Moving from Los Angeles to Richmond: Cost and Tips

*Pricing above does not include lodging, gas, tolls, and other moving-related expenses.

Why Do The Moving Costs Vary So Much?

The moving rates from Los Angeles, CA to Richmond, VA are high, and they vary a lot. Understanding the factors that affect moving costs will help you if you are looking for a deal.

So, here are the things you need to be aware of when you book your cross-country move.

Inbound vs. Outbound Demand

When many new residents move to the city you are leaving, and few people are leaving, rates are more affordable. In your new hometown, you receive the best rates if many people are moving to the area and more people are leaving.

The inbound and outbound demand in Los Angeles is moderate. However, there are a lot of people moving to Richmond, and few people are leaving. So, that does increase the rates some.

Off vs. Peak Season Moving Expenses

In addition to the demand, there are times when rates trend higher. Summer break tends to cause the most significant spikes because it is the most popular time for families to move.

The busiest time is a few weeks after summer. Children get out of school at different times, but when families relocate, they typically try to move shortly after their kids get out of school, so they have a chance to get settled before school starts.

Summer break is not the only time when rates are higher, though. Other times when the prices may be higher include:

• Weekends
• During local special events
• During severe weather seasons
• Last minute
• Federal holidays

Mileage and Gas Prices

The farther you are moving, the more moving companies charge. The trip is 2,616 miles. So, you can expect to pay for that. However, you also need to consider gas prices when you are moving. If gas prices are higher, your moving company will pass that expense on to you.

Weight

The rate you receive depends on the size of the vehicle needed to move your belongings. Larger trucks are less fuel-efficient, and they are more costly to repair. So, whether you rent a moving van or hire movers, the space needed will impact the cost.

Additional Factors That Affect Moving Fees

Besides knowing the moving rates, it is essential to understand what each of the services includes. While you can save money by renting a truck and having your friends help you move your furniture, sometimes it is better to let professionals handle it.

Supplies

Moving companies provide nearly everything you need to pack and relocate. However, that convenience comes at a cost. Some of the extras your moving company will expect payment for include:

Boxes

• Tie downs
• Moving blankets
• Storage space
• Locks
• Appliance dolly
• Wardrobe boxes
• Packing material
• Storage space

You can purchase these items at a local store instead and save some money. You can also ask local stores for boxes, which will save you some money. However, there are some things you may need to rent from your moving company, like an appliance dolly or moving blankets.

Travel Expenses

No matter if you decide to fly or drive to your new location, you will have travel expenses. The more than 2,600-mile trip is challenging, especially with small children. You will spend several days on the road, which means you need to add hotel rooms to your budget.

If you decide to fly instead, you can expect plane tickets to be about $250 per person. While it might be easier to fly, you will have to figure out how to get your vehicles to your destination, too.

Automotive Transport

Car transports constitute a significant expense. You can expect the trip from Los Angeles to Richmond to cost between $1,400 and $2,000. However, other factors impact the price of your vehicle transport, including:

• Your vehicle size
• The number of vehicles you are moving
• When you complete your booking
• The time of year you are moving

Hiring Professional Movers

If you are looking to save as much money as possible, you will need to do most of the work yourself. However, sometimes it is better to pay someone else to pack, load, and drive your belongings to your new home.

You can even pay your movers to disassemble and reassemble pieces. So, many people end up deciding on full-service movers.

The national averages for different crew sizes are:

• $105 for two movers
• $135 for three movers
• $155 for four movers

Paying for Peace of Mind

Finally, you may want to buy a personal protection policy that covers your valuables. These plans give added protection above and beyond the necessary protection offered by most bonded and insured movers. When movers do have liability insurance, it is usually state-mandated.

Most states only require movers to carry 60 cents per pound in coverage for lost or broken items.
If you decide to add coverage, you will pay around one percent of the policy’s value. So, if you are covering $200,000, your premium will be around $2,000.

The truth is Los Angeles is a beautiful place to live. There are gorgeous beaches, world-class restaurants and stores, museums, gardens, and plenty of other things to enjoy. Yet, there are also a ton of reasons to move to Richmond. Here are the top reasons people are making this move from coast to coast.

Lower Cost of Living

The cost of living in Richmond is more than 80 percent lower. So, many people are leaving the Los Angeles area and moving to more affordable places. When you move to Virginia, your housing, food, utilities, and transportation costs are all less costly.

Culture and Amenities

Los Angeles has more than eight times as many residents. However, despite there being fewer people in Richmond, there is still a lot to do in town, including:

• Maymont Victorian Estate and Gardens
• The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
• The Poe Museum
• The Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
• Canal Walk
• Riverfront Cruises

There are also great outdoor places to listen to music at night or enjoy a nice mid-day meal with friends.

Job Opportunities

Richmond’s job market is healthy, and some local companies are recruiting candidates from other states to fill roles that were less prevalent in Richmond in the past. Some of the major companies with offices in Richmond include. Capital One, SunTrust, Altria, Wells Fargo, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bank of America, UPS, DuPont, and Bank of America.

The two biggest job markets in Richmond are banking and healthcare. However, there are jobs in technology, hospitality, business management, and manufacturing, too.

Now that you know how much your move will cost and why people are moving to the Virginia capitol, you need to figure out what part of town you want to live in. Choosing a neighborhood that fits your personality, budget, and lifestyle is essential. So, take a look at these great area communities.

Museum District

The Richmond Museum District is a neighborhood that celebrates the arts and local heritage of the city. So, it attracts an open-minded group of people. There is always something going on in the Museum District with festivals and events nearly every weekend.

It is a good neighborhood for families with young children, but the schools are not the best in Richmond. Housing in this part of town is affordable for renters, with average rentals costing around $1,050 per month. Single-family homes are in the high-$300s.

Short Pump

Short Pump is a picturesque, densely populated suburb with more than 27,526 residents. It is home to some of the best schools in the area. So, this community attracts a lot of families, especially with older school-aged children.

In the area, about 60 percent of the residents are homeowners, and the rest are renters. Housing in Short Pump is more costly, though, with homes starting in the $400s and average rental prices are $1,366 per month.

Wyndham

Wyndham is another great neighborhood where the schools are excellent. However, Wyndham does not offer you proximity to many of Downtown Richmond’s great amenities as it is a more rural area.

More than 90 percent of the residents own their homes. The homes are relatively expensive, with the average single-family property costing nearly half a million dollars and average rental prices of $1,700 per month.

Brandermill

If you are looking for a Richmond neighborhood that hits all the marks, you need to check out Brandermill. The schools are great, houses start in the mid $200s, and nearly 65 percent are homeowners. The other 35 percent pay average rental prices of $1,390 per month.

Brandermill has great area pools, two of which overlook Swift Creek Reservoir. You also have access to walking trails, a marina, weekend festivals. So, this is a great area that attracts residents of all ages.

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