Cheapest Day to Hire Movers in LA in 2025

 

Written by Move and Care

Edited and Fact Checked by Taras Kim

Updated: August 11, 2025

Moving in Los Angeles can be expensive – but did you know that the day you schedule your move can make a big difference in cost? If you’re looking to save money, timing is everything. In this guide, we’ll explore the cheapest day to hire movers in LA and why choosing the right moving day (and time) can trim your moving budget. (Spoiler: being flexible with a mid-week move can save you a nice chunk of change!)

Quick Answer: What Day Is the Cheapest to Hire Movers in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, the cheapest days to hire movers are typically Tuesday and Wednesday. Why? Because most people plan their moves on weekends, which means movers have lighter schedules mid-week. Less demand = lower prices. Moving companies often charge lower rates on weekdays to attract customers during those slower periods. In contrast, weekends (and even Fridays and Mondays) tend to be busier and more expensive.

Think of it like flying on an off-peak day – if everyone wants to fly on Friday, Friday’s ticket prices go up. Similarly, when everyone wants to move on Saturday, movers can charge a premium. By opting for a Tuesday or Wednesday move, you’ll likely get a better hourly rate or an easier time booking your preferred crew. Some moving companies have even mentioned that they add about 20% to rates for peak days like weekends, whereas mid-week jobs might come with a discount. Over a full move, that could mean hundreds of dollars saved just by shifting your schedule.

Why Weekdays Beat Weekends for Moving in LA

Los Angeles is a busy city, and most locals prefer to move when it’s most convenient – usually on weekends or days off. This creates a simple supply-and-demand issue: weekends (Friday through Sunday) are high demand, so moving companies book up quickly and often charge higher rates for those days. It’s not that movers are trying to gouge you; it’s that their crews and trucks are in limited supply. If 10 families want to move on the same Saturday, LA movers can only handle so many jobs, so they prioritize by price and availability.

Weekdays, on the other hand, are a sweet spot. Far fewer people want to move on, say, a Tuesday morning when they’d normally be at work. Moving companies in LA often have open slots on those days, so they’re inclined to offer better deals or at least more scheduling flexibility. You might find that the same move that costs $800 on a Saturday could cost closer to $600 on a Wednesday, simply because the company is happy to fill the calendar.

Another factor in LA is crew availability. On chaotic weekends, even reputable movers may have all hands on deck (and you might end up with an inexperienced crew if the company has to hire temps for the extra workload). Mid-week moves typically get the A-team – the crew is fresh, not coming off back-to-back weekend jobs, and can give more focus to your move.

Finally, consider personal convenience: While moving on a weekend means you don’t miss work, it can also mean a more hectic day for you. Banks are closed, utility customer service may be unavailable, and traffic around neighborhoods can be heavier on Saturdays (think busy shopping areas or events). Moving on a quiet Tuesday means you can take care of any last-minute errands (like picking up extra boxes or parking permits) with less hassle, and if you realize you need something, stores and services are open as usual.

The Best Time of the Month to Schedule Your LA Move

Picking the right day of the week is one side of the coin; choosing the right time of the month is the other. In Los Angeles, like many cities, beginning and end of the month are peak moving times. The first weekend of each month and the last few days of each month are crunch time: leases are starting or ending, people are closing on homes, and you’ll see moving trucks all over the place. During these periods, demand for movers spikes – which can mean higher prices and less flexibility.

Mid-Month Magic

If you have any say in the matter, aim for a mid-month move, roughly between the 10th and 20th of the month. These days typically have fewer lease turnovers. Movers in LA often find mid-month to be a lull, so they may offer more attractive rates just to keep crews busy. You’ll also find it easier to snag your preferred moving company – even on a shorter notice – if you target a date that isn’t around the 1st or 30th/31st. For example, rather than scheduling your move on September 1, consider September 15. There’s a good chance you’ll face less competition for bookings and possibly friendlier pricing.

Avoid Beginning/End Surcharges

While not every mover explicitly charges more at month’s end, you might encounter minimum hour requirements or slightly higher quotes due to demand. And if you procrastinate booking, you could even get stuck paying for a more expensive package because all the standard slots are taken. Planning a mid-month move in LA can help you avoid this headache. It’s a classic case of avoid the crowd. You might also notice ancillary benefits – property managers are usually less overwhelmed mid-month, so getting elevator reservations or move-in approvals can be easier then.

In short, timing your move between the rushes (not at the very start or very end of the month) often means a smoother process and a potential cost savings of around 5-15% compared to month-end rates. Over several hours of moving, that adds up.

How Seasons Affect Moving Costs in Los Angeles

Southern California might not have dramatic seasons like snow in winter, but the moving industry still experiences seasonal highs and lows. Here’s the breakdown:

Summer (May through August): Peak Moving Season.

