When it comes to relocation services in LA, the options can feel overwhelming. Los Angeles is not only the largest city in California but also home to one of the biggest moving services markets in the entire United States. With thousands of companies offering everything from local apartment moves to large-scale commercial relocations, it’s no surprise that many residents struggle to decide which movers they can truly rely on.
That’s why we’ve put together this 2025 moving guide on how to choose the right moving company. Based on our research and years of experience in the industry, we’ll walk you through the most important factors to consider when evaluating relocation services in Los Angeles—so you can make an informed decision, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy a smoother, stress-free move.
Relocation Services in LA – What Our 2025 Research Reveals
When researching relocation services in Los Angeles, most residents begin looking for movers 1–2 months prior to their moving date. However, according to our statistics, the majority of people make their final booking decision just 1–2 weeks prior to the move. For many, the deciding factor is price. Since many believe that “all movers are the same,” they often select the company that offers the lowest rate. Unfortunately, this approach can lead to major risks. Booking a moving company solely based on price may result in working with an unlicensed or uninsured mover, leading to damaged furniture, lost items, or even theft.
Our 2025 research reveals that more than 40% of companies offering relocation services in LA operate without the proper California moving permit or insurance. To protect yourself, we highly recommend verifying that any company you consider is licensed with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) and authorized to provide residential moving services within the state. This simple step can save you from costly mistakes and ensure a smooth, professional relocation experience.
How to Choose the Right Moving Company in Los Angeles – Options for Every Type of Move
When people ask how to choose the right moving company, the answer depends on several factors: the size of your move, the number of belongings, and the type of moving services you require. Not every move in Los Angeles needs a full-service moving company, and understanding your options can help you make the right decision.
Small Moves – DIY or Hourly Help
If your move is very small—such as relocating a few pieces of furniture or handling a one-hour labor job—hiring a licensed moving company may not be practical. Most relocation services in Los Angeles have a 3–4 hour minimum charge. In this case, you can consider renting a small truck from Home Depot or U-Haul.
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Pros: Cheapest option, full flexibility.
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Cons: Lack of experience can lead to damage or injury.
Another option is hiring self-employed movers through platforms like TaskRabbit or Lugg.
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Pros: Less risk of damage, no risk of personal injury.
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Cons: Higher cost compared to DIY.
⚠️ We strongly advise against hiring people from the street (often seen near home improvement stores). Based on our experience, many customers came to us after facing problems such as lost or damaged belongings when they tried this option.
Residential and Commercial Moves – Why Professional Movers Are Worth It
For larger residential or commercial moves, the safest and most efficient solution is to hire a licensed moving company in Los Angeles. A professional team offers:
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Consistent communication before, during, and after the move.
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A fully equipped truck with protective materials and packing supplies.
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Experienced and trained movers who know how to handle all types of relocations.
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Tools to disassemble and reassemble furniture.
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Insurance coverage and certificate of insurance(COI).
While the cost may be higher than DIY or TaskRabbit movers, you can be confident your belongings are safe, protected, and handled by experts. Plus, you avoid the stress of truck rentals, heavy lifting, and potential injuries.
Why TaskRabbit or Lugg May Not Be the Best for Large Moves
Some people look to TaskRabbit or Lugg for bigger relocations because they expect a lower price. However, for a full-scale move, this option can backfire. These platforms may assign movers who have never worked together, which increases the chance of delays, mistakes, or damage. That’s why for medium to large relocations, we recommend only choosing licensed relocation services in LA.
How to Choose the Right Moving Company in Los Angeles – Questions to Ask Before Booking
Even after confirming that a company is fully licensed and insured, the next step is just as important: knowing what to ask before your relocation in Los Angeles. Many moving companies advertise low rates but then add hidden fees that can make your final bill much higher than expected. To avoid surprises, always ask about the following:
Reviews and Reputation Matter
When comparing relocation services in Los Angeles, don’t forget to research what past customers are saying. Online reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp can reveal whether a company is reliable, punctual, and professional.
Look for patterns in reviews:
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Consistent praise for communication and careful handling of belongings is a good sign.
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Repeated complaints about hidden fees, late arrivals, or damaged furniture are red flags.
