How Much Do Movers Cost in Los Angeles? (2026 Guide)
If you are planning a move in Los Angeles, the first question is almost always the same: how much will this cost? The honest answer is that it depends on your home, your building and your street. This guide explains how local moving prices work in LA, shows our actual hourly rates, and walks through the factors that make a move faster or slower, so you can budget with confidence.
How Local Moving Prices Work in Los Angeles
Most local moves in Los Angeles are priced by the hour. You pay for a crew and a truck for the time it takes to load, drive and unload. That means the total price comes down to two things:
The hourly rate, which depends mostly on how many movers you book.
The number of hours, which depends on how much you own and how easy your homes are to work in.
Hourly pricing is fair for both sides: a well-prepared studio move with an elevator and a loading zone costs far less than a four-bedroom hillside home with a long driveway, and you only pay for the time actually used.
Ursa Moving Hourly Rates
Here are our local rates. Every crew comes with a truck.
2 movers + truck: $119/hour; Studios, 1-bedroom apartments, small loads
3 movers + truck: $159/hour; 2–3 bedroom apartments and homes
4 movers + truck: $189/hour; Larger homes and offices
For most homes we recommend 3–4 movers. A bigger crew costs more per hour but often finishes much sooner, so the total can end up similar or even lower. Need a 5-person crew for a very large home? We can arrange it on request.
What is included in the hourly rate
There are no surprise add-ons for the basics. Our rate includes:
Packing and unpacking
Furniture disassembly and reassembly
Shrink wrap and tape
Moving blankets to protect furniture
Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
Dolly and tools
Long walks from the door to the truck
A 26 ft truck for full-size moves
Choosing the Right Crew Size
Picking the right crew is the easiest way to control cost.
Studio or 1-bedroom
Two movers usually handle a small apartment well, especially with an elevator and close parking.
2–3 bedrooms
Three movers is the sweet spot. One person can wrap and prepare furniture while two carry, which keeps the truck loading steadily.
4+ bedrooms or an office
Four movers keep a large job moving. On big homes with lots of furniture, stairs or long walks, the extra hands pay for themselves.
8 Factors That Change the Final Cost of an LA Move
1. Building access
Elevators, loading docks and reserved move windows can speed things up — or slow them down if the elevator is shared with residents. Many buildings also ask for a certificate of insurance (COI); we provide COIs for buildings and HOAs.
2. Stairs and long walks
Third-floor walk-ups and long paths from the door to the curb add time. Long walks are included in our rate, but they still affect the clock.
3. Parking for the truck
In dense neighborhoods like Santa Monica or Downtown LA, where the truck can park makes a real difference. Reserving curb space ahead of time saves a lot of carrying.
4. Hillside and narrow streets
Canyon roads in Bel Air, Malibu or Pacific Palisades can be too tight for a full-size truck. For those streets we use a pickup with a small trailer to shuttle items, which avoids hours of carrying.
5. Distance and traffic
A move from Sherman Oaks to Encino is very different from the San Fernando Valley to the South Bay at rush hour. Scheduling around traffic helps.
6. How much is already packed
If boxes are packed, taped and labeled before the crew arrives, loading goes quickly. Packing is included in our service, but packing time is still billable time.
7. Specialty items
Pianos, safes, large art and fragile antiques need extra care and planning. We move pianos on advance request, so mention them when you ask for a quote.
8. Day and time
Weekends and the end of the month are the busiest times in LA. We work every day from 7am to 9pm, so a weekday or an early start can give you more flexibility.
How to Keep Your Moving Cost Down
Declutter first. Every item you sell or donate is one less item to wrap and carry.
Pack boxes ahead of time if you are comfortable doing it, and label each one by room.
Reserve the elevator and parking before moving day.
Send your building's COI requirements early so nothing delays the start.
Disconnect appliances and empty drawers the night before.
Book the right crew size — usually 3–4 movers for a home.
Tell us about special items (pianos, oversized furniture) in advance.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moves
Local moves within the Los Angeles area are billed hourly as described above. We also handle long-distance moves; for example, a move from Los Angeles to Las Vegas usually costs about $2,500–$3,400 depending on home size. Other long-distance routes are quoted individually based on your addresses, inventory and date — request a free quote for an accurate number.
Get an Accurate Quote
The best estimate comes from real details: both addresses, floor and elevator information, parking, a list of large items and your preferred date. Send them to us and we will recommend a crew size and give you a clear quote.
Get your free quote — we are rated 4.8 stars on Yelp with 200+ reviews, licensed and insured, and available every day 7am–9pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do movers charge per hour in Los Angeles?
Rates vary by company and crew size. At Ursa Moving, it is $119/hour for 2 movers with a truck, $159/hour for 3 movers and $189/hour for 4 movers.
How many movers do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
Usually three. It keeps loading steady and often finishes sooner than a two-person crew.
Are packing materials included?
Shrink wrap, tape, moving blankets, wardrobe boxes, a dolly and tools are included in our hourly rate, along with packing and unpacking.
Do you provide a certificate of insurance for my building?
Yes. We are licensed and insured and provide COIs for buildings and HOAs. Send us your building's requirements with your quote request.
Can you move to a hillside home with a narrow street?
Yes. When a 26 ft truck can't reach the door, we use a pickup with a small trailer to shuttle items.
Do you move pianos?
Yes, on advance request. Let us know when booking so we can plan the crew and equipment.
What are your hours?
We work every day, 7am to 9pm.
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