Hiring movers in Los Angeles
Movers who do moves within California must be licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), which took over from the CPUC on July 1, 2018. Check a mover in the BHGS license search, or call BHGS at (916) 999-2041, before you book. Movers cost the most of the three ways to move but do the work for you.
| Option | Typical cost | Who does the work |
|---|---|---|
| Movers, local (under 100 miles) | $500 to $3,500+ | The movers load, drive and unload |
| Movers, long distance (1,000+ miles) | $1,500 to $8,500+ | The movers load, drive and unload |
| Portable container, local | $400 to $700 | You load; the company drives |
| Rental truck, local | $30 to $500 | You load, drive and return it |
Where to rent
Budget Truck Rental
Moving trucks for local and one-way moves.
Check pricesPenske Truck Rental
Moving trucks for local and one-way moves.
Check pricesU-Pack
Portable containers and trailers for moves between cities.
Check prices
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Check the license first
Since July 1, 2018, household movers in California have been licensed and regulated by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The California Public Utilities Commission no longer oversees them, even though some older pages still say it does.
Before you book, look the mover up in the BHGS license search on its household movers page, or call BHGS at (916) 999-2041. Moving companies must be licensed before they operate.
If something goes wrong, you can file a complaint with BHGS online or by mail.
Moves to or from another state
BHGS covers moves within California. A move across state lines is licensed federally instead, so check an interstate mover's federal registration before you book.
What movers cost
moveBuddha's 2026 U.S. ranges are $500 to $3,500 or more for a local move under 100 miles and $1,500 to $8,500 or more for a long-distance move over 1,000 miles. We don't have LA-only mover rates yet; we'll add published LA rate cards, each linked and dated.
Home size, stairs, distance and date all move the price, so get written quotes from more than one licensed mover.
When movers are worth it
Movers make the most sense when time, stairs or heavy furniture matter more than price, or when you can't drive a large truck.
If you'd rather do the loading yourself, see the truck size guide or truck vs portable container.
Questions people ask
Who licenses movers in California?
The Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, since July 1, 2018.
Does the CPUC still license movers?
No. The CPUC's authority over household goods carriers moved to BHGS on July 1, 2018, under Senate Bill 19.
How much do movers cost in Los Angeles?
We don't have LA-only figures yet. moveBuddha's 2026 U.S. range for a local move under 100 miles is $500 to $3,500 or more.
Related
Sources
- Bureau of Household Goods and Services — household movers information and license search — checked September 28, 2026
- CPUC — transfer of household goods carrier authority to BHGS, July 1, 2018 — checked September 28, 2026
- BHGS — AB 2956 advisory (household movers permitted by the Bureau) — checked September 28, 2026
- moveBuddha — moving cost calculator and 2026 cost ranges — checked September 28, 2026