If you’ve ever moved in LA, you know it’s not just about throwing stuff in boxes and calling it a day. Between the traffic that makes you question your life choices and the summer heat that turns your moving truck into a sauna, timing really does matter here.
After helping countless people navigate their moves across the city, I’ve learned that picking the right time can literally save you hundreds of dollars and hours of frustration. So what is the best time to move in Los Angeles? Let’s talk about when you should actually plan your move.
The Sweet Spot | October Through March
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize that LA has an “off-season” for moving. While everyone’s scrambling to move during the summer (more on why that’s a headache later), the months between October and March are actually your golden window.
Why? Well, for starters, you’re not melting in 95-degree heat while carrying your couch up three flights of stairs. The weather’s genuinely pleasant think 60s and 70s, maybe some rain if you’re lucky. Plus, moving companies aren’t slammed with back-to-back bookings, which means they’re more likely to work with you on pricing and scheduling.
I remember one client who moved in November and got a weekday rate that was almost 30% cheaper than what her friend paid for a summer Saturday move. Same neighborhood, same amount of stuff. The only difference? Timing. If you want moving services in Los Angeles then contact no other than Chamomile Go.
Why Everyone Moves in Summer (And Why You Shouldn’t)
Look, I get it. Summer seems logical. School’s out, the weather’s nice (until you’re actually lifting heavy furniture in it), and if you have kids, you don’t want to disrupt their school year. But here’s the reality: May through August is basically moving madness in Los Angeles.
The problems stack up fast. First, those hot Valley days? They’re brutal when you’re doing physical labor. I’ve seen people nearly pass out, and heat can actually warp certain furniture or damage electronics if they’re sitting in a hot truck too long.
Then there’s the cost issue. When demand’s high, prices go up that’s just basic economics. You might pay 20-40% more for a summer move compared to a winter one. And good luck finding availability without booking months ahead. The good movers get snagged early, and you might end up settling for whoever’s left.
Don’t even get me started on LA traffic in summer. Between tourists, beach-goers, concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, and every festival under the sun, you’re adding hours to what should be a straightforward move. I’ve seen moves from Burbank to Pasadena normally a 20-minute drive take over an hour because of some event nobody knew about.
You may read What To Know Before Hiring Movers?
Working Around the City’s Rhythm
LA has its own personality, and if you’ve lived here long enough, you know what I mean. The city never really sleeps, but it does have quieter moments.
Weekdays are your friend. Sure, taking time off work is annoying, but moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday means you’re dealing with way less traffic than a Saturday. Plus, moving companies often give you better rates for weekday moves since most people want weekends.
The school calendar is another thing to consider if you have kids. Everyone wants to move during summer break or winter holidays, which drives up competition. If you can swing a move in October or early November after school’s started but before the holiday chaos you’re in a good spot.
Real Talk | Planning Your Move
Okay, so you’ve picked your timeframe. Now what? Here are some things that actually matter:
Book ahead, but not too far ahead. Three to four weeks is usually the sweet spot. Any earlier and plans might change; any later and you’re scrambling for availability.
Check what’s happening in the neighborhood. LA loves its events. Before you commit to a moving date, do a quick search for marathons, street fairs, or filming notices in your area. Nothing worse than showing up with a moving truck only to find your entire street blocked off for a 5K.
Think about your route. If you’re moving from the Valley to the Westside, consider what time you’re hitting the 405. Early morning or mid-day moves can save you serious time.
Pack like you mean it. I can’t tell you how many moves get delayed because people aren’t actually ready. Have your boxes packed, labeled, and stacked before the movers arrive. It makes everything faster and cheaper since you’re paying by the hour.
The Local Advantage
One thing I always tell people: use a moving company that actually knows LA. Someone who understands that taking surface streets through West Hollywood at certain times is faster than the freeway. Who knows which apartment buildings have weird loading dock rules. Who won’t freak out when they encounter those narrow, winding Laurel Canyon roads.
Bottom Line
If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: moving between October and March in Los Angeles gives you better weather, better prices, and way less stress. Summer might seem convenient, but you’re paying a premium for the privilege of sweating through your shirt.
When you’re ready to make your move, do yourself a favor and plan it during the off-season. Your wallet and your sanity will thank you. And honestly? There’s something kind of nice about starting fresh in a new place during fall or winter it feels like a real new beginning, without all the chaos that comes with peak moving season.
Just trust me on this one. After seeing hundreds of moves across LA from Studio City to Santa Monica, Granada Hills to West Hollywood the people who move smart always have a better experience than those who move during the summer rush.
Ready to get started? Pick a date between October and March, book a reliable local moving company, and you’ll be settling into your new place before you know it.
FAQs
Is It Better To Move On A Weekday Or Weekend In La?
Weekdays are almost always better for moving in Los Angeles. You’ll deal with less traffic, get lower rates from moving companies, and have an easier time finding parking for the moving truck. Most movers charge premium rates for Friday through Sunday because that’s when everyone wants to move.
How Far In Advance Should I Book Movers In Los Angeles?
For off-season moves (October through March), booking three to four weeks ahead is usually fine. However, if you’re planning a summer move or need to move on a weekend, you should book at least six to eight weeks in advance to ensure availability with quality movers.
What’s The Worst Day To Move In Los Angeles?
The last day of the month, especially if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, is absolutely the worst time to move in LA. That’s when most leases end, so roads are packed with moving trucks, movers are booked solid, and rates are at their highest. If you can, try to move mid-month on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Movers In Los Angeles?
Moving costs in LA vary depending on the season, day of the week, and distance. Local moves typically range from $400 to $2,000 depending on the size of your home. Off-season weekday moves can save you 20-40% compared to peak summer weekend rates. Getting quotes from local companies like Chamomile Go helps you budget accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions — Moving in Los Angeles
Is it better to move on a weekday or weekend in LA?
Weekdays are almost always better for moving in Los Angeles. You’ll deal with less traffic, get lower rates from moving companies, and have an easier time finding parking for the moving truck. Most movers charge premium rates for Friday through Sunday because that’s when everyone wants to move.
How far in advance should I book movers in Los Angeles?
For off-season moves (October through March), booking three to four weeks ahead is usually fine. However, if you’re planning a summer move or need to move on a weekend, you should book at least six to eight weeks in advance to ensure availability with quality movers.
What’s the worst day to move in Los Angeles?
The last day of the month, especially if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, is absolutely the worst time to move in LA. That’s when most leases end, so roads are packed with moving trucks, movers are booked solid, and rates are at their highest. If you can, try to move mid-month on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
How much does it cost to hire movers in Los Angeles?
Moving costs in LA vary depending on the season, day of the week, and distance. Local moves typically range from $400 to $2,000 depending on the size of your home. Off-season weekday moves can save you 20–40% compared to peak summer weekend rates. Getting quotes from local companies like Chamomile Go helps you budget accurately.
