We have helped many people move to Los Angeles, and this location seems to be as popular as ever. But did you know that the time of year can significantly impact the entire relocation experience, including the costs? California is an attractive proposition with its sunny weather and beaches. Los Angeles is particularly popular with the attraction of the entertainment industry in Hollywood. But moving to LA can be tricky. When’s the best time of year? How do costs and prices change with the seasons? As experienced movers, we have received much feedback from clients about settling into the City of Angels. Here’s our guide to the best and worst months for your LA move.
Best Months to Move to Los Angeles
Whether you are moving to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, or Los Angeles County, the time of year does make a difference when planning the relocation. This is because of housing market fluctuations in real estate prices and rentals, the impact of weather, job market trends, and much more. But according to our clients, the best months for moving to Los Angeles are November, December, March, and April. See why:
November: Considered by most to be the overall best month to move to LA
- Rental costs are lower compared to peak summer months, and fewer people move during this time, so there’s less competition for apartments.
- LA offers more temperate weather conditions in November, making moving much more comfortable than in the hot summer.
- November falls outside the busiest moving periods, which are typically during the summer when students and families prefer to relocate. Therefore, moving companies are more likely to be available and offer lower prices.
- November offers a good balance between favorable weather, lower costs, and reduced competition, making it the winner for those with flexible moving schedules.
December: A close second to November in terms of costs and trends
- Like November, December and winter months also have lower average rent prices, particularly for two-bedroom apartments.
- The weather is milder and more comfortable than in the summer months.
- People change jobs at the start of the new year so that a December move can position you well for job opportunities in January.
- December is the slower winter season, so there is more room for negotiating rental prices.
March and April: Not as cheap as November/December, but preferable to summer
- March and April are great months to visit or move to LA; a common observation from our previous customers is that the cooler air and fewer crowds make it “easier to breathe.”
- Moving in March or April leaves time to settle in before the busy and less comfortable summer months.
- Rental prices in LA tend to spike in June and July.
- For families with school-aged children, March or April moves are a good time for school enrollment with time to prepare for the upcoming school year.
- Moving during spring break can minimize disruption to the school schedule.
The key factors making the months of November, December, March, and April most favorable are lower rental costs, milder weather conditions, and better availability of moving companies with lower prices.
However, it’s important to note that while these months are generally considered best on average, the ideal moving month will vary based on individual circumstances. In addition, unless your move date is flexible, the best time to move is simply the month that suits you best. We have successfully moved clients every month of the year from all over the US to LA with excellent results.
Are there any specific days of the week that are better for moving to LA?
While there’s no universally perfect day, certain days of the week can offer advantages and disadvantages when moving to LA. For example, there is generally less weekday traffic (Monday to Thursday) than on weekends. Plus, it can be easier to schedule utility connections and other services at your new home.
Fridays are still considered a weekday for the connection of services, but traffic starts to get busier. Traffic can be heavier on weekends, mainly if major events like parades, conventions, or sports games occur. But on the plus side, at weekends, there is more time to unpack and settle in without taking a day off work.
Whichever day you choose, early mornings are best for beating traffic and avoiding the worst of the heat, especially in the summer months. The best day for your move will ultimately depend on your specific situation, but it’s advisable to book movers as far ahead as is practical while trying to remain flexible. This allows you to choose a day that balances convenience and cost against weather and traffic.
Worst Months to Move to Los Angeles
May through August is the peak moving season with high demand for apartments and moving company services, which means higher costs. In addition, the higher temperatures can make moving uncomfortable and physically demanding.
- June sees the start of a rising trend in rental costs as the busiest moving period of the year kicks off which can increase the moving cost.
- July continues the trend of rising apartment prices and reduced availability of moving services with the influx of families relocating for the new school year.
- August is similar to June and July, with high demand for moving services and rentals and peak summer heat.
- October is cooler, and although rental prices are still high, they are starting to drop relative to the summer peak.
- December is cooler and less busy than the summer months for moving companies, but it can be hectic due to the holiday season.
Are there any specific holidays that should be avoided when moving to LA?
Yes. If possible, avoid moving during holidays, especially Thanksgiving or Christmas. These holidays invariably mean increased traffic and limited service availability. Due to celebrations and events, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day can also be busy in Los Angeles.
During the summer, avoid Memorial Day Weekend and Fourth of July, again due to celebrations and traffic congestion. Significant events such as film festivals, award shows, and sports can also increase traffic and reduce apartment availability in certain areas.
It’s always best to plan your move well in advance to avoid any issues with holidays or events, and our team will be happy to share their insights on the best times to relocate to LA.
Other Factors to Consider When Moving to LA
In addition to all the typical considerations when moving, there are some unique aspects that you should bear in mind when planning a move to LA:
- Earthquake Preparedness: Los Angeles is in a seismically active region, so all residents need to plan for quakes, have an earthquake emergency kit, and understand earthquake safety procedures. This should also be a consideration when arranging property insurance.
- Wildfire Risk: Certain areas of LA face significant wildfire risk, so homeowners in high-risk areas may need to anticipate this and have evacuation plans in place. The air quality during wildfire season can be severely compromised, which can have a major impact on daily life and outdoor activities, especially for those with asthma or lung issues. Again, you need to be aware of this when arranging insurance coverage.
- Unique Transportation Challenges: Many cities have traffic issues, but LA’s vast size means owning a car is often necessary, especially in the suburbs, unlike in some cities with robust public transportation systems. Traffic patterns can be unpredictable, with rush “hours” sometimes lasting many hours. Parking can also be a significant consideration when choosing a neighborhood.
- Industry-Specific Considerations: LA is the entertainment capital, and those aspiring to join the entertainment industry must live in areas close to auditions and opportunities. However, these areas tend to be the richest neighborhoods, and some may struggle to afford the high cost of living.
- Microclimates: LA has a unique geography that creates distinct microclimates where temperatures can vary significantly.
- Water Conservation: Due to frequent droughts and restrictions, water conservation is a part of everyday life in LA.
Final Thoughts
The city of Los Angeles remains an attractive proposition all year round, but timing can make a difference. If you have the flexibility, dodging the summer heat and tourist hordes is recommended. But if you need to move during peak season or around a busy holiday, don’t worry too much. Just get in touch with our professional moving team for a free and customized quote, and they will make your move as painless as possible.
