If you live in L.A., you already know: timing is everything. That’s true for traffic, brunch, hiking… and it’s especially true for moving.
I’ve seen people pay almost double for the exact same move just because of when they scheduled it. Same building. Same stuff. Same distance. The only difference? One moved in the middle of August on a Saturday, the other moved on a random Wednesday in October.
Let’s walk through how to avoid peak moving season prices in Los Angeles, what “peak season” really looks like here, and how I usually help my customers at United Prime Van Lines save money just by making a few smarter timing choices.
Understanding L.A.’s Real “Peak Moving Season”
Most people think peak moving season is just “summer.” In Los Angeles, it’s a little more specific than that.
The Danger Zones:
- Peak Months: Late May through early September. (Absolute busiest: Mid-June to Mid-August).
- Peak Weeks: The last week of every month and the first 3–5 days of the next month.
- Peak Days: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays.
- Peak Time: Morning arrival windows (8–10 am).
During these times, demand is sky-high. More demand = fewer crews = higher prices.
Why Prices Spike
You aren't imagining it—the price difference can be huge. Here is what is happening behind the scenes:
- Limited Crews: On peak days, every truck is booked twice. Squeezing in a last-minute Saturday move requires overtime pay and extra stress on the team.
- Longer Days: Traffic jams, elevator waits, and heat breaks make every move take longer. Fewer moves per day = higher cost per move.
- Risk: On the 31st of the month, one elevator delay throws off the whole schedule. Companies price this risk in.
The Rule: Busier Day → Unpredictable Job → Higher Price.
The Single Easiest Trick: Move Mid-Month
If you remember only one strategy, let it be this: Move between the 8th and the 22nd of the month.
- Why? Leases start on the 1st. Elevators are slammed on the 30th.
- The Benefit: By choosing the 15th, you get lower rates, flexible time slots, and crews who aren't rushing.
The Second Trick: Avoid Weekends
I know weekends feel convenient, but they are expensive.
- Most Expensive: Saturdays.
- Cheapest: Mondays through Thursdays.
Strategy: Take one day off work to move on a Tuesday. The money you save on the move often outweighs a day of lost wages.
Picking the Right Time of Day
- Morning (8–10 AM): Most popular. Best if you want the day to yourself later.
- Midday (10 AM–2 PM): The "Sweet Spot" for non-peak days. Great for apartment moves.
- Late Afternoon (2 PM+): Risky. Traffic is heavy, parking is gone, and crews are tired. Avoid this for large moves.
How Early to Book
- Peak Summer (June–Aug): Book 4–6 weeks in advance.
- Shoulder Season (May/Sept): Book 3–5 weeks ahead.
- Non-Peak (Oct–April): 2–4 weeks is usually fine.
Workarounds for Non-Flexible Dates
If your lease forces you to move on the 1st:
- Split Move with Storage: Move out on the 25th into Short-Term Storage, stay in an Airbnb, then deliver on the 5th when rates drop.
- Move Non-Essentials Early: Move boxes and small items in your car over the week. Leave us only the big furniture for moving day. Fewer hours = lower cost.
- Ask for Nearby Dates: Sometimes moving on the 2nd instead of the 1st saves money.
Neighborhood Quirks
- DTLA Lofts: Strict loading dock times. Weekday middays often work better than rush-hour mornings.
- The Valley: Heat is brutal in the afternoon. Early morning starts are mandatory in summer.
- Beach Cities: Parking is a nightmare on weekends. Move on a weekday to avoid tourist traffic.
Flexible Services to Save Money
- Partial Packing: You pack clothes/books; we pack the Fragile Kitchen Items.
- Selective Disassembly: We only take apart the big bed frames and desks; you handle the smaller stuff.
- Heavy Items Only: You move the boxes; we move the furniture.
Questions to Ask Your Mover
- "Are your rates different for weekends vs. weekdays?"
- "If I moved on Tuesday instead of Saturday, how much would I save?"
- "Do you have a midday slot that is more budget-friendly?"
The "Low-Stress, Low-Cost" Plan
- Target the middle of the month.
- Choose a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
- Declutter heavily 2 weeks prior (don't pay to move junk).
- Pack your own clothes and books; let us pack the TV and art.
How We Help
If you are moving in Los Angeles—Northridge, Reseda, Woodland Hills—talk to us before you lock in your date.
Tell us your ideal window, and we can point out which days will be expensive and which days will save you money. Moving in L.A. doesn’t have to feel like you’re paying a “stress tax.”
Contact United Prime Van Lines today, and let's find the smart day to move.
