Let me start with the truth nobody likes to hear: In Los Angeles, there is no perfect time to move.
There is, however, a much smarter time to move. And if you choose it right, you’ll save money, protect your sanity, and avoid watching your movers sit on the 405 like it’s a parking lot.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how I usually help clients in LA choose the best day, week, and month for a local move. Throughout this, if you feel like, “I’d rather have someone else worry about all this,” that’s exactly what we do at United Prime Van Lines. We handle local moves all across Los Angeles and the Valley, and we’ve seen every version of “good timing” and “oh no, we should’ve moved yesterday.”
How LA Itself Decides Your Move Date
LA is not just another city when it comes to moving. It’s a mix of heavy commuter traffic, micro-climates (beach vs. Valley), school schedules, and random Hollywood production street closures.
The Rule: A 10-mile move can either be a smooth 4-hour job or a 9-hour grind depending on when we start.
The Best Month to Move (Season by Season)
Winter (Dec – Feb): Quiet & Cheaper
- Pros: Lower rates, flexible crews, cooler temps.
- Cons: Rain risk, shorter daylight hours.
- Best For: Budget-conscious movers with flexible schedules. January is often the cheapest month of the year.
Spring (March – May): The Sweet Spot
If I had to pick a winner, it’s Late March through May.
- Why: Mild weather, manageable traffic, reasonable prices before the summer spike.
- Watch Out For: College graduations in May (USC/UCLA traffic).
Summer (June – Aug): Peak Chaos
- Pros: Kids are out of school, long daylight hours.
- Cons: Most expensive season, brutal heat in the Valley, booking requires 4 weeks' notice.
- Tip: If you must move in summer, aim for an early morning start to beat the heat.
Fall (Sept – Nov): The "Underrated" Pro Choice
- Why: Heat backs off, demand drops, and pricing is often better than summer.
- Best Time: October or early November is ideal.
Best Day of the Week: Weekdays Win
Weekdays (Mon–Thu):
- Lower rates: Most companies offer discounts mid-week.
- Logistics: Easier to reserve elevators and find parking.
- Traffic: Predictable commuter patterns (unlike erratic weekend traffic).
Weekends (Fri–Sun):
- Convenience: No need to take off work.
- Cost: Highest demand = Highest price.
- Risk: Beach traffic and events can clog roads unexpectedly.
The “End of Month” Trap
Avoid the 28th–2nd if possible. Most leases end on the 30th or 31st. This creates a massive bottleneck of demand.
- The Fix: If you can move one week before your lease ends, or mid-month (10th–20th), you will save money and stress.
What Time of Day Is Best?
In LA, the clock matters as much as the calendar.
1. Early Morning (7–9 AM Start)
- The Winner: Beats the heat and the traffic. Gives you a buffer if the job runs long.
- Essential For: Moves involving the Valley or long drives across town.
2. Mid-Day (11 AM – 2 PM)
- Risky: You are moving during peak heat and potentially peak traffic. Only recommended for small, short-distance moves.
3. Late Afternoon (3 PM+)
- Avoid: You will hit rush hour traffic, and in winter, you’ll be unloading in the dark.
Neighborhood Nuances: Where Are You Moving?
The Westside (Santa Monica, Venice)
- Rule: Avoid weekend mid-days. Beach traffic is brutal. Morning weekday moves are best.
The Valley (Reseda, Woodland Hills)
- Rule: Beat the heat. In summer, we need to be loading by 8 AM before it hits 100°F.
Hollywood / Central LA
- Rule: Watch for street cleaning and major events (Oscars, Marathons).
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
- Off-Peak (Winter/Fall): 7–10 days in advance.
- Shoulder Season (Spring): 10–14 days in advance.
- Peak Season (Summer): 2–4 weeks in advance.
A Simple Checklist for Choosing Your Date
When I’m on the phone with a client, I ask these 6 questions. You should ask them too:
- What’s your absolute latest move-out date?
- Can you get keys to the new place early? (Even 1 day adds huge flexibility).
- Are you okay taking one weekday off work? (Usually saves you money).
- Are you near busy zones? (Stadiums, Colleges, Beach).
- Is your move large or small? (Large moves need earlier starts).
- Do you have school-age kids? (Dictates summer vs. school year).
The Verdict: The "Perfect" LA Move Slot
If you have full flexibility, here is the Holy Grail of LA moving slots:
- Season: Late March–May OR October.
- Week: Mid-month (10th–20th).
- Day: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
- Time: 8:00 AM Start.
Los Angeles will never be a city where moving is effortless. But with smart timing and a crew that understands the traffic patterns, it can be a whole lot less stressful.
