After handling thousands of moves across Los Angeles, we've seen every mistake, learned every shortcut, and discovered what actually matters versus what just sounds good in theory. These aren't generic tips copied from lifestyle blogs—they're battle-tested strategies from SOS Moving's crews who navigate LA's unique challenges daily. From Venice walk-streets to Downtown high-rises, these tips will save you money, time, and sanity.
Packing Tips That Actually Work
1. Clothes as packing material: Your clothes are free bubble wrap. Wrap dishes in t-shirts, cushion electronics with towels, protect frames with sweaters. Kills two birds, saves money.
2. Leave clothes in dresser drawers: Just wrap the whole dresser in plastic wrap. Drawers stay put, clothes stay folded, one less thing to pack/unpack.
3. Photograph electronic setups: Before disconnecting your TV/stereo/computer, photograph all connections. You'll thank yourself when reconnecting.
4. Color-code by room: Assign each room a color. Mark boxes and doorways with corresponding colored tape. Movers know instantly where everything goes.
5. Pack plates vertically: Like records in a crate, not stacked flat. They're less likely to break from weight pressure.
6. Garbage bags for hanging clothes: Slip bags over groups of hanging clothes from bottom up, tie at hangers. Poor man's wardrobe box.
7. Keep hardware in labeled bags: Tape furniture hardware to the furniture itself or in clearly labeled Ziploc bags. Nothing worse than mystery screws.
8. Pack heavy items in small boxes: Books in large boxes equal thrown-out backs. Use small boxes, even if it means more boxes.
9. Fill empty spaces: Socks in shoes, spices in pots, linens in washer drum. Every empty space is wasted money.
10. Suitcases for heavy items: They have wheels and handles designed for weight. Perfect for books, tools, canned goods.
Money-Saving Moving Tips
11. Move during off-peak times: Monday-Thursday saves $16-26/hour with SOS Moving. Mid-month moves cost 20% less. October-February cheapest months.
12. Sell before moving, buy after: That old couch costs $300 to move. Sell for $200, buy better one for $400 at destination. Net savings plus upgrade.
13. Tax deduction documentation: Job-related moves may be deductible. Keep every receipt. Photo everything. Document timeline.
14. Compare insurance options: Basic coverage (60¢/lb) inadequate. Full-value protection costs 1-2% of value but covers actual replacement.
15. Purge ruthlessly: Average American moves 7,000 lbs of stuff they don't use. Every pound costs money. If you haven't used it in a year, don't move it.
16. Use your own supplies: Liquor stores have strong boxes free. Newspaper from recycling centers. Blankets you already own. Saves $200-500.
17. Book early for better rates: Last-minute desperation costs 50-100% more. Three weeks advance booking optimal.
18. Measure large furniture first: That couch that won't fit costs $300 to move, then $300 to return. Measure doorways at both locations.
LA-Specific Moving Tips
19. Reserve parking early: LA parking enforcement doesn't care about your move. $73 tickets add up. Reserve spots 72 hours ahead.
20. Know building requirements: Downtown high-rises require COI, elevator reservations, specific hours. Missing requirements delays everything.
21. Plan for traffic reality: "20 miles" in LA means 45-90 minutes depending on time/route. Morning moves beat afternoon traffic.
22. Beach community challenges: Venice and Santa Monica have tourist traffic, limited parking, walk-streets. Plan accordingly.
23. Hill area strategies: Hollywood Hills and Silver Lake require smaller trucks, extra crew for carrying. Costs more but necessary.
24. Earthquake prep transfers: Don't pack emergency kit. Keep accessible at both locations. Update for new address immediately.
25. Weather rarely helps: June gloom, October heat waves, winter rain. LA weather surprises. Have tarps ready.
Damage Prevention Tips
26. Double-box electronics: Original box inside moving box with padding between. Extra protection worth it.
27. Plastic wrap everything with drawers: Dressers, filing cabinets, toolboxes. Drawers won't slide, contents won't spill.
28. Stand mattresses on side: Never flat where they can bend. Always vertical against truck wall. Use mattress bags.
29. Remove legs from tables: Every table leg is a breaking point. Remove when possible, tape to table bottom.
30. Empty everything with liquid: Seems obvious until your shampoo explodes over everything. Empty or seal in plastic bags.
31. Protect floors both locations: Cardboard, tarps, or ram board. Damage deposits depend on it. Scratched floors cost thousands.
32. Wrap furniture corners: Corner protectors or cardboard and tape. Most damage happens to corners and edges.
Stress Reduction Tips
33. Pack essentials box clearly marked: First night items: toiletries, medications, chargers, toilet paper, tools, cash. Opens first, saves sanity.
34. Keep important documents with you: Don't pack birth certificates, passports, insurance papers, leases. Carry personally always.
35. Take pictures of valuable items: Before packing for condition documentation. Shows pre-existing damage, helps insurance claims.
36. Number boxes and list contents: "Kitchen stuff" helps nobody. "Kitchen #1: plates, bowls, cups" helps everyone.
37. Pack room-by-room completely: Don't jump around. Finish one room entirely before starting another. Sense of progress matters.
38. Start with least-used rooms: Garage, attic, guest room first. Daily-use rooms last. Maintains normal life longer.
Moving Day Tips
39. Be ready before movers arrive: Everything packed, pathways clear, decisions made. Movers clock starts on arrival.
40. Provide refreshments for crew: Water, sports drinks, snacks. Happy movers work harder, care more. Worth $20 investment.
41. Stay available but out of way: Be there for questions, don't hover. Trust professionals to work.
42. Check inventory carefully: Note pre-existing damage on forms. Check off items as loaded/unloaded. Your receipt for everything.
43. Tip appropriately: $20-40 per mover standard for good service. More for exceptional effort or difficulty.
44. Do final walkthrough systematically: Every cabinet, closet, corner. Check garage, attic, storage. People always forget something.
Post-Move Tips
45. Unpack strategically: Bedroom and bathroom first for function. Kitchen next for meals. Rest can wait.
46. Break down boxes immediately: Flattened boxes take minimal space. Keeping house clear maintains sanity during unpacking.
47. Update address everywhere: DMV within 10 days, voter registration within 30. Set calendar reminders.
48. Meet neighbors early: They're future package receivers, emergency contacts, local knowledge sources. Introduce yourself.
49. Document any damage immediately: Photos, written notes, filed claims. Waiting weakens your position.
50. Leave honest reviews: Help others find good movers or avoid bad ones. Your experience matters to future movers.
Bonus LA Tips
The traffic factor: Everything takes longer in LA. Build in buffers. Rush hour starts at 3 PM.
The parking reality: There's never enough. Ever. Plan accordingly. Have backup plans.
The weather surprise: "Perfect weather" is marketing. Heat waves, rain, and wind happen. Prepare for anything.
The distance deception: "Only 10 miles" means nothing in LA. Time and terrain matter more.
The Bottom Line
These tips come from real moves, real mistakes, and real solutions. Not every tip applies to every move, but each one has saved someone time, money, or stress. Professional movers like SOS Moving handle the heavy lifting, but your preparation determines success.
Start early, stay organized, and remember: every move has surprises. The difference between disaster and success is preparation and professional help when needed.
Want professional movers who know these tricks? Call SOS Moving at 909-443-0004. We apply these tips and hundreds more to every LA move. From beach apartments to valley homes, our experience is your advantage. Get your free quote and move like a pro!
.jpg)
