Everything You Need to Know About Moving Between Atlanta & LA
Critical factors such as the time of year, type of move, and required moving assistance will determine how to best complete a relocation between Atlanta and LA. By knowing what to expect, you can effortlessly prepare for your move and make sure it goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible.
With a distance between them of approximately 2,200 miles, moving from LA or Atlanta (or the reverse) requires thoughtful planning and extensive preparation. To ensure the best (and most affordable) relocation experience, it’s important to consider the following moving tips.
Tip #1 – Understand How Cross-Country Moves Are Priced
Because of the thousands of miles between these two famous cities, movers charge for the distance traveled and the weight of items transported. Typically this amounts to an average of $.60 to $1.00 per mile/pound, with additional charges for other long-distance services such as packing, storage, and extra pickup/delivery.
If you’ve only ever moved locally, understanding the pricing differences for a long-haul move is key to staying on budget. To do this, get multiple estimates from different companies and compare them to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Tip #2 – Make Sure to Select a Reputable Company
According to Harrison Gough, lead moving specialist at MovingAPT.com, “Moving scams are on the rise, and selecting reputable moving company in Los Angeles or Atlanta is key to avoiding unnecessary and expensive issues.”
Everett’s advice is to always check reviews, get references, and ask for proof of licensing, which all are good signs that the business is legitimate and has a track record of providing quality services.
Pro tip: Licensing information is readily available on the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
Tip #3 – Consider the Time of Year
Coast-to-coast moves during the busiest times of year (the summer months) can make it difficult to book a mover and will likely drive up costs. So to save money and ensure you get the movers you want, it is often recommended to book a move in the winter or autumn months. It may be colder, but you’ll save money and have an easier time finding movers with availability.
Additionally, by scheduling a move during the off-peak, you can have more money to put towards helpful moving services that keep you from having to pack, load, unload, or unpack in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
#4 – Know the Local Moving Restrictions
Both Atlanta and LA have city-specific moving regulations that could affect your move. For example, in Atlanta, it is against the law for moving companies to complete nighttime moves in some areas, and LA has strict rules for the amount of weight that can be moved on certain city streets.
To avoid any surprises, make sure to research both cities’ rules regarding moving. This will help you plan your move more efficiently and ensure that your mover complies with all local regulations.
How to Save Money When Moving to or From la & Atlanta
The best way to save on cross-country moving costs is to plan ahead. It is well known that the best pricing, regardless of the moving season, is available at least 8 weeks before the scheduled move. So, as soon as you know you want to move, start researching and interviewing movers to get the best deal.
Also, take a detailed inventory of all your belongings. This cost-saving exercise lets you have a complete accounting of the number of items you’ll need transported and also allows you to determine what doesn’t need to be moved. Selling, donating, or discarding these unwanted items before moving day will reduce your total moving weight – and therefore lower moving costs.
Other methods that residents of both cities recommended for saving on moving costs include:
- Using second-hand packing supplies instead of buying new
- Repurposing old sheets and blankets to protect furniture
- DIY packing and unpacking
- Moving things to an easily accessible location for the movers to avoid access fees
In some cases, these cost-saving tips can reduce hundreds of dollars from a moving estimate, making them well worth considering before you hire a moving company.
How Much Does it Cost to Move Between LA and Atlanta?
Moving from Atlanta to Los Angeles (or vice versa) can range anywhere between $4000 to $7000+. But, estimating exact moving costs is tricky, considering that every move has a different scope depending on the type of furniture and weight, distance traveled, and additional services required.
Breaking down these costs based on moving quotes generated for similar moves, you could expect to pay the following to relocate to or from LA and Atlanta:
- Transportation costs: ~$1300 to $2100+ ($.60 – $1.00+ per mile)
- Packing services: ~$400 to $700 (total for hourly or flat rate fees)
- Insurance fees: ~$100 to $1000 (based on $10,000 evaluation)
- Access fees: ~$100 to $300 (multiple stairs, long-carry, parking permits)
- Item weight: ~$2000 to $4000+ (based on a 1 to 2-bedroom house)
Granted, these prices will increase if you require more moving services such as temporary storage or auto transport, are moving a larger home or property, or require special crating or moving of valuable items. For the best estimate to compare to moving quotes, use a free moving cost calculator.
How Long Does it Take to Move Between LA and Atlanta?
The time it takes to move between LA and Atlanta depends on several factors, but the average is about five days for cross-country moves. To get an accurate estimate of your move duration, consider factors such as road conditions, distance traveled, additional services added to the move, and any other stops (for example, storage or additional pickups).
Move Cross-Country the Easy Way
Using this moving guide to help you plan for your cross-country move will make the process easy and stress-free. By researching local laws, comparing quotes from movers, and considering other cost-saving tips, you’ll have everything in place to ensure a successful move between LA and Atlanta.