One week before the move
The week before a move is where most of the stress happens or doesn't. Spend two hours on it now and you save eight hours of last-minute scrambling later. Here's what we tell every LA customer to do.
- Confirm parking permits. LADOT requires 24-48 hours notice for residential loading-zone permits. Your moving company should pull these — we do it for free at quote time.
- Reserve the freight elevator. Most DTLA, Hollywood, and Westside high-rises require building approval. Some need a Certificate of Insurance (COI) listing the building as additional insured. Ask your mover to send it.
- Inventory what you're not taking. Anything going to storage, donation, or trash should be physically separated by Friday before move day.
The day before
This is when most moves come together — or fall apart. Pack what you'll need first at the new place into clearly labeled "open first" boxes.
- Coffee maker, mugs, paper towels, basic cleaning supplies
- Phone chargers, a few outlets' worth of power strips
- One set of sheets per bed, towels, bathroom essentials
- A change of clothes per person
Move day morning
Wake up 30 minutes before the crew arrives. Reserve a bathroom (lock the door) so it doesn't get packed into a truck. Put pets and small kids with a friend if possible — the crew will work 30% faster without dog-monitoring as an extra task.
After the last box
Tip in cash (15-20% of the labor cost split between the crew is standard in LA). Take meter readings or final photos. And don't try to assemble the bed at 11pm — sleep on the mattress on the floor. Tomorrow is for furniture.