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Moving in Los Angeles can be both exciting and overwhelming. At SQ Moving Company, we’ve helped thousands of LA residents relocate, and over the years, we’ve noticed many people make the same mistakes—mostly around not preparing enough before moving day. These small missteps can add unnecessary costs, lost time, and plenty of stress. The good news? Most of these issues can be avoided with just a bit of preparation. In this article, we’ll share straightforward, practical moving tips that will help you lower the cost of your move and ensure everything goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible.
Pack small items into boxes before moving day
One of the biggest time-eaters during any LA move is packing small stuff while the crew is on the clock.
Before your movers arrive, pack:
- Kitchenware and pantry items
- Clothes and shoes
- Books, decor, kids’ items
- Bathroom items (leave out essentials)
Quick packing rules that prevent damage and delays:
- Tape boxes on the bottom and top (not just “fold and hope”).
- Don’t overpack — if it’s too heavy to lift safely, it’s too heavy.
- Use paper/bubble wrap/towels to fill empty space so items don’t shift.
The more you handle ahead of time, the faster your movers can focus on what they do best: protecting, moving, and loading efficiently.
Label boxes clearly (and label them on all sides)
Labeling saves serious time — especially at delivery.
Instead of answering “Which room?” 50 times, label boxes on multiple sides with:
- Room name (Kitchen / Primary Bedroom / Office)
- Optional note (Plates / Pantry / Cables / Kids Books)
If anything is fragile, add FRAGILE labels so movers can stack and load it safely and avoid surprises in the truck.
Want to know how to pack boxes like a pro? Check out our guide: 14 Essential Packing Tips.
Prepare parking for the moving truck
Parking in Los Angeles can make or break your moving day timeline. In areas like Downtown LA, Westwood, or Century City, many buildings provide loading docks or designated loading zones. If you’re moving into or out of a high-rise building, check with building management about parking protocols. Sometimes, you’ll need a permit or advance reservation.
If your move is in a busy residential area like West Hollywood, Los Feliz, or the South Bay, parking is often a challenge. If possible, reserve a spot on the street directly in front of your building, or ask neighbors in advance if they can leave space open for the truck. You can also use cones or temporary “No Parking” signs if your city allows it—just check with the local parking authority first.
The less time your movers spend searching for parking or walking long distances with heavy furniture, the faster and safer your move will be. Plus, you’ll avoid the headache (and expense) of parking tickets.
Check out our guide: How to Reserve a Parking Spot for a Moving Truck in Los Angeles.
Reserve the elevator (if your building allows it)
Elevator waits can quietly add 30–90 minutes or more to a move. If you’re moving in or out of an apartment or condo building with an elevator, contact property management as soon as you know your moving date. Some buildings, like Park La Brea, Tribeca Urban Apartments in Marina Del Rey, or 825 South Hill apartments in DTLA, require elevator reservations days or even weeks in advance. Failing to reserve an elevator can mean long waits, unexpected delays, and sometimes even rescheduling your move. When reserving the elevator, ask if there are moving pads or special elevator keys provided to protect the walls and keep the elevator available for your exclusive use. Confirm the reservation a day or two before your move just to be safe.
Get rid of unwanted belongings before you move
If you already know you’re replacing furniture or tossing old items, do it before moving day.
Why? Because packing and moving unwanted stuff costs you twice:
- Time to wrap/pack it
- Time to carry/load/unload it
Less inventory = faster move = lower bill.
Want to get rid of unwanted furniture? Check out our article: How to Handle Unwanted Furniture Before Your Move.
Empty heavy furniture before the move
A common LA mistake: “Let’s leave items inside dressers to save time.”
Sometimes this works for small, sturdy pieces with easy access. But when you have:
- Stairs
- Tight hallways
- Long carries
- Bulky/heavy furniture
Leaving items inside can make the piece unsafe to carry, harder to protect, and more likely to cause damage or injury.
Best practice:
- Empty heavy dressers and large cabinets ahead of time
- Keep drawers separate if needed
- Reduce weight to protect floors, walls, and backs
Move small stuff yourself (if budget is tight)
If you want to cut moving time dramatically, this tip makes the biggest difference.
Many customers assume large furniture is the main time factor — but usually it’s the opposite. Big items often move quickly with the right team. It’s the small items and endless trips that eat hours.
