Moving out of Los Angeles: a step-by-step guide

To move out of LA, choose between a one-way truck, a portable container or long-distance movers, then reserve curb space for loading day. Within California, movers must be licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS); moves to another state are licensed federally. If a large truck stays overnight, check the street's oversize-vehicle rules.

By RentThis · Updated September 27, 2026

Where to rent

  • Budget Truck Rental

    Moving trucks for local and one-way moves.

    Check prices

  • Penske Truck Rental

    Moving trucks for local and one-way moves.

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  • U-Pack

    Portable containers and trailers for moves between cities.

    Check prices

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Choose how to move

A one-way truck is usually cheapest if you can drive it. A container suits a long move where you'd rather not drive. Movers cost the most: moveBuddha's 2026 range for long-distance movers over 1,000 miles is $1,500 to $8,500 or more.

Check licensing before you book movers

For a move that stays in California, the mover must be licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), which took over from the California Public Utilities Commission on July 1, 2018. Check the license with the BHGS license search before you book. For a move to another state, the mover is licensed federally instead.

Loading day in LA

If you're in the City of Los Angeles and need street space, request temporary No Parking signs from LADOT at least five working days ahead.

If a large truck stays overnight, check the street: on streets posted for oversize vehicles, the City of LA bans vehicles over 22 feet long or over 84 inches tall from parking between 2 and 6 a.m. unless they display a $10-a-day LADOT permit.

Step by step

  1. Get three kinds of quotes. Price a one-way truck, a container and movers for the same dates.
  2. Check the license. In-state movers must be licensed by BHGS; look them up in its license search. Interstate movers are federally licensed.
  3. Book the right size. Use the truck size guide or container sizes.
  4. Reserve curb space. Call LADOT at least five working days before loading day.
  5. Plan overnight parking. On posted streets, vehicles over 22 feet long or 84 inches tall need a $10-a-day LADOT permit to park 2 to 6 a.m.

Questions people ask

What does it cost to move out of LA?

It depends on distance and method. moveBuddha's 2026 range for long-distance movers over 1,000 miles is $1,500 to $8,500 or more; driving a one-way truck yourself usually costs less.

How do I check a California mover's license?

Use the Bureau of Household Goods and Services license search, or call BHGS at (916) 999-2041. BHGS has licensed California movers since July 1, 2018; the CPUC no longer does.

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