The question "how much do movers cost" in Los Angeles gets you answers ranging from $50 to $500 per hour. This massive range exists because companies quote differently, hide fees creatively, and serve different market segments. Here's what moving actually costs in LA in 2025, including every fee you'll encounter and exactly how to calculate your total.
Base Hourly Rates in Los Angeles
SOS Moving transparent pricing:
Monday-Thursday:
- 2 movers: $119/hour (cash) | $129/hour (card)
- 3 movers: $159/hour (cash) | $169/hour (card)
- 4 movers: $199/hour (cash) | $209/hour (card)
Friday-Sunday:
- 2 movers: $135/hour (cash) | $145/hour (card)
- 3 movers: $175/hour (cash) | $185/hour (card)
- 4 movers: $215/hour (cash) | $225/hour (card)
LA market averages:
- Budget movers: $80-120/hour
- Mid-range companies: $120-200/hour
- Premium services: $200-400/hour
What's Actually Included?
SOS Moving includes:
- Truck (all sizes)
- Fuel ($30 flat fee)
- Moving equipment
- Shrink wrap unlimited
- Tape included
- Wardrobe boxes (returnable)
- Insurance basic coverage
Others charge extra for:
- Truck: $50-150
- Fuel: Variable
- Equipment: $50-100
- Materials: $100-200
- Insurance: $50-100
- Stairs: $50-100
- Long carry: $50-150
One company quotes $80/hour. Add their extras? You're at $200/hour.
Minimum Hours Requirements
Every LA mover has minimums:
- Standard minimum: 3 hours
- Weekend minimum: Often 4 hours
- Holiday minimum: 4-6 hours
- Long distance (30+ miles): 4 hours
You need 2 hours of moving? You pay for 3. That's industry standard.
Real Move Cost Examples
Studio apartment (ground floor to ground floor):
- 2 movers × 3 hours minimum = $357-387
- Actual time: Usually 2-3 hours
- Total cost: $357-387
1-bedroom apartment (with stairs):
- 2 movers × 4 hours typical = $476-516
- Or 3 movers × 3 hours = $477-507
- Better to pay slightly more for faster service
2-bedroom apartment:
- 3 movers × 5 hours average = $795-845
- Includes packing assistance
- Total with materials: $850-950
3-bedroom house:
- 4 movers × 6 hours typical = $1,194-1,254
- Full day service
- Everything included: $1,250-1,400
Hidden Fees Exposed
"Double drive time" (California law):Moves over 10 miles require charging travel time both ways. Not optional—it's CPUC regulation.
Stair fees:Some charge $50-100 per floor. SOS Moving? Included.
Long carry charges:Distance from truck to door over 75 feet. Some charge $50-150. SOS Moving? Included.
Packing material markups:
- Box elsewhere: $5-8
- SOS Moving: $4-6
- Difference adds up fast
Credit card processing:3-5% typical. SOS Moving builds it into card price—no surprise fees.
Seasonal Price Variations
Peak season (May-September):
- Rates increase 20-30%
- Minimum hours increase
- Availability decreases
- Book 3-4 weeks ahead
Off-season (November-February):
- Better rates available
- More flexibility
- Same-week booking possible
- Negotiate better deals
Month-end premium:Everyone moves on the 31st/1st. Rates jump 25-40%. Move mid-month = save money.
DIY vs Professional Cost Reality
DIY "savings":
- U-Haul truck: $29.95 + $1.29/mile = $150
- Gas: $60
- Equipment rental: $50
- Pizza for friends: $50
- Your time (8 hours): Priceless
- Chiropractor later: $200
- Total: $510 + pain
Professional movers:
- Complete service: $400-600
- No injury risk
- Insured protection
- Done in half the time
- Total: Peace of mind
Ways to Reduce Moving Costs
Pack yourself: Save $200-500 but takes 20+ hours
Provide materials: Save $100-200 buying boxes yourself
Move mid-week: Monday-Thursday 15% cheaper
Move mid-month: Avoid end-month rush pricing
Declutter first: Less stuff = fewer hours
Be ready: Movers waiting = you paying hourly
Book early: Last-minute costs 20-30% more
Company Type Price Differences
Craigslist randoms ($40-80/hour):
- No insurance
- No accountability
- Your risk entirely
New companies ($80-120/hour):
- Building reputation
- Often subcontract
- Inconsistent quality
Established companies ($120-200/hour):
- Proven reliability
- Proper insurance
- Professional crews
- SOS Moving range
Luxury movers ($200-500/hour):
- White glove service
- Celebrity clientele
- Unnecessary for most
Getting Accurate Estimates
Information needed:
- Exact addresses (for distance)
- Home sizes/types
- Stairs/elevators
- Special items (piano, safe)
- Preferred dates
- Packing needs
Red flags in estimates:
- "Starting at" pricing
- No mention of minimums
- Cubic feet for local moves
- Requires large deposit
- Too good to be true
Payment Methods and Timing
SOS Moving accepts:
- Cash (5-8% discount)
- Credit/debit cards
- Certified checks
- Money orders
Payment timing:
- $50 deposit (applies to total)
- Balance upon completion
- No hidden charges after
Never pay:
- Large deposits (over 20%)
- Before service completion
- Wire transfers
- To individual names
The True Cost Formula
Your move cost = Base rate × Hours + Fixed fees
Example for 2-bedroom apartment:
- 3 movers × $159/hour × 5 hours = $795
- Plus fuel fee: $30
- Plus tip (optional): $60-100
- Total: $885-925
Get Your Real Moving Quote
Stop wondering "how much do movers cost" and get real numbers. SOS Moving provides transparent pricing with everything included—no calculator needed for hidden fees.
Call 909-443-0004 for an honest quote. We'll tell you exactly what your move costs, guaranteed. No surprises, no games, just professional moving at clear prices.
.jpg)
