Moving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas: Costs, Timeline & Tips
Los Angeles to Las Vegas is one of the most popular moves out of Southern California. No state income tax, more space for the money and a short drive back to LA make it an easy choice for many families. This guide covers the route, your moving options, what drives the cost, how to protect your things in the desert heat and what to do when you arrive.
The Route at a Glance
Most moves go up the I-15 through the Cajon Pass and across the Mojave Desert — roughly 270 miles from central LA. Without traffic it is a drive of about four to five hours, but Friday afternoons and Sunday returns can add a lot of time. For a moving truck, the timing of departure matters as much as the distance.
Your Three Main Options
Full-service movers
A crew packs, wraps, loads, drives and unloads. This is the least stressful option and the best protection for furniture, because the same people who wrapped your items unload them.
Truck rental (DIY)
Cheaper on paper, but you handle the loading, the desert drive in a large truck, fuel and the return. Many people underestimate how long loading takes.
Moving containers
A container is dropped off, you load it, and it is shipped. Flexible, but you still do the heavy lifting, and parking a container can be hard in LA neighborhoods.
What Affects the Cost of an LA to Las Vegas Move
With Ursa Moving, a move from Los Angeles to Las Vegas usually costs about $2,500–$3,400, depending on the size of your home. Your exact price depends on these factors:
Volume of your belongings
The number of rooms and large items determines crew size and truck space. A complete inventory gives the most accurate quote.
Access at both ends
Stairs, elevators, long walks and parking at your LA home and your Las Vegas home affect labor time. Narrow LA hillside streets may require shuttling with a smaller vehicle — we use a pickup with a small trailer for those.
Packing
Our service includes packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, shrink wrap and tape, blankets and wardrobe boxes. If you prefer to pack some boxes yourself, that can shorten the job.
Specialty items
Pianos, safes and large art take extra planning. We move pianos on advance request.
Date
End of month and summer weekends are the busiest times. Flexibility on dates helps.
Packing for the Desert Heat
Summer temperatures in Las Vegas regularly go well above 100°F, and the inside of a truck gets even hotter. Plan for it:
Electronics: pack in original boxes when possible and keep laptops and hard drives with you.
Candles, wax and cosmetics: they melt. Pack them in a cooler or carry them in your car.
Vinyl records, photos and artwork: keep them flat, well wrapped and away from the truck walls.
Plants: move them in your car; check Nevada's rules on bringing plants.
Medications and documents: always keep these with you.
Wood furniture: wrapping with blankets and shrink wrap protects against dust and scratches on the long drive.
An early morning start helps both the crew and your belongings.
Moving Timeline
6–8 weeks before
Request quotes, set your date and start decluttering. Measure large furniture against doors in your new home.
3–4 weeks before
Confirm your moving date, reserve elevators at both buildings and request a COI if your building or HOA needs one — we provide COIs for buildings and HOAs.
1–2 weeks before
Pack items you won't need, schedule utility transfers and set up NV Energy and water at the new address.
Moving day
Keep a "first night" box with chargers, toiletries, bedding and basic tools in your car.
Delivery
Delivery usually takes 2 days: we load on day 1 and deliver the next day.
After You Arrive in Nevada
Driver's license: new residents generally need to get a Nevada license within 30 days. Check the Nevada DMV website for current rules.
Vehicle registration: register your car in Nevada; check the DMV for requirements and smog rules.
Voter registration and utilities: update your address everywhere, including USPS mail forwarding.
HOA rules: many Las Vegas and Henderson communities have HOA rules about moving trucks and hours. Ask before moving day.
Why Move with Ursa Moving
Licensed and insured, with COIs for buildings and HOAs
4.8 stars on Yelp from 200+ reviews
Local and long-distance moves
Packing, disassembly, wrapping and blankets included
26 ft truck for full-home moves
Open every day, 7am–9pm
Leaving from the Westside, the Valley or the South Bay? See our local pages for Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks, San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita and Redondo Beach. For local price details, read our guide on how much movers cost in Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to move from Los Angeles to Las Vegas?
The drive is about 270 miles, roughly four to five hours without traffic. With Ursa Moving, delivery usually takes 2 days: loading on day 1 and delivery the next day.
How much do movers cost from LA to Las Vegas?
It depends on the volume of your belongings, access at both homes, packing needs and the date. With Ursa Moving it usually costs about $2,500–$3,400, depending on home size. Request a free quote with your inventory for an exact number.
Do you pack everything?
Yes. Packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, shrink wrap, tape, blankets and wardrobe boxes are included.
Can you move a piano to Las Vegas?
Yes, on advance request. Tell us about it when you request a quote.
Is it better to rent a truck or hire movers?
Renting looks cheaper, but you do all the loading, the desert drive and the return. Full-service movers save time and better protect your furniture.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Ursa Moving is licensed and insured and can provide a certificate of insurance for your building or HOA.
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