Los Angeles has over 500 registered moving companies, plus countless unlicensed operators advertising on Craigslist. Choosing the right mover determines whether your relocation is smooth or stressful, affordable or expensive, safe or risky. This guide compares legitimate moving companies in LA, explains what to look for, and helps you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
What Makes a Moving Company Legitimate in LA
Before comparing companies, understand the minimum requirements for legal operation:
California PUC License: Required for all moves within California. Verify at cpuc.ca.gov. Unlicensed movers can't legally operate and have no oversight.
USDOT Number: Required for interstate moves. Check at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Without this, companies can't legally cross state lines.
Insurance Coverage: Legitimate movers carry cargo insurance (protects your belongings) and liability insurance (protects property damage). Always request proof.
Workers' Compensation: Protects you from lawsuits if movers get injured. California requires this for all employees.
Physical Address: Real companies have actual locations, not just PO boxes. Drive by if suspicious—many "companies" are just brokers.
Major Moving Companies in Los Angeles
National Van Lines Operating in LA
Allied Van Lines / North American Van Lines
- Pros: National network, good for interstate moves, established reputation
- Cons: Often use local contractors, expensive, less personal service
- Best for: Corporate relocations, international moves
- Pricing: Premium (30-50% above average)
United Van Lines / Mayflower
- Pros: Extensive resources, storage network, track record
- Cons: Minimum shipment requirements, slow claims process
- Best for: Large interstate moves, military relocations
- Pricing: Premium tier
Regional LA Moving Companies
SOS Moving (That's us!)
- Service area: All LA County, Orange County, interstate to West Coast
- Specialties: Local moves, long-distance, white glove service
- Pricing: Transparent flat rates from $119/hour (2 movers)
- Includes: All materials, professional wrapping, no hidden fees
- Best for: Value-conscious families, apartment moves, last-minute relocations
- Get instant quote
Pure Movers
- Service area: LA and Orange County
- Specialties: Apartment moves, young professionals
- Pricing: Mid-range, hourly billing
- Known for: Online booking system
Real Rock N Roll Movers
- Service area: Greater LA
- Specialties: Music industry, entertainment
- Pricing: Variable, quote-based
- Known for: Specialty item handling
Piece of Cake Moving
- Service area: Southern California
- Specialties: Full-service moves, packing
- Pricing: Mid to high range
- Known for: Storage solutions
Specialized Moving Services
For Luxury Homes and High-Value Items
NorthStar Moving
- Celebrity clientele, luxury focus
- White glove services standard
- Premium pricing (minimum $2,000)
- Best for: Beverly Hills, Bel Air estates
Royal Moving Company
- Art and antique specialists
- Climate-controlled trucks
- Custom crating services
- Best for: Galleries, collectors
For Budget-Conscious Moves
SOS Moving offers best value through:
- Efficient crews (faster = cheaper)
- All supplies included in hourly rate
- No surprise fees on moving day
- Transparent pricing
Pure Movers
- Competitive hourly rates
- DIY packing options
- Good for small moves
For Specific Communities
Korean/Asian Community Movers
- Korean-speaking crews available
- Familiar with Koreatown, SGV areas
- Understand cultural considerations
- Check Glendale and Pasadena movers
Student Moving Services
- Seasonal discounts (non-peak times)
- Small move specialists
- Flexible scheduling
- Good for UCLA, USC areas
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch for these warning signs when researching companies:
Price Too Good to Be True: $50/hour usually means unlicensed, uninsured, or bait-and-switch tactics. Professional movers can't operate profitably below $80/hour.
Cash Only Operations: Legitimate companies accept cards, checks, and provide receipts. Cash-only means no accountability.
No Physical Address: Google Street View their location. Many "companies" are just apartment-based brokers.
Deposit Over 20%: California law limits deposits. Large upfront payments risk disappearing companies.
Blank or Vague Contracts: Everything should be detailed in writing—rates, dates, inventory, insurance coverage.
How to Compare Moving Companies Effectively
Step 1: Get Multiple Quotes
Contact 3-4 companies for written estimates:
- SOS Moving free estimate
- In-person or video surveys for accuracy
- Compare what's included, not just price
- Ask about binding vs non-binding quotes
Step 2: Verify Credentials
For each company check:
- License status (active and clear)
- Insurance certificates (request copies)
- BBB rating and complaints
- Yelp and Google reviews (look for patterns)
Step 3: Compare Services
Create spreadsheet comparing:
- Base hourly rate or flat fee
- What's included (supplies, equipment)
- Additional fees (fuel, stairs, long carry)
- Insurance coverage levels
- Availability and scheduling flexibility
Step 4: Read the Fine Print
Before signing examine:
- Cancellation policies
- Damage claim procedures
- Delivery windows (for long-distance)
- Payment terms and methods
Questions to Ask Every Moving Company
Licensing and Insurance:
- "What's your CPUC and USDOT number?"
- "Can you email insurance certificates?"
- "What's your claims process?"
Pricing and Services:
- "Is this a binding estimate?"
- "What exactly is included in the rate?"
- "Under what circumstances could price change?"
Experience and Reliability:
- "How long have you operated in LA?"
- "Do you use employees or contractors?"
- "What happens if truck breaks down?"
Making Your Final Decision
Choose based on your priorities:
Best Overall Value: SOS Moving balances professional service with transparent, fair pricing. Everything included, no games.
Interstate Excellence: National van lines for cross-country, though consider SOS Moving for West Coast moves.
Luxury Service: NorthStar or specialty movers for estates and high-value items.
Absolute Lowest Price: Risky, but if necessary, verify everything and never pay large deposits.
The SOS Moving Difference
We built our reputation on straightforward service and honest pricing. While others play games with quotes and surprise fees, we publish our exact rates and include everything needed. Our experienced crews work efficiently, saving you money while protecting your belongings. Whether moving from a studio in Hollywood or a house in the Valley, we deliver professional service at fair prices.
Ready to experience stress-free moving? Get your free quote or call 909-443-0004. Join thousands of satisfied customers who chose SOS Moving for their Los Angeles relocation. Check our reviews and see why we're becoming LA's most trusted moving company.
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