time windows on I-5 and I-405 influence labor billing and crew scheduling. If the shipment crosses state lines, FMCSA interstate rules apply.
Yes. Storage is common when leases or home closings do not align. Customers may use short-term or long-term units, including vaulted storage or containerized options. Pricing varies by volume, climate-control requirements, and duration. Storage is often used by clients relocating from LA high-rise apartments where move-out dates precede San Diego move-in availability. Learn more via our moving and storage service.
Most customers book 3–5 weeks in advance, while peak demand months (May–September) require 4–6 weeks. Booking early helps secure the right crew size, packing appointments, and building elevator windows. End-of-month and weekend moves fill quickly on this route due to high demand among renters and military personnel. Same-day service may be possible for smaller moves when crews are available.
Yes. California-licensed movers provide basic valuation coverage and offer higher-value protection at additional cost. Coverage applies to packing, loading, transit, and unloading. High-value items like artwork or instruments may require detailed inventories or custom crating. Proper valuation helps ensure reimbursement if damage occurs. Customers should review written estimates to confirm exactly what protection is included.
