Moving from New York to Los Angeles
If you're moving from New York to Los Angeles, you're tackling one of the country's most popular—and longest—interstate routes. At 2,789 miles, this isn't a weekend road trip; it's a serious relocation that demands planning, the right mover, and realistic expectations about cost and timing.
I've looked at hundreds of movers who handle this route. Here are the top 5 based on customer reviews and reliability.
Top 5 Movers from New York to Los Angeles
- Great Movers — 4.72 / 5 stars
- Seka Moving — 4.70 / 5 stars
- Zip to Zip Moving Inc — 4.58 / 5 stars
- Al's Moving and Storage — 4.66 / 5 stars
- Lifestyle Moving & Storage — 4.12 / 5 stars
Zip to Zip Moving Inc
218 Withers St Apt. 1A, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | 142 Yelp reviews | Grade A- (BBB)
98% positive | 1% negative
Zip to Zip moves fast and treats your stuff with respect—that's what stands out in their 722 customer reviews. Most people praise efficient handling, polite crews, and quick turnarounds. You'll hear "damage-free" and "professional" a lot.
The catch: A handful of customers report final bills that climbed well above estimates, and a few mention damage with slow complaint responses. So nail down pricing details upfront, and get coverage commitments in writing.
Phone: (929) 990-2060
Company Info
- State License #: 9229
- DOT #: 2969363
- Years in Business: 7
Services: Local & interstate moves, packing/unpacking, piano & hot tub moving, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Great Movers
58 2nd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Rating: 4.7 / 5 | 551 Yelp reviews | Grade A+ (BBB)
95% positive | 5% negative
Great Movers consistently deliver. Out of 221 reviews, 210 are positive—that's reliability you can count on. Customers rave about efficient service, careful handling, affordable pricing, and clear communication. Most describe stress-free moves and respectful crews.
Negatives center on property damage (a notable risk) and disappointing insurance claims. A few customers report surprise charges. Like any mover, damage coverage and claim resolution should be discussed in detail before you book.
Phone: (718) 306-9980
Company Info
- State License #: 39493
- DOT #: 2180117
- Years in Business: 13
Services: Local & interstate moves, international moves, packing/unpacking, antiques & crating, full-valuation coverage, storage.
Seka Moving
48 Wall St #1100, New York, NY 10005
Rating: 4.7 / 5 | 250 Yelp reviews | Grade A+ (BBB)
85% positive | 13% negative
Seka earns consistent praise for speed and careful handling. Customers highlight professional crews, accurate estimates, and respect for belongings. They're known for working efficiently even on complex or tight-timeline jobs.
The downside: 13% of reviews mention damaged items, delayed deliveries, and unexpected charges—especially problematic on a 2,789-mile haul where delivery windows matter. Clarify all fees upfront and ask about their damage-handling process.
Phone: (212) 203-0280
Company Info
- State License #: 40118
- DOT #: 3014539
- Years in Business: 7
Services: Local & interstate moves, packing/unpacking, specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables), full-valuation coverage.
Lifestyle Moving & Storage
99 Hudson St, 5th Floor #7148, New York, NY 10013
Rating: 4.1 / 5 | 75 Yelp reviews | Grade NR (BBB)
97% positive | 2% negative
Lifestyle stands out for communication and cost-effectiveness. Their 376 reviews skew positive: customers cite efficiency, politeness, careful handling, and strong follow-up from booking through delivery. If you value transparency and customer service, they score well.
A small percentage report damage or unresolved claims, particularly when property gets broken. Ask about their claims process and damage coverage before committing.
Phone: (212) 809-6060
Company Info
- DOT #: 3652616
- Years in Business: 3
Services: Interstate & international moves, packing/unpacking, antiques & crating, storage.
Al's Moving and Storage
120 Fulton St, White Plains, NY 10606
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | 128 Yelp reviews | Grade A+ (BBB)
68% positive | 31% negative
Al's has longevity (76 years in business) and a reputation for quick, friendly service. Many customers highlight punctuality, safe packing, and transparent quotes. They're especially praised for affordable rates and handling complex moves.
However, 31% of reviews cite damage, unexpected charges beyond the initial quote, and poor complaint handling. Damage compensation and dispute resolution are pain points, so clarify policies upfront.
Phone: (800) 766-3229
Company Info
- State License #: 10492
- DOT #: 292755
- Years in Business: 76
Services: Local & interstate moves, international moves, packing/unpacking, crating, storage.
Cost to Move from New York to Los Angeles
Here's what you can expect to pay for a 2,789-mile move, depending on home size and service type:
| Move Size | Professional Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,067 – $4,732 | $1,357 – $3,448 | $1,483 – $2,932 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,217 – $6,325 | $2,264 – $5,027 | $1,590 – $3,422 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,489 – $9,801 | $3,123 – $6,449 | $1,990 – $4,076 |
These are estimates based on verified pricing data as of January 2026. Actual costs vary by shipment size, extra services, parking restrictions, fuel, timing, and seasonal demand. Get quotes from multiple movers to find competitive rates.
