Our rates, with nothing hidden
3-hour minimum on all moves. Firm written quote before move day.
The hourly rate covers the crew, truck, fuel inside our service area, blankets, shrink wrap, tape, floor protection, wardrobe boxes on move day, and basic furniture disassembly and reassembly. The clock runs from arrival at your first address to completion at the second.
Typical totals by home size
| Home size | Crew | Typical hours | Typical total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 movers + truck | 3–4 hrs | $417 – $556 |
| 1 bedroom | 2 movers + truck | 3–5 hrs | $417 – $695 |
| 2 bedrooms | 3 movers + truck | 5–7 hrs | $845 – $1,183 |
| 3+ bedrooms | 4+ movers + truck | 7–10 hrs | Free custom quote |
Ranges assume ground-floor to third-floor walk-up access within the Westside. Your written quote narrows this to a firm figure for your specific buildings.
What actually drives the price
- Access, more than distance. Within LA, drive time is minor. Stairs, elevator waits, and how far the truck can park from your door are what add hours.
- Packing state. A home fully boxed before the crew arrives loads dramatically faster. Loose closets and open drawers are the most common budget-killer.
- Crew size. Three movers cost more per hour but often finish enough faster that the total is similar or lower on 2-bedroom+ moves — we'll recommend honestly which is cheaper for your job.
- Date. The last weekend of the month is peak everywhere in Santa Monica because leases turn over on the 1st. Mid-month weekdays are the easiest to book and the most relaxed.
- Special items. A piano, safe, or oversized furniture adds crew time and is priced into the quote, never sprung on move day.
Five honest ways to lower your bill
- Move on a weekday, mid-month.
- Finish packing before the crew arrives — or have us do a fragile-only pack the day before so move day is pure loading.
- Declutter first: every donated bookshelf is minutes off the clock.
- Reserve the freight elevator and, if you're west of Lincoln, ask us about no-parking signs — a truck at the door saves real time.
- Break down what you can: lamps unplugged, shelves emptied, TVs unmounted.
Hourly vs. flat-rate quotes
Some companies advertise flat rates that assume worst-case access and pad accordingly; hourly with a firm written estimate usually comes out cheaper for local moves — you pay for the actual work. Be wary of any quote dramatically below the market ($139–$180/hr for two movers in 2026): it usually reappears as move-day fees for stairs, tape, or “heavy items.”
Frequently asked questions
What's the cheapest way to move in Santa Monica?
A weekday, mid-month move with everything packed before the crew arrives. Weekday demand is lower, mid-month avoids the lease-turnover rush, and a fully packed home can cut an hour or more of crew time. Booking two movers for a small, well-prepared one-bedroom is often the sweet spot.
Do movers charge extra for stairs in Santa Monica?
We don't add surprise stair fees — stairs are factored into the time estimate in your written quote. A third-floor walk-up simply takes longer than a ground-floor load, and the quote reflects that honestly up front.
Is a 3-hour minimum standard?
Yes, a 3-hour minimum is standard across professional movers in Los Angeles. It covers travel to your home, the move itself, and travel between addresses. Even the smallest studio move realistically uses most of it.
Should I tip movers, and how much?
Tipping is appreciated but never required. Customers who tip typically give $20–$40 per mover for a standard local move, more for tough jobs with lots of stairs.