If you’re planning a move in Los Angeles, you’ve probably already noticed this: every mover seems to price things differently. One company charges by the hour, another gives you one flat price that covers everything, and suddenly it feels like you’re comparing apples to oranges.
I move people in and around LA every week, and I can tell you this honestly: Neither hourly nor flat-rate is “always better.”
The right choice depends on your specific move, your home, your schedule, and how much uncertainty you’re comfortable with. Let me walk you through how I look at this with my own customers here in LA.
How Moving Pricing Works in Real Life
First, a quick reality check. Los Angeles isn’t an easy city to move in. Traffic can turn a 10-minute drive into 45 minutes, and elevators or narrow streets change the game instantly.
When you see “hourly” or “flat-rate,” you’re really choosing:
- Hourly: You pay for the actual time and labor used.
- Flat-Rate: You pay for a predicted time and effort, baked into one number.
Option 1: Hourly Pricing (The "Pay-As-You-Go" Model)
What it is: You pay a rate per hour for a set crew size and truck.
- Example: 3 Movers + Truck at $150/hr (with a 4-hour minimum).
When Hourly Makes Sense in LA
I usually recommend hourly pricing when:
- Local Move: You are moving a short distance (e.g., Reseda to Northridge).
- Small Inventory: Studio or 1-bedroom apartment.
- Easy Access: Ground floor, good parking, no long walks.
- You are Prepared: Everything is packed and labeled before we arrive.
The Risk: If LA traffic is bad, or if you have a slow elevator, the clock keeps ticking. You pay for delays.
Option 2: Flat-Rate Pricing (The "All-Inclusive" Model)
What it is: You get one fixed price for the whole move based on your inventory and access details. Once agreed, that price doesn't change (unless you add more stuff later).
When Flat-Rate Makes Sense in LA
I prefer flat-rate for moves that have:
- Unknowns: Unpredictable traffic windows or strict elevator reservations.
- Large Volume: 2–3+ bedroom homes with heavy furniture (pianos, safes).
- Complex Needs: Requires Full-Service Packing or extensive disassembly.
- The Benefit: You don't watch the clock. If traffic on the 405 adds an hour, that's our problem, not yours.
LA-Specific Factors That Change the Math
1. Traffic & Distance
- Hourly Risk: You pay for sitting in traffic.
- Flat-Rate Benefit: The traffic risk is on us.
2. Parking & Narrow Streets
If parking is tight (Echo Park, Silver Lake), movers may have to park far away and shuttle items.
- Hourly: Added walking time = more money.
- Flat-Rate: We factor that difficulty into the upfront price.
3. Stairs & Elevators
If you have a 3rd-floor walk-up or a reserved elevator window, flat-rate gives you peace of mind. We are motivated to bring the right crew size to finish efficiently without sticking you with overtime.
A Simple Cost Comparison (The 1-Bedroom Example)
Imagine moving a 1-bedroom apartment about 8 miles across LA.
Option A: Hourly ($150/hr)
- If done in 4 hours: $600.
- If traffic/delays push it to 6 hours: $900.
Option B: Flat-Rate
The Decision:
- Choose Hourly if you are confident things will go fast (you gamble on the lower price).
- Choose Flat-Rate if you want to avoid the $900 worst-case scenario (you pay for certainty).
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Regardless of the model, always ask:
- Truck & Fuel: Is it included?
- Materials: Do you pay for tape and shrink wrap?
- Travel Time: Does the clock start when they leave their warehouse or when they arrive at your door? (Double drive time is standard in California).
How Preparation Saves You Money (Especially Hourly)
If you go hourly, your preparation is powerful.
- Pack Everything: Loose items slow us down.
- Label Boxes: So we don't have to ask "Where does this go?" every time.
- Disassemble: Take apart beds and tables beforehand if you can.
Quick Self-Check: Which Fits You?
- Is your move predictable? (Short distance, easy parking) -> Hourly.
- Do you have a lot of stuff? (Full house, garage, attic) -> Flat-Rate.
- Are you stressed about the budget? (Need a guaranteed number) -> Flat-Rate.
The Verdict
Here is the honest summary from someone who sees moves in Los Angeles every day:
- Hourly Movers: Great for smaller, organized local moves where you aren't battling complex building rules.
- Flat-Rate Movers: Shine when there is uncertainty, heavy traffic corridors, or large volumes.
At United Prime Van Lines, we offer both options because we know one size doesn't fit all. If you tell me your addresses and inventory, I’ll tell you honestly which structure I’d choose if it were my own move.
