Ultimate 8-Week Moving Checklist for Los Angeles 2026
Moving in Los Angeles presentschallenges you won't find anywhere else—traffic that turns a 10-mile move intoa 3-hour ordeal, HOA rules that require 30-day notice, and building managerswho book elevator access months in advance. This 8-week checklist breaks downevery task so nothing falls through the cracks during your Southern Californiarelocation.
Whether you're moving from aSanta Monica apartment to a Pasadena house or relocating within the sameneighborhood, this timeline keeps you organized and stress-free.
Week 8: Research and Planning
Your moving journey starts withgroundwork that determines everything else.
Moving company research
Get quotes from at least threelicensed LA movers. Verify CPUC licenses—California requires all movers to holdvalid permits. Check reviews on Google and Yelp, focusing on recent feedbackfrom your specific neighborhood.
Budget creation
Los Angeles moving costs rangefrom $400 for a studio to $2,500+ for a 4-bedroom home. Factor in parkingpermits, potential building fees, and tips for your crew. Set aside 15% forunexpected expenses.
• Request 3-5 moving quotes from licensed companies
• Create moving budget spreadsheet
• Start home inventory with photos
• Review lease for move-out requirements
• Check if employer offers relocation assistance
Week 7: Decluttering Begins
Less stuff means lower movingcosts and faster unpacking.
Room-by-room approach
Start with storage areas—garage,attic, closets. These spaces hide items you forgot you owned. If you haven'tused something in two years, it's time to sell, donate, or toss.
LA donation options
Schedule pickups with Habitatfor Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, or local shelters. Many LA charities offer freepickup for furniture and large items. Book early—wait times can exceed twoweeks.
• Declutter one room completely
• Schedule donation pickups
• List sellable items online
• Shred old documents and paperwork
• Cancel subscriptions you won't need
Week 6: Logistics and Paperwork
Handle the administrative tasksthat catch people off guard.
Address changes
Submit USPS mail forwardingonline. Update your address with banks, credit cards, insurance providers,employers, and subscription services.
Building coordination
Contact both buildings aboutelevator reservations, loading dock access, and move-in/move-out procedures. LAhigh-rises often require certificate of insurance from your moving company.
Parking permits
Many LA neighborhoods requirestreet parking permits for moving trucks. Some areas like Santa Monica and WestHollywood have strict regulations that require 72-hour advance notice.
• Submit mail forwarding request
• Update address with 10+ essential accounts
• Reserve elevators at both buildings
• Apply for moving truck parking permits
• Request COI from your moving company
Week 5: Supplies and Packing Prep
Gather materials and start yourpacking system.
Supply shopping
Buy more boxes than you thinkyou need—running out mid-pack disrupts momentum. Stock up on packing paper,bubble wrap, tape, and markers.
Free box sources
Liquor stores, grocery stores,and local Buy Nothing groups offer free boxes. NextDoor LA communities oftenhave neighbors giving away moving supplies.
Labeling system
Create a color-codingsystem—assign each room a color. Label boxes on multiple sides with contentsand destination room.
• Purchase or collect moving supplies
• Set up packing station in spare room
• Create labeling and color-coding system
• Pack rarely-used items (seasonal decor, books)
• Photograph electronics setup for reassembly
Week 4: Serious Packing Starts
Time to pack everything exceptdaily essentials.
Priority order
Pack rooms you use least first.Guest bedrooms, home offices, and storage areas contain items you won't miss.Leave kitchen and master bedroom for last.
Fragile items
Wrap dishes individually inpacking paper. Use cell boxes for glasses. Pack plates vertically likerecords—they're stronger on edge.
• Pack 2-3 rooms completely
• Wrap and box all fragile items
• Disassemble furniture you won't use
• Organize important documents in one folder
• Confirm moving date with your company
Week 3: Utilities and Services
Ensure seamless transitions foressential services.
Utility transfers
Schedule disconnection at yourcurrent address and connection at your new place. LA utilities—LADWP, SoCalGas,Spectrum, and AT&T—allow online scheduling.
• Schedule utility disconnection/connection
• Transfer or cancel home services
• Request copies of medical records
• Update prescription pharmacy
• Finish packing 80% of belongings
Week 2: Final Confirmations
Double-check everything beforemoving week.
Moving company confirmation
Call your movers to confirmdate, time, crew size, and address details. Review the estimate and ask aboutany changes.
Essentials box
Pack one box with items you'llneed immediately—toiletries, medications, phone chargers, snacks, and a changeof clothes.
• Confirm moving company details
• Schedule landlord walk-through
• Pack essentials/overnight bag
• Finish remaining packing
• Clean current home progressively
Week 1: Final Push
Your last week focuses onexecution and details.
Refrigerator prep
Empty and defrost your fridge 24hours before moving. Clean interior and leave door ajar. Movers won't transportrefrigerators with food inside.
Valuable items
Personally transport jewelry,important documents, medications, and irreplaceable items.
• Defrost and clean refrigerator
• Empty and clean all appliances
• Set aside valuables for personal transport
• Final deep clean of current home
• Prepare tip cash for moving crew
KEYTAKEAWAYS
✓ Start 8 weeks out to avoid last-minute chaos
✓ Declutter before packing—less stuff means lower costs
✓ Book LA building elevators and parking permits early
✓ Create a labeling system before you pack the first box
✓ Keep valuables and essentials with you, not on thetruck
RELATEDARTICLES
• First-Time Mover's SurvivalGuide to LA
• How Much Do Movers Cost inLos Angeles? 2026 Guide
• The Color-Coding SystemThat Makes Unpacking Easy
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Ready to move? Green Moving handles relocations throughout Los Angeles and OrangeCounty. Call +1 (949) 266 94 45 for your free quote. Licensed,insured, and committed to California's environment.
