For most local moves in Los Angeles, booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead is a good target. If you are moving in summer, on a weekend, or at the end or start of the month, try to book 4 to 6 weeks ahead, because those dates fill up first.
Why timing matters in Los Angeles
Many LA leases end on the last day of the month, so the last few days of a month and the first few of the next are busy. Summer is also popular because families move while school is out. When many people want the same days, the earliest-booking customers get the best start times.
A simple booking timeline
6 to 8 weeks out
- Decide your move date and confirm it with your landlord or escrow.
- Start calling movers if you are moving in June, July, August or at month-end.
3 to 4 weeks out
- Book your mover and choose a start time. Morning slots often go first.
- Ask your building about elevator reservations and insurance certificates. See our elevator and COI guide.
1 to 2 weeks out
- Request a temporary no-parking permit if you need street parking. Our parking permit guide explains how.
- Start packing rooms you use least.
The week of the move
- Confirm the time and both addresses with your mover.
- Finish packing and label every box by room.
Can I book movers on short notice?
Sometimes. Mid-week and mid-month dates often have openings even a few days out. If your plans changed suddenly, call and ask. Being flexible on the start time helps a lot.
How lead time affects cost
With hourly local moves, the rate does not usually change just because you booked early. What booking early gives you is choice: a morning start, the crew size you want and less stress. A morning start can also mean less traffic, which can shorten an hourly move. At Giant Movers 365, local moves are $129 per hour for 2 movers or $164 per hour for 3 movers, with a 3-hour minimum. For more on picking a date, read the best time to move in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles.
Office and in-state moves need more time
Office moves usually need planning around IT, furniture and building rules. Many businesses start 4 to 8 weeks out. See our office moving page.
Moves within California, such as Los Angeles to San Diego or the Bay Area, are bigger jobs. Booking several weeks ahead is wise. Learn more on our moving within California page. Moves must start in Southern California, and we do not do interstate moves.
FAQ
How far ahead should I book movers in LA? 2 to 4 weeks for most local moves, and 4 to 6 weeks for summer, weekends or month-end.
What are the busiest moving days? The last and first few days of each month, weekends, and summer.
Can I book a mover for this week? Often yes for mid-week, mid-month dates. Call to check.
Does booking early cost less? Hourly rates usually stay the same. Booking early gets you a better start time and more choice.
Reserve your date
Giant Movers 365 is a licensed mover (CA Mover MTR 0192654, USDOT 3963538) in Canoga Park serving Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita and Ventura. Call (310) 988-5051, 8 AM to 9 PM every day, to lock in your move date.
