Long Distance Moving From New York to Los Angeles

Common Questions On Long Distance Move


If you’re moving from NY to LA, knowing the difference between a local and long distance move will give you the information you’ll need to plan and execute a successful long distance move.

What is the difference between a local and a long distance move?

 The difference between a local and long distance move is the distance. A move of up to 50 miles is considered a local move. Anything above 100 miles is a long distance move.

What is the difference between intrastate and interstate?

An intrastate move is a move that is above 100 miles within the same state. If you’re moving above 100 miles, but not crossing state lines, remaining in New York, this is an intrastate move. An interstate move is a move above 100 miles that crosses state lines such as a move from New York to California.

What is the timeframe of local moving vs. long distance moving?

A local move within New York can be completed in one day, often within a number of hours. A long distance move from NY to LA can take up to two weeks. So there is a considerable difference in the timeframe, which should be taken into consideration when preparing for your move to Los Angeles.

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 Is packing for a local move different to packing for a long distance move?

 For a local move, your belongings will be on the back of a truck for a few hours. Items will be loaded and unloaded on the same day; therefore packing for a local move differs from packing for a long distance move. Weather conditions in New York will however need to be taken into consideration when packing for a local move, to minimize any potential damage to your items. For long distance moving from New York to Los Angeles extra time and preparations will be required. Additional moving supplies will be necessary for a long distance move that you wouldn’t need for a local move. Your belongings will be in a truck for a longer period of time, where weather climate can affect certain items such as: electronics, art, wine, wood etc. In addition to weather conditions, on a long distance move from NY to LA general wear and tear can occur. Therefore ensuring each item is wrapped, each boxis padded and reinforced is vital.

What should you not move long distance?

There are some items that you cannot move from New York to California. These same items can however be moved locally. In the moving industry, they are referred to as non-allowables. When you hire a long distance moving company to transport your belongings to Los Angeles, you will be given a list of non-allowables. These will include items such as: perishables, hazardous items, plants and pets.

Choosing the right moving company

 Local moving within New York and long distance moving from New York to Los Angeles are two completely different operations. A local move can be completed by almost any moving company, or with friends. However, long distance moving from NY to LA has a very different set of requirements, including that all long distance moving companies must be licensed and insured to cross state lines.

Is there a difference in cost between a local and long distance move?

 The cost of a long distance move to California from New York is significantly more than a local move. Local New York movers will usually calculate the cost based on an hourly rate, whereas long distance movers will estimate cost based on the total weight of your belongings, or the size of your shipment, also known as cubic feet. While you’re creating a moving budget, you might ask yourself “what is the best way to move long distance?” The two most common ways of moving from New York to Los Angeles is either a DIY move, or to hire a long distance moving company that moves between New York and Los Angeles. It’s important to research both options, calculate costs and determine which is best for your move.

Moving insurance

Long distance movers from New York to Los Angeles must, by federal law offer two types of insurance: Basic insurance which provides you 0.60 cents per pound and full value protection which covers the full value of your items.

Storage Locations

Los Angeles
5698 Bandini Blvd B.
Bell, CA 90201
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 102
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers Los Angeles
Movers from LA to NYC
San Francisco
745 85th Ave
Suite L. Oakland, CA 94621
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 135
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers San Francisco
Movers from SF to NYC
New York
210 Meadowlands Pkwy d,
Secaucus, NJ 07094
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 131
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers New York
Movers from NYC to SF & LA

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Monday: 8am - 4pm
Tuesday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Saturday: Closed
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Shannon L.
Shannon L.
Jan 5, 2024

Movers who packed my things up in NY were great. I was also very impressed with how clear everything was, how fast the move coordinator Eric was with getting back to me. Read more testimonials

Danielle
Danielle Francisco
Feb 11, 2024

Terrific experience with Andres and his team. They were quick, efficient and very knowledgeable. Read more testimonials

Ria B.
Ria B.
Jan 10, 2024

Everything went smoothly with CA-NY Express Movers. They packed up my apt in NYC in no time, put it into storage for me while we found our new house. Read more testimonials

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