School’s out, the weather is sunny, and a lot of people schedule moves in summer to transition between school years or simply because it’s easier to take time off. In Los Angeles, summer is extremely popular for moves – which means prices reach their yearly high. You may see increased rates or surcharges from late spring into September. Some estimates show moving costs in peak summer can be 20-30% higher than the equivalent move in winter. Movers are busy, trucks are fully booked, and you’ll need to reserve well in advance to get a good spot. If you have to move in summer, try to incorporate all the other tips here (move mid-week, mid-month, early in the day) to mitigate the cost.

Winter (Dec through February): Off-Peak Season.

Fewer people move during the winter holidays and the start of the year. Even in LA, where winters are mild, folks tend to settle in and wait until spring if they can. This is your chance to capitalize on off-season discounts. Many LA moving companies drop their rates or run promotions in winter to attract customers. You might save a considerable amount – one moving industry insight noted you could save up to 15-25% by moving in the winter months versus peak summer. Aside from cost, you’re likely to have more moving companies competing for your business (great for negotiating) and more flexibility in picking your ideal move date.

Spring and Fall: Transitional Periods.

Early spring (March/April) and fall (October/November) are somewhere in between. Spring picks up momentum toward peak season; fall starts to cool off. In LA, fall is actually a fantastic time to move – the summer frenzy is over, but the weather is still dry and pleasant. You may not get rock-bottom winter prices, but fall often has moderate rates and more availability. Early spring (after the New Year’s lull but before school lets out) is similar – decent pricing, though it creeps up as you approach May.

In summary, if your timing is flexible and saving money is a top priority, consider a winter or late-fall move in Los Angeles. Fewer competitors in the moving queue means movers may charge less. However, always balance practical concerns – for instance, moving during the holidays in December might be cheap, but you need to decide if that convenience loss is worth the savings.

(One more thing: LA’s “seasonal” considerations might include heat waves in late summer. Extremely high temperatures can make moving more difficult – sometimes movers work shorter hours on very hot days for safety, which could extend your move and affect cost. It’s another reason why a spring or fall move could be optimal, both for your wallet and comfort.)

Don’t Forget LA Traffic – Timing the Clock Matters, Too

We’ve talked about which day to move and which time of month – now let’s talk about what time of day. This is a factor that’s especially critical in Los Angeles, where traffic is a daily challenge. Many moving companies charge by the hour for local moves, so if your movers spend an extra hour sitting on the 405 freeway, that’s an extra hour you’re paying for. Choosing the right time to hit the road can save you money and sanity.

1. Plan Around Rush Hour

LA’s notorious traffic peaks during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–10 AM and 4–7 PM on major routes) and even during weekend midday when everyone is out and about. To save time, schedule your movers to start early – as early as you can. For example, a 7:00 AM start on a weekday can often get the truck loaded and moving before the worst traffic jams build up. By mid-morning, you could be en route to your new home, hopefully avoiding the stop-and-go grind. If you start late morning, you risk running into lunchtime congestion, and if anything delays you into late afternoon, you’re in the thick of it.

2. Mid-Week Traffic vs. Weekend Traffic

Interestingly, mid-week moves win here again. While weekday traffic in LA is heavy, it’s somewhat predictable and you can work around rush hour. Weekend traffic is more unpredictable – there might be road closures, beach traffic, or special events causing delays (think about a Dodgers game or a festival blocking streets). If you move on a Sunday thinking “no one’s on the road,” you might be surprised – plenty of people are out, and some highways can still clog up. However, the absolute volume of cars can be lower mid-week outside rush hour than on a Saturday afternoon. So a Tuesday 10 AM drive might be smoother than a Saturday 10 AM drive when everyone’s running errands or heading to the coast. Fewer traffic delays = fewer billable hours for the movers.

3. Route Planning

A good moving company will plan the route smartly, but it’s worth discussing with them. In LA, sometimes the “shortest” distance isn’t the fastest if one route is notorious for bottlenecks. For example, moving from Santa Monica to downtown at 8 AM via I-10 East is asking for trouble. A mover might suggest a surface-street route or a different timing. Being open to your mover’s expertise here can shave time off the move, which again translates to savings. Remember, you’re hiring local LA movers for their knowledge of the area as much as for their muscle.

In short, once you’ve picked the cheapest day to hire your movers, make sure to also schedule a smart time for the move. An early start, a bit of traffic foresight, and avoiding known congestion hours will help ensure that your “cheap” moving day actually delivers the savings you expect.

