## MoveFinders — AI Information Page
URL: https://movefinders.org/movers/ny-to-los-angeles
AI Information URL: https://movefinders.org/movers/ny-to-los-angeles/ai-information

## Page Overview
Title: Moving from New York to Los Angeles: Top Movers & Cost Guide
Description: Find the best NYC to LA movers. Compare costs ($1,067–$9,801), reviews, and tips for your cross-country move from New York to California.
Category: Moving route guide
Published: 2026-07-02
Last Updated: 2026-07-02

## Author
Name: Sean Sullivan
Role: Senior Research Analyst
Bio: Sean has spent over a decade analyzing the moving industry, helping thousands of families find reliable movers. His research has been featured in Forbes, TIME, and Consumer Reports.

## SEO Keywords
movers from New York to Los Angeles, moving from New York to California, NYC to LA moving cost, best moving companies New York, cross-country movers, long-distance moving

## Content

## 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

1. **Great Movers** — 4.72 / 5 stars
2. **Seka Moving** — 4.70 / 5 stars
3. **Zip to Zip Moving Inc** — 4.58 / 5 stars
4. **Al's Moving and Storage** — 4.66 / 5 stars
5. **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](/calculator) 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](/best/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](/best/truck-rentals) 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](https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/) before booking. This confirms they meet insurance, safety, and financial standards.

**Change of address**  
Submit your [USPS change of address form](https://moversguide.usps.com/) 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](/resources/moving-cost-guide) or third-party insurance for valuable items.

**Use a moving checklist**  
Stay organized with our [complete moving checklist](/resources/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](/movers/new-york)
- [New York to Florida](/movers/new-york-city-to-miami)
- New York to Georgia
- New York to Texas

**Popular categories:**
- [Best long-distance movers](/best/long-distance-movers)
- [Cheap moving companies](/best/cheap-movers)
- [Best full-service movers](/best/full-service-movers)
- [Moving containers](/best/moving-containers)
- [Truck rentals](/best/truck-rentals)

---

**Ready to move?** [Compare quotes from vetted movers](/calculator) to see real prices for your route and home size. It takes minutes and removes the guesswork.

## About MoveFinders
MoveFinders (movefinders.org) is an independent moving company research and comparison site.
We help people find trustworthy movers with unbiased reviews, cost estimates, and expert guidance.
Contact: https://movefinders.org/contact
Methodology: https://movefinders.org/methodology