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A mix of positive reviews over several years shows stability and trustworthiness.
Checking reputation is just as important as comparing rates—it helps ensure you choose a moving company that delivers on its promises.
Online reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp can reveal whether a company is reliable, punctual, and professional. If you want to dig deeper and learn how to recognize fake reviews, check out our guide → How to Recognize Fake Reviews in 2025.
Common Extra Fees to Watch Out For
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Taxes on top of hourly or flat rates – Reputable movers never charge sales tax on moving labor.
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Mileage fees – In California, licensed companies can only charge “double drive time,” not a mileage fee on top.
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Truck fee or gas fee – Ask if this is included or separate.
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Packing materials – Shrink wrap, tape, boxes, and blankets may come at an extra cost.
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Heavy item fee – Items like pianos, safes, or oversized furniture often have additional charges.
Always review your booking confirmation carefully to ensure no hidden charges have been added.
Special Items Require Special Attention
If you have delicate or heavy items—such as mirrored furniture, glass tables, antiques, or unusually bulky pieces—let the moving company know in advance. This allows them to assign their most experienced team and bring the right equipment to ensure a smooth and safe relocation.
Why Transparency Matters
Some movers lower their hourly rate to appear more affordable, then make up for it by adding fees for everything else. In the end, you could pay more than you would with a company that offered a straightforward hourly rate. That’s why it’s critical to ask questions up front, confirm all charges in writing, and only move forward with movers who are clear and transparent. If you’d like to learn more about spotting dishonest practices, check out our guide on Avoiding Moving Scams in Los Angeles – Spot the Red Flags.
👉 And remember, while tipping is not included in the estimate, it is customary to tip your movers if they do a great job.
Deposits, Agreements, and Payment Rules You Should Know
Before booking relocation services in Los Angeles, it’s important to understand how deposits and payments work. Some moving companies require a deposit to secure your spot and protect themselves in case of last-minute cancellations. This deposit helps cover movers’ salaries and expenses if the customer cancels without notice.
At SQ Moving Company, we do not require deposits. However, we strongly recommend avoiding last-minute cancellations or reschedules. According to our policy, canceling an hour before your move means we must still pay our team for a minimum of three hours. To avoid unnecessary costs, make any changes at least 48 hours before your move—or at the very least three hours prior in case of an emergency.
Signing Your Moving Agreement
Once you book your movers, the next step is meeting your moving team and signing a written agreement. If you’d like to review this in advance, simply ask the company to send you a copy. The agreement usually reflects the same terms and conditions listed in your booking confirmation.
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Always have your valid ID ready, as movers are legally required to verify it before signing.
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The moving agreement protects both you and the company, ensuring clear expectations and responsibilities.
Payment Options and Legal Requirements
Most licensed moving companies in Los Angeles request payment once the move is completed. Payment methods often include cash, Cash App, debit, or credit card. Still, California law allows movers to request payment before unloading the truck if they have reason to believe the customer may refuse payment.
If you plan to pay by card, keep in mind:
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The name on your ID and credit card must match.
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You must present the physical card—companies cannot process card payments without it.
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If the card and ID do not match, the mover may refuse the payment and require an alternative method.
Want to know how much your move should cost? Check out our Pricing Plans page to get a better idea of what to expect.
Final Thoughts – Choosing the Best Relocation Services in Los Angeles
By following this guide, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right moving company in Los Angeles for your relocation needs. From checking licenses and reviews to understanding fees, agreements, and insurance, taking the time to do your research ensures a smoother, safer, and stress-free moving experience.
At SQ Moving Company, we are proud to offer professional relocation services in Los Angeles since 2012. Our company is fully licensed and insured, and unlike many movers, we never add hidden fees. Every detail of your move is clearly explained in writing before your moving day, so there are no surprises. Our team of movers are not temporary contractors — they are full-time employees who have been with us for years, trained to handle residential and commercial moves with professionalism and care.
When you choose SQ Moving Company, you’re choosing experience, transparency, and peace of mind. Whether you’re moving across Los Angeles or just around the corner, our goal is to make your relocation simple, efficient, and worry-free.
👉 Contact us today for a free moving estimate and see why thousands of LA residents trust us with their moves.