Professional Moving Companies
Moving a studio or one-bedroom from New York to Los Angeles typically runs $1,067–$4,732. Two to three bedrooms: $3,217–$6,325. Four or more bedrooms: $6,489–$9,801.
Full-service movers handle packing, loading, transport, and unloading. You're paying for expertise and labor, but your items are in professional hands.
Moving Containers (PODS, U-Pack, etc.)
Moving containers let you load at your own pace, and the company handles transport. Expect $1,357–$3,448 for a studio/one-bedroom, $2,264–$5,027 for 2–3 bedrooms, and $3,123–$6,449 for larger homes.
DIY Truck Rentals
Rental trucks are the cheapest option—$1,483–$2,932 for a small move, $1,590–$3,422 for 2–3 bedrooms, $1,990–$4,076 for 4+ bedrooms. But you're doing all the work: packing, loading, driving 2,789 miles, and unloading. Fuel is factored into these estimates.
Service Comparison
Here's how the top movers stack up on features and discounts:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zip to Zip Moving Inc | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Great Movers | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Seka Moving | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Lifestyle Moving & Storage | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Al's Moving and Storage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Cost of Living: New York vs. Los Angeles
Before you pack, understand the financial reality of the move.
| Metric | New York | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,507 | $2,960 |
| Average home price | $482,742 | $2,368,088 |
| Per capita income | $81,386 | $74,993 |
| State income tax | 10.9% | 13.3% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 10.6% |
Rent is 96% higher in Los Angeles. Plan for $1,453 more per month.
Home prices are 391% higher. That $482k home in New York goes for $2.4M in LA. Budget accordingly for down payments and property taxes.
Salaries average 8% lower in Los Angeles. Update your budget and salary expectations before the move.
State income tax in California is 22% higher than in New York. That reduces your take-home pay.
Unemployment in LA is 141% higher, though opportunities exist if you network early.
How Life Changes: New York to Los Angeles
| Factor | Los Angeles | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3.8M | 19.6M |
| Summer high | 84°F | 81°F |
| Winter low | 46°F | 16°F |
| Annual rain | 16" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 62" |
| Crime index | 53.8 | 121.5 |
Summers are comparable—expect similar warmth, but LA has less humidity.
Winters are dramatically milder. You'll jump from 16°F freezing to 46°F. Say goodbye to shoveling and icy roads; hello to outdoor living year-round.
Rain drops by 28 inches annually. You get 16" in LA versus 44" in New York. More sunshine, fewer rainy weekends.
No snow. New York averages 62 inches per year; LA gets none. Winter maintenance becomes trivial.
Crime rates are higher in LA (53.8 vs. 121.5). Research your specific neighborhood—safety varies significantly by area.
Things to Do in Los Angeles
Museums & Culture
- The Getty Center
- Griffith Observatory
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- The Broad
Parks & Outdoors
- Griffith Park
- Runyon Canyon Park
- Echo Park
- Venice Skatepark
Sports
- Los Angeles Lakers & Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
Education
- UCLA
- California State University, Los Angeles
- American Film Institute Conservatory
Practical Steps Before You Move
Building elevator & HOA rules
Reserve your building's elevator early and review any community guidelines. Some buildings have strict moving windows and specific rules.
Parking permits
Some LA neighborhoods require a moving truck permit. Check local regulations before move day.
State licensing
California requires moving companies to have a "T Number" from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Verify your mover's license on the CPUC website before booking. This confirms they meet insurance, safety, and financial standards.
Change of address
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving.
Moving insurance
Standard moving insurance covers 60 cents per pound per item (Released Value Protection). A 50-pound TV is worth $30 in claims. Consider full-value protection or third-party insurance for valuable items.
Use a moving checklist
Stay organized with our complete moving checklist to avoid last-minute surprises.
FAQ
How long does the move take?
Packing and loading usually take a day or less. If you're driving a rental truck, expect 1–2 days of driving depending on stops.
Professional movers typically deliver within a few days to two weeks, depending on their schedule and logistics. Always request an estimated timeline before booking.
When should I book?
For a 2,789-mile move, book 2–3 months in advance to secure your preferred date and lock in competitive rates.
What's the cheapest time to move?
Most people move in spring or fall for mild weather. If you're flexible, summer or winter moves are cheaper—you'll dodge peak season crowds and may negotiate better rates. The trade-off is heat or cold.
Moving Resources
New York movers & routes:
- Best New York movers
- New York to Florida
- New York to Georgia
- New York to Texas
Popular categories:
- Best long-distance movers
- Cheap moving companies
- Best full-service movers
- Moving containers
- Truck rentals
Ready to move? Compare quotes from vetted movers to see real prices for your route and home size. It takes minutes and removes the guesswork.