Holiday Moving Tips in Los Angeles: How I Help Clients Survive the Craziest Season

Moving in Los Angeles is already… a lot. Add the holidays, and it can feel like you’re trying to navigate the 405 at 5 p.m. on a Friday, in the rain, with a car full of screaming kids.

I see it every year: people who have to move in December or early January. If that’s you right now, you’re not alone—and you’re not crazy for feeling overwhelmed.

I want to walk you through how I personally help clients pull off a holiday move in Los Angeles with as little stress as humanly possible. And if at any point you think, “Nope, I don’t want to deal with this alone,” that’s where my team at United Prime Van Lines can step in.

Why Holiday Moves in LA Are Intense

There are three big reasons holiday moves feel extra chaotic:

1. Traffic + Events: Shoppers, tourists, Lakers games, and concerts at the Hollywood Bowl stack on top of normal traffic.
2. Short Days: It gets darker earlier. If your building only allows moves between 9 AM and 4 PM, we have to be efficient.
3. Split Focus: You are juggling gifts, family, travel, and work pressure.

My goal is simple: strip out the chaos, keep the joy.

Step One: Lock in Your Date (Before LA Gets Busy)

Avoid these days if possible:

• The weekend right before Christmas.
• December 31 and January 1.
• The weekend immediately after New Year's.

The Sweet Spot:

• Weekdays in early to mid-December.
• The middle of the week between Christmas and New Year's (surprisingly calm).

Step Two: Talk to Your Building Manager

If you live in an apartment or condo, the rules get strict in December. Call your manager and ask:

• "Are there blackout dates around Christmas/New Year's?"
• "Do you need a COI (Certificate of Insurance)?"
• "Where exactly can the truck park?"

Once you have those answers, tell us. At United Prime Van Lines, we handle COIs all the time and schedule around your building's rules.

Step Three: Pack Smart (The "Holiday Box" Strategy)

Packing during the holidays is different. You need three categories:

1. Holiday Essentials Dishes, toiletries, meds, and a few outfits.

2. The Holiday Joy Box

• One small string of lights.
• A tiny tabletop tree or menorah.
• A favorite candle.
• Label it: OPEN FIRST – HOLIDAY BOX.

3. Everything Else Pack it, label it, forget it.

Pro Tip: Use Color Coding.

• Red: Open Immediately (Essentials).
• Green: Important (Clothes/Decor).
• Blue: Wait until January (Books/Off-Season).

Step Four: Weather & Light

LA winters can be tricky. Early sunsets mean we lose light fast.

• Start Early: We aim for 8 AM starts to maximize daylight.
• Floor Protection: If it rains (it happens!), we lay down runners to protect your floors from mud and moisture.

Step Five: Managing LA Holiday Traffic

Traffic spikes at weird times in December.

• Route Planning: We map multiple routes to avoid malls (The Grove, Americana) and event venues.
• Buffer Time: We build in extra time so a traffic jam doesn't ruin the day.

Special Considerations: Kids & Pets

For Kids: Let them pack a "Holiday Carry-On" backpack with their favorite toy, pajamas, and a snack. It stays with you, not on the truck.

For Pets: Holiday moves are noisy. If possible, send them to a friend or daycare. If not, keep them in a quiet room with a "Do Not Open" sign.

What to DIY vs. What to Outsource

DIY:

• Sorting/decluttering.
• Packing clothes and books.
• Managing holiday gifts.

Outsource:

• Full Packing: We pack your entire home in a day so you can focus on work/family.
• Furniture Disassembly: We take apart the beds and tables and put them back together at the new place.
• Specialty Items: Pianos, art, and large TVs.

Giving Yourself Permission

You are allowed to have an "imperfect" holiday.

• It's okay if your tree is tiny.
• It's okay to eat takeout on the floor.
• What matters is that you are safe and together.

My job, and my team’s job at United Prime Van Lines, is to make the logistical chaos as light as possible so you can still feel some joy in the middle of all the cardboard.

Reach out, and we’ll get you settled so you can start the new year in a home that actually feels like yours.