Moving From NY to LA

Any long-distance move, such as moving from New York City to LA, can be daunting. You just landed your dream job, and now you face the details of how to get there, find a place, and get ready. Or, your start-up in Manhattan has taken off, and the founder chose you to build the new branch location in LA. Either way, you have a lot on your to-do list, and carrying is just one of many chores to check off.

Why People Move from NY to LA

The Pacific Ocean surrounds the West Coast. Los Angeles, in Southern California, is one of the most desirable cities for York movers. Its Mediterranean climate, enviable weather, and the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the country make it a top destination for York movers. Other reasons are the thriving economy and entertainment industry and the fact that it is home to Hollywood, the US film industry headquarters.

Most residents of LA live in the major cities and neighborhoods, including Beverly Hills, Silver Lake, Culver City, Echo Park, and Santa Monica. You can take a road trip along a scenic route in many places in LA.

LA has its share of people moving cross-country, which is one reason it is experiencing urban sprawl. Another city people like to move to in California is San Francisco.

How Do I Find Long Distance Haulers?

New York City to Los Angeles is a popular route, so you will find many long-distance moving companies to choose from. Because it is an interstate move, any company offering its services is subject to the US Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules.

These regulations provide legal protections and require haulers and brokers to perform certain functions. First, each customer is to be given a copy of the rules in a booklet titled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. " This booklet lays out the governance around moves, including estimates, deliveries, weights, billing, and related items. It also has helpful hints and resources for consumers.

The mover (or their broker) must also provide the consumer with a free quote, a calculation, an order for service, a bill of lading, and an inventory list. You should never sign blank documents, and make sure you understand everything you sign. It’s unfortunate, but there are some unscrupulous interstate shifters out there.

However, since there are plenty of great moving companies, find one of the good guys. Also, don't forget to ask for a free quote. One thing to ensure with interstate movers is verifying their DOT registration. You can scan the FMCSA database to check for a mover or a broker.

In addition to confirming that the mover has the necessary license for interstate commerce, the database has extensive, up-to-date information on its safety record and consumer complaints.

Do I Need A Carrying Broker?

As is the case in many industries, sometimes it is easier for consumers to have a knowledgeable third party do the footwork for them. A broker does not own or operate trucks or conduct moves. Instead, the broker "sells" the move to the customer, providing estimation and range of services, and then contracts the move out to a transferring agency. Regulations governing interstate moves require that the broker disclose their status to customers and register with the FMSCA. Also, a broker must:

• Give you a list of moving companies they do business with (only FMSCA registered movers)
• Maintain written agreements with haulers they use
• Base binding or non-binding estimates on the tariff of the mover that they plan to contract with
• Disclose their physical location and FMSCA registration number in advertisements.
• Require the mover transporting your goods from New York City to LA to physically survey your household goods if they are within a 50-mile radius of the mover or its agent's location.
• Provide the Rights and Responsibilities document and the “Ready to Move” pamphlet.

How Much Does it Cost?

According to the US Department of Transportation, based on consumer reports, moving from NYC to LA costs between $2500 and $7300 when taking help from a professional mover. That’s a pretty wide range, and factors impacting the price include:

• home size
• transferring dates
• supplemental services like packing and assembly

Your move charges will vary based on the weight of the goods you are repositioning to Los Angeles from New York City and how much work will be needed to load and unload. Those factors will add to the cost if your origin or destination home has stairs or a long, steep driveway. Similarly, if in either location, the large truck cannot park for an extended period in front of the residence, requiring a shuttle to be conducted using a smaller vehicle, that will add to the charge (time and labor).

Does Weight Affect Expenses During Cross Country Move?

What matters is finding a trustworthy moving company. If you have accidentally become entangled with a rogue operator, they will find a way to defraud you. But it would help if you understood how the weighing works and how the estimates function. It's always an advantage to speak the language.

Binding Estimate

With a binding calculation(which the carrier can charge you for), the mover or agent will do a physical walk-through and list everything to move. This inventory, sometimes called a cube sheet or table of measurement, comprises the basis of the weight quote. The movers understand the standard weight of various furniture items and boxes of books, dishware, etc. Once you and the mover agree to a binding estimate, as long as you don't make additions to the load, the price does not change.