If you can, move:
- Small boxes
- Bags, loose items
- Small fragile items (carefully)
Then your movers handle the heavy pieces and protected furniture. This approach can cut your moving time by 50% or more in the right situation.
Keep clear pathways inside your home
An organized home moves faster — period.
Before the crew arrives:
- Clear walkways and hallways
- Stack packed boxes in one area (if possible)
- Move small loose items off floors
- Keep furniture accessible
When movers don’t have to “reorganize” the apartment first, they can wrap and carry without interruptions.
Keep pets safely away during the move
Pets make moves slower and riskier, even with a careful crew.
Movers naturally slow down if they’re worried a cat may dart out the door or a dog might be underfoot. To protect everyone:
- Set up a safe room where movers won’t enter, or
- Have a friend/family member watch your pet during loading/unloading
It reduces stress for your pet and keeps the move moving.
Moving with pets? Check out our article on how to keep them safe and calm during the relocation.
Will your furniture fit? Measure before moving day
In areas like Silver Lake, Hollywood, Glendale, and hillside neighborhoods, older buildings and tight access are common. Don’t wait until moving day to find out your couch doesn’t clear the stairwell.
Before the move:
- Measure bulky items (sofa, bed frame, large dresser)
- Check doors, hallways, elevators, stair turns
- Confirm access at the new place
Bonus tip: create a simple floor plan so movers can place items quickly without shifting the same furniture around multiple times. If you like tech, AR room-planning apps can help visualize layout in advance.
Choose the right moving day (and start time)
Timing can affect your rate and your total hours.
To lower costs:
- Avoid weekends when possible
- Avoid end-of-month dates if you can (highest demand)
- Start early to reduce heat, delays, and traffic issues
- Avoid peak traffic hours if you’re crossing Los Angeles
Less traffic and easier logistics usually mean fewer paid hours.
Check your moving company carefully
Hiring the right movers in Los Angeles is one of the biggest ways to avoid costly surprises.
Before you book:
- Confirm the company is properly licensed and insured in California
- Read recent reviews on Google and Yelp
- Look for comments about efficiency, professionalism, and care — not just pricing
A reliable moving company should be transparent, responsive, and clear about how they charge for time and services.
Get advice from moving experts
If your move has anything unusual — tight access, stairs, bulky items, long carries, elevator rules — ask for advice.
Many moving companies can help you plan by:
- Phone or email guidance
- Virtual walkthrough
- On-site visit (depending on the job)
A short conversation can save hours later.
Prepare a simple moving checklist to lower the cost of your move
Use this quick checklist the week of your move:
- Pack small items into boxes
- Tape boxes top + bottom
- Label boxes on multiple sides
- Mark fragile boxes clearly
- Reserve elevator / loading area (if needed)
- Plan parking at pickup + drop-off
- Measure bulky furniture and access points
- Clear pathways inside the home
- Set a safe plan for pets
- Separate “essentials” you’ll need day one
FAQ: How to Cut Moving Costs
1) What are the most common mistakes that make an LA move more expensive?
The biggest cost-drivers are last-minute packing, unlabeled boxes, poor parking setup (long walking distance), not reserving an elevator in advance, and trying to move with clutter or unwanted furniture. These issues slow the crew down and add paid hours.
2) Should I pack everything myself or pay movers to pack?
If you want to save money, pack your small items yourself (kitchenware, clothes, books, decor). Professional packing can be helpful for fragile items or tight timelines, but doing basic packing in advance usually cuts a few hours off the move.
3) How do I avoid delays with parking and elevators in LA buildings?
Plan logistics early. If your building has a loading zone or dock, ask management about rules and reservations. In busy areas (DTLA, Westwood, Century City, West Hollywood), try to secure the closest legal parking spot for the truck and reserve the elevator if your building requires it.
4) Do I really need to empty dressers and cabinets before movers arrive?
Most of the time, yes — especially for heavy furniture, stairs, long carries, or tight hallways. Emptying furniture makes it safer to carry, reduces the risk of damage, and prevents movers from wasting time unloading it during the move.
Conclusion: small prep = big savings
If you follow these simple moving tips, you can reduce your moving cost, lower the risk of damage or injuries, and make the entire day smoother for everyone involved.
If you’re looking for a reliable, professional moving company in Los Angeles, SQ Moving Company is here to help. We’re happy to give you practical advice on how to prepare, whether your move is local, apartment-to-apartment, or a larger home relocation.
