Moving out of Los Angeles is a big deal. You’re not just changing your address; you’re changing your whole rhythm of life—traffic, weather, rent, everything.
I’ve helped a lot of folks move out of LA to other states, and the same pattern repeats: it feels overwhelming at first, then manageable with a plan, and finally… surprisingly freeing once the truck pulls away.
Let me walk you through how I’d tackle an interstate move from Los Angeles, step by step, the same way I walk my clients through it at United Prime Van Lines.
Step 1: Get Real About Your Timeline and Budget
Before you touch a single box, you need two numbers: when you’re moving and how much you can realistically spend.
Pick a Move Window, Not Just a Date
Don’t start with “I’m moving June 10.” Start with a window, like “early June.”
- Flexibility saves money: Weekdays and mid-month moves are usually cheaper.
- Lease logic: Avoid paying overlapping rent longer than necessary.
- Lower stress: If dates shift by 24 hours (which happens), you won't panic.
Build a Simple, Honest Budget
Break it down into these buckets:
- The Move: Moving company or truck rental.
- Supplies: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap.
- Travel: Flights, gas, hotels, food on the road.
- Start-up Costs: New deposits, pet fees, utility connections.
Step 2: Decide What’s Really Moving With You
Interstate moving costs are heavily tied to how much you bring. Every box has a dollar value attached to it.
Do a Room‑By‑Room Reality Check
- Definitely Keep: Bed, favorite couch, sentimental items.
- Probably Keep: Things you use often but could replace.
- Sell or Donate: Furniture that won't fit the new vibe, duplicates.
- Trash: Broken items, old paperwork.
The Rule: If it’s cheap to replace and takes up a lot of space (e.g., old IKEA bookshelves), it’s often cheaper not to move it across the country.
Step 3: Compare Moving Options
From Los Angeles to another state, you have three main paths.
1. Full‑Service Interstate Movers (Lowest Stress)
- What you get: A crew loads, drives, and unloads.
- Best for: 1+ bedroom homes, families, or anyone who doesn't want to drive a 26ft truck on the I-405.
- Our Role: We handle everything from Los Angeles to your new driveway.
2. DIY Truck Rental (High Effort)
- What you get: A truck and a lot of driving.
- Hidden Costs: Fuel (10mpg), hotels, tolls, and insurance.
- Best for: Small moves (Studio/1-Bed) if you have the stamina for a cross-country drive.
3. Moving Container (Hybrid)
- What you get: A box in your driveway. You load; they drive.
- Downside: You do the heavy lifting. Storage logistics can be tricky if dates slip.
Step 4: Lock in Your Mover
Once you pick a route, book early. Summer and end-of-month dates in LA vanish fast.
Questions to Ask Any Interstate Mover
- Is this a binding or non‑binding estimate?
- What’s included? (Fuel, tolls, packing materials, stairs?)
- What is the delivery window?
- What is the cancellation policy?
At United Prime Van Lines, we provide written estimates with every fee itemized so there are no surprises.
Step 5: The Countdown Plan (4–6 Weeks Out)
4–6 Weeks Out
- Finalize housing in the new state.
- Gather documents (Medical, School, Vet records).
- Notify your current landlord.
3–4 Weeks Out
- Start packing non-essentials (Decor, Books, Off-season clothes).
- Pro Tip: If you are running out of time, ask about our Full Packing Services. We can do in one day what takes you two weeks.
Step 6: Pack Smart, Not Just Fast
- Pack by Room: Keep "Kitchen" separate from "Bedroom."
- Wardrobe Boxes: A lifesaver for clothes. Leave them on the hanger.
- Fragile Items: Plates go on their side (like records), not flat. Use plenty of paper.
Step 7: Get Your LA Affairs in Order
Leaving LA means tying up loose ends:
- Utilities: Schedule shut-off for the day after the move.
- Parking: If you are in a dense neighborhood (WeHo, Santa Monica), reserve a parking permit for the truck.
- Elevators: Book the service elevator window with your building manager.
Step 8: Plan Your Travel
Your stuff goes on the truck; you go on an adventure.
- Driving? Plan your hotel stops and keep valuables (jewelry, cash, laptops) in the car with you.
- Flying? Book flights that align with your load/delivery window.
Step 9: Moving Day in Los Angeles
The Night Before
- Defrost the fridge.
- Pack your "Do Not Load" suitcase (Essentials, chargers, meds).
The Big Day
- Walkthrough: Show the crew exactly what goes.
- Protection: Watch as we wrap furniture and protect floors.
- Final Check: Look in every closet, cabinet, and the dishwasher before the truck leaves.
Step 10: Delivery & Settling In
Unloading
- Direct traffic: Tell the movers exactly where furniture goes.
- Check off the inventory as items come off the truck.
Unpacking Strategy
Don't try to do it all in 24 hours.
- Bedroom: Assemble the bed and make it.
- Bathroom: Shower curtain and toiletries.
- Kitchen: Coffee maker and essential dishes. Everything else can wait.
Summary: Your LA Exit Strategy
Leaving Los Angeles for another state is a big chapter change, but it doesn’t have to feel like chaos. If you:
- Set a realistic budget.
- Purge what you don't need.
- Choose the right mover.
- Tackle logistics in stages.
...then your move turns into a series of manageable steps.
If you want help turning this step‑by‑step guide into your actual move plan, reach out to us at United Prime Van Lines. We’ve moved people from small LA studios to massive hillside homes across the country. Let’s get you to your new state.
