A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Moving Companies in Los Angeles

Final Verdict

While plenty of moving companies offer robust services to the L.A. area, Atlas Van Lines takes the prize for its wide range of services and reliability. With a strong network of experienced L.A. providers, affordable rates, and plenty of customizable options, Atlas can handle any unique situations that may arise and can help your L.A. move go as smoothly as possible.

Compare the Best Moving Companies in Los Angeles

Guide to Choosing the Best Moving Company in Los Angeles

When you’re looking for the best residential moving companies in L.A., you’ve got a lot to consider! Keep a few key factors in mind, including how much you want to spend, when you want to move, which specific services you need movers to perform, and more.

Price

Cost is one of the key factors in any move, so look for a moving company that is fairly transparent in its pricing. What services, exactly, does your initial quote include, and how much will it cost if you choose to have additional services added on? If you’re on a budget, consider what options a company offers to save a little money, like self-packing or partial packing, and don’t be afraid to ask if there are any discounts or promotions available. Remember, cheaper isn’t necessarily better—you’re looking for the right balance between getting the reliable, quality service you need and avoiding excessive costs.

Services Offered

Different moves require different services and different levels of service. Most moving companies offer the same basics: packing, loading, transportation, and storage, although some may have self-packing and loading options or might not offer storage. You’ll also want to consider what additional services your specific move requires. Do you need a company that has experience with fragile or specialty items, assistance with move-in or installation, or 24/7 tracking options? If you think you’ll need any of those “extras,” check with prospective companies to see if they offer those services, and if so, how much they will cost.

Availability

When considering availability, keep two main factors in mind: location and timing. Does the moving company you’re considering offer service at both your starting point and end destination, and are they available during the period you need them? Booking further in advance can help to ensure you get the dates you need, although some companies may offer last-minute services, especially for short, local moves. Most moving companies have plenty of service options in large metropolitan areas like L.A., but it’s a good idea to confirm that they serve the specific neighborhood of your move when you discuss your initial quote.

Certifications & Accreditation

Trusting a moving company with your belongings requires a level of confidence and security. Check to see what, if any, certifications, accreditations, and licenses a company has before deciding to work with them. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a public database of licensed interstate movers, and you can check with your local consumer affairs bureau if you’re staying in-state (for California, that’s the Department of Consumer Affairs). You can also see if a company is backed by business and trade organizations; major accreditations come from organizations like the Better Business Bureau or the American Moving and Storage Association and can indicate that the moving company has met certain criteria for trust, reliability, and quality.

Liability Insurance

Of course, we all hope that our moves will go smoothly and that our belongings will arrive safe and sound, but accidents happen, so it’s best to be prepared. When choosing a moving company, it’s important to confirm what liability insurance or valuation coverage they offer and what, exactly, it covers. Your personal homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover your belongings while they’re in your home or even under some circumstances like theft or accident, but you’ll probably need additional coverage to insure against transportation damage and similar moving-related incidents.

What Impacts the Cost of a Los Angeles Move?

Your final moving costs will be affected by a number of factors, including how large your move is, how far you’re moving, which services you choose, and what time of year you choose to move. Expect higher costs if you choose full-service moving options like packing and loading, installation and assembly, and/or storage; conversely, you can save money by choosing to handle some of those tasks yourself. You may also wind up with a higher bill if you’re moving a long distance, at a “peak” time of year such as the summer, or through an area with particularly challenging terrain. 

How to Prepare for a Los Angeles Move

Moving can be stressful, but preparing well can help to smooth the way. When you’re getting ready for your L.A. move, try a few simple tips to make the process easier.

• Streamline and downsize as much as possible beforehand so you only have to pay for packing and transporting the items you truly want to bring to your new home.
• Keep a folder or binder with all your moving paperwork, checklists, and inventory.
• Acquire packing supplies through your moving company or by asking friends, neighbors, or local businesses.
• Schedule a little “downtime” to give yourself a break from the moving chaos.
• Get yourself in a flexible mindset. Something probably won’t go perfectly to plan, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster or a source of massive stress.

Methodology 

This list of the best moving companies in Los Angeles was compiled using more than 500 data points collected over a two-month span. Our research team reviewed nearly 20 companies, looking at location, services provided, customer support channels, quote processes, online tools, and more.

Weights were assigned to each piece of criteria evaluated, then used to calculate an overall score. In order to receive a high rating, companies had to perform well in a handful of categories, including but not limited to:

• Service area (15%)
• Types of services offered (10%)
• Company reputation (6%)
• Online quote system (5%)
• Additional costs and fees (5%)
• Packing options (5%)

The information presented here was accurate at the time of publication and confirmed by at least two data collectors. Verification was completed through customer service calls and live chat or email exchanges.