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Moving in Summer in Los Angeles: How to Handle the Heat

Published 2026-07-18 · Best Movers LA editorial team

Quick answer: Book a 7–8am start for any Valley or Inland Empire summer move. Keep heat-sensitive items (plants, electronics, vinyl, candles, chocolate) in your car with the AC on. Hydration for the crew and short breaks are standard — factor in 10–15% longer total time for moves in peak summer heat. Call (213) 676-9460.

Where the heat matters most

Not all LA summer heat is equal. The coastal cities (Santa Monica, Malibu, Venice) stay in the 70s through most of the summer thanks to marine layer and ocean breeze. Moves there are comfortable year-round. The Valley (Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Chatsworth) and Inland cities (Pomona, Covina, Ontario) are where summer heat creates real operational considerations — 95–108°F by early afternoon in peak summer weeks.

Scheduling around the heat

Target a loading start before 9am for Valley moves in summer. This gets you through loading and most of the drive before the hottest part of the day. If an early morning slot isn't available, consider moving to a Tuesday or Wednesday where afternoon slots have been cleared by lower weekend demand.

What the heat damages

Vinyl records: Warp at 140°F — common moving truck temperatures. Box and move in your car. Candles: Melt, expand, and leak in summer truck heat. Move in an insulated bag in your car. Electronics: Modern devices are heat-tolerant up to about 113°F — truck interior temperatures exceed this on hot days. Important electronics in your car. Chocolate, cosmetics, and medications: Any temperature-sensitive item should be identified and moved in your personal vehicle.

Crew hydration

We provide water and Gatorade for crews on summer moves — it's part of operating properly. Homeowners can contribute significantly to a smoother move by having cold drinks and a shaded rest area available. The 5-minute break per hour rule we follow in summer actually keeps the total job faster than pushing through exhaustion.

Call (213) 676-9460 to book your summer move — early morning slots fill fast, so book 2–3 weeks out for Saturday moves.

Related questions

What is the best time of day to move in LA during summer?

Start as early as possible — ideally 7–8am. The Valley and Inland Empire peak at 95–105°F by 1–2pm. A move that starts at 7am is completing its final unloading while temperatures are still in the 80s. Avoid scheduling a Valley move that starts at 10am or later in July and August.

How hot does a moving truck get in Los Angeles summer?

A parked moving truck interior reaches 130–150°F within an hour in direct sun. This is lethal for plants, dangerous for pets, and damaging to electronics, vinyl records, candles, and some cosmetics. Heat-sensitive items must go in your personal vehicle with the AC running.

Do movers charge more in summer in Los Angeles?

At Best Movers LA, rates are the same year-round — $99/hour regardless of month. What changes is availability: June–August Saturdays book out 3–4 weeks in advance. Mid-week summer moves have better availability. The rate doesn't change; your ability to get the slot you want does.

Full LA moving cost & FAQ guide →

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