More Ways to Save on Your LA Move (Beyond Timing)

Choosing a cost-effective day is a big piece of the puzzle, but let’s maximize your savings. Here are a few extra tips seasoned LA movers recommend to keep moving costs down:

Book Early and Strategically:

Los Angeles has a lot of moving companies, but the reputable ones get scooped up quickly during popular times. Once you know your target moving date, book your movers as early as possible. Early bookings not only guarantee you a slot on that prime Tuesday or mid-month date, but some companies offer early-bird rates. Even if there’s no explicit discount, you avoid last-minute price surges. (Some LA movers might increase prices for short-notice bookings, especially at month-end. Booking 4-6 weeks ahead for a mid-week, mid-month move pretty much shields you from that.)

Compare Quotes and Ask for Weekday Specials:

Don’t be shy about shopping around. Get quotes from at least 2-3 moving companies. When talking to them, mention that you’re flexible and willing to move on a Tuesday or Wednesday, or in an off-peak month. This signals that you know those days are easier for them, and you’re looking for their best offer. Moving companies would rather give you a slight discount than leave their crew idle on an open Wednesday. Also, if you get a lower quote from one mover, see if another can match or beat it – most will try to price competitively, especially for an off-peak day. (Always ensure you’re comparing apples to apples: same volume of stuff, same distance, and check that no one has hidden fees.)

Declutter Before You Move:

Decluttering before moving is a classic tip because it works. The cost of movers in LA often correlates with how much stuff you have and how long it takes to move it all. Before your moving day, take a hard look at your belongings. Do you really need to pay to move that old futon or all those unworn clothes? Sell, donate, or recycle items that you don’t truly need. Every box you don’t pack is time and effort saved. For example, if clearing out junk cuts your move from a 6-hour job to a 5-hour job, that’s a significant saving on labor. Plus, you might make a few bucks selling items, offsetting moving costs even more. In Los Angeles, you can easily donate furniture and clothes to local charities – some will even pick up, making it convenient to lighten your load before you lighten your wallet.

Pack Yourself (and Smartly):

Professional packing services are great, but they cost extra. If you’re budget-conscious, start packing early and do it yourself. Get free or cheap boxes (neighbors, Craigslist, or stores often have boxes). Use your own linens and towels to cushion breakables (saves money on bubble wrap and packs your linens at the same time). By the time movers arrive, they should be focusing only on moving – not packing. This efficient approach can easily save a few hours of billable time. Just be sure to pack carefully; a poorly packed box that breaks could cost you more in damaged items, so balance frugality with common sense.

Be Ready on Moving Day

This one sounds simple but makes a big difference. If you’re paying hourly, have everything ready to go when the movers show up. Disassemble furniture that can be taken apart (bed frames, desks) ahead of time. Unplug appliances, tie up cords, and label items that need special care. If the movers don’t have to wait for you to finish last-minute tasks, they can load the truck faster and get on the road. That means your overall hours (and costs) will be lower. In a city as large as LA, even saving 30 minutes can mean avoiding an extra hour stuck in traffic later in the day.

By combining these strategies with picking the right day, you’re stacking up multiple cost-saving tactics. For instance, imagine you chose a Wednesday mid-month for your move, booked a great mover early with a discount, decluttered and packed yourself, and started at 7 AM – you’ve likely optimized just about everything. Pat yourself on the back because that is a masterclass in moving smart in Los Angeles!

Moving doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By choosing the right day and time to hire movers in LA, you can save a significant amount of money and stress. Let’s recap the key points to remember:

• Cheapest Days to Hire Movers in LA: Aim for weekdays, especially Tuesday or Wednesday, when demand is low and rates are friendlier. You’ll avoid the weekend rush pricing and likely get more personalized attention from your movers.
• Optimal Time of Month: Whenever possible, schedule your move in the middle of the month. You’ll sidestep the end-of-month competition and possibly score better deals or easier bookings.
• Season Matters: If your timeline allows, consider a fall or winter move in Los Angeles. Off-peak seasons can net you discounts that aren’t available in the summer frenzy.
• Time of Day: Start early and avoid rush hour. In LA, a well-timed move (think early morning, mid-week) means less time in traffic and more money in your pocket.
• Extra Saving Strategies: Book your movers early, compare quotes, declutter, and handle what you can on your own. Each step shaves a bit off the cost.

By following these tips, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars on your move – savings that you can put toward decorating your new place, a housewarming party, or just padding your emergency fund after the big move. More than that, you’ll gain peace of mind. There’s a confidence in knowing you’ve planned your move on your terms and gotten the best deal possible.

Finally, remember that the “cheapest day” doesn’t mean compromising on quality. The goal is to find that sweet spot where you get high-quality LA movers at a lower cost simply by being strategic with timing. With a bit of flexibility and the insider knowledge you now have, you’re ready to plan a move that is efficient, affordable, and (dare we say) maybe even enjoyable.

Good luck with your Los Angeles move, and enjoy the new beginnings without the sticker shock! Safe travels on moving day, whichever day you choose – and if you’ve picked a Tuesday, congratulations on being a savvy mover!

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