The cube list must be accurate, as this is the basis of agreement. If the inventory lists 300 items, the weight is irrelevant if the 300 pieces are delivered. The price does not increase unless there are changes, such as a shuttle (in Manhattan, this is not uncommon since large trucks may not be able to station outside of an apartment building) or steep stairs and long carries at the destination.

A sub-category is a binding estimate not to exceed, which means that the price can go down if the weight is less than the forecast but will not exceed the calculated cost, even if the weight is higher.

Non-Binding Estimate

With this type of estimate, the weight does matter. The mover will weigh the truck before loading and again after loading the goods. You have the right to be present for the weighing, but unless you are suspicious, you will typically review the DOT weight certificates the carrier will provide with your bill.

Your final cost depends on the weight of the goods transported (the difference between the weight of the truck empty and loaded). A non-binding calculation relies on the estimator's ability to accurately determine what your goods will weigh and the company's honesty. If a mover is unethical, this is a way to provide you with a lower estimate, with no risk or disadvantage to them since you will ultimately pay the full price of the service.

Because of stories (undoubtedly some true, perhaps some not) about nefarious moving companies holding hostage the household goods of innocent customers over billing disputes, regulations are explicit about the terms of releasing customer shipments.

Specifically, the customer must pay 100% of a binding or up to 110% of a non-binding estimate, plus any charges for impracticable operations (obstacles to delivery such as inability to park the truck or similar issues) that do not exceed 15% of the total costs. Any other charges over these amounts cannot be demanded at the time of delivery or used to delay delivery but can only be billed for payment in 30 days.

Do I Need Full Coverage Insurance When Hauling?

Most likely, yes. If you are moving from NY to LA, it is probably worth more than 60 cents per pound, which is what the movers will pay you for damaged or lost items if you do not purchase the full coverage insurance. This option would mean that your brand-new flat screen, which weighs 20 pounds, will be reimbursed at a value of $12.00, even if it is worth $1000. Consider this carefully since carrying often results in losses.

Even with full replacement coverage, haulers can limit their liability for items of extraordinary value unless expressly noted in the shipping documents. Things that hold a value of more than $100 per pound (jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques, oriental rugs, and similar items) should be highlighted in advance so they will be covered.

Three Movers has 30+ years of experience. Our carriers provide reliable, affordable moving services from NYC to San Francisco.

FAQs About Heading West from NYC

What Is the Cheapest Way to Move From State to State?

Moving in winter (when most people avoid moving ) with as little stuff as possible is the cheapest way to move from state to state.

What Is the Distance Between New York and Los Angeles?

The distance between New York and Los Angeles is around 2800 miles.

How do you move furniture from state to state?

You can use a moving truck to ship from state to state. You can either rent a car or hire movers with a truck. You will probably have to pay extra for packing, loading and unloading if you rent a truck.

Are New Yorkers Shifting to LA?

Yes, many New Yorkers are moving to LA. People mostly move to LA for better weather.

Why are New Yorkers leaving NYC?

NYC has become expensive and overcrowded. Now, there are many cities where you can find similar opportunities with fewer drawbacks than living in NYC.

How Much Money Should I Save Before Moving to LA?

To move to LA, you should save at least $5000. You will need a lot more if you want to live comfortably.

Is It Better to Live in NYC or LA?

There are plenty of opportunities in both LA and NYC. NYC is probably better for you if you are in the financial sector, but people in the tech sector find more opportunities in Los Angeles.

New York Includes The Following Zip Codes:

00501, 544, 6390, 10001, 10002, 10003, 10004, 10005, 10006, 10007, 10008, 10009, 10010, 10011, 10012, 10013, 10014, 10016, 10017, 10018, 10019, 10020.

Los Angeles, CA Includes The Following Zip Codes:

90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90009, 90010, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90014, 90015, 90016, 90017, 90018, 90019, 90020.