If you are planning to hire a professional moving company in California, first of all, verify a license at https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/enforcement/lookup.shtml
Secondly, moving companies charge hourly rates for local moves (under 100 miles) and use distance rates or offer flat rates for long-distance moves.
As of January 1, 2023, the maximum hourly rate for 2 movers and a truck in the San Francisco Bay Area must not exceed $217.25/hr while in LA the local rate for 2 movers and a truck must not exceed $199.70/hr. These rates are governed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Service (BHGS.)
In reality, most reputable and licensed moving companies like Got2Move charge less because we need to take into consideration unfair competition. The moving industry in California is oversaturated with unlicensed movers who don't pay taxes, work comp, and other legal taxes and fees thus offering very low hourly rates. If you decide to take the risks of hiring such freelancers in pursuit of "saving" on your move you will most likely end up risking losing your valuables and/or becoming very stressed. In addition, many dishonest moving companies offering initial low hourly rates end up charging for various things.
Having said so, here are the average hourly rates for local moving services in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Greater Los Angeles in 2023:
- unlicensed and "cash only" movers: $120-$170/hr for 2 movers and a truck plus $30-$50/hr for each additional mover;
- reputable licensed movers: $160-$190/hr for 2 movers and a truck plus $50-$70/hr for each additional mover.
Hourly rates are too good to be true. The average hourly pay for movers is $25/hr. Each crew spends in average 1.5 hrs a day traveling in a truck from parking to a client's place and then back to parking. So, let's say if a move takes 5 hours then $25/hr x 1.5 travel time / 5 billed hours = $7.5/hr. In addition, there are payroll taxes and worker's compensation adding another 35% on top:
($25/hr + $7.5/hr) + 35% = $44/hr is the cost per mover.
Moving companies have other different kinds of expenses (truck maintenance, parking, rent, office staff pay, fuel, and so on.) So, if you are chasing low hourly rates you should be concerned that those movers are definitely cutting some corners (milking time, no license, no insurance, hidden fees, unreliable trucks...?) Is a $20-$40 per hour difference in hourly rates worth your worry and potential stress that the move will end up either stressful or more expensive at the end or both...
While we understand that the hourly rate is an important factor in your decision-making process, we believe that the value and peace of mind that come with choosing a licensed and insured moving company like Got2Move with a transparent pricing policy and efficient movers are well worth some extra money.
As for long-distance moving, pricing primarily depends on the size of the move, loading and unloading conditions, and your flexibility to accept stuff.
The average prices to move from SF to LA are as follows (as of 2023):
- a few items: $1000-$2000;
- a small studio apt./small 1-bdrm apt (400-600 sq ft): $1900-$3400;
- a large 1-bdrm apt. (650-850 sq ft): $2700-$4400;
- a 2-bdrm apt. (900-1200 sq ft): $3400-$5400;
- a 3-bdrm apt./house (1500-1800 sq ft): $5000-$7000.
The smaller the job and the more flexible you are with your pickup and/or delivery date, the more chances that a reputable moving company like Got2Move will be able to offer you a very appealing flat rate for your move because such a company would be able to combine your load with another small move and/or book a job for the opposite direction thus save on travel costs.
Got2Move is not either the "cheapest" or the most expensive company out here but Got2Move is definitely one of the best licensed and reputable moving companies in California! We've been in business for over 15 years and our professional staff is ready to serve Californians with dignity and pride in what we do!