International Movers to and from Santa Monica
Moving to or from Santa Monica means optional temporary no parking signs sold by the city, a 72 hour limit on a reserved moving truck space and no reservations on loading zones or red curbs.
A few short questions. Nothing is sent until you check and confirm.
Do you need temporary no parking signs to move in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica had 90,082 residents on the Census Bureau’s estimate for 1 July 2025. The city sells temporary no parking signs (TNPS) “for the purpose of reserving on-street parking spaces, when off-street parking or loading spaces are not large enough”.
For a move they are optional: “Purchasing temporary no parking signs (TNPS) is advised but not required.” Moving vehicles can use street parking outside the overnight hours of 9 pm to 6 am if they follow existing street regulations and find a legal open space. In an alley, “Active loading is allowed in alleys if 11 foot clearance can be maintained.”
“Check alley signage, as some alleys limit loading to short periods of 30 minutes or less.” That allowance stops at night, so a loaded truck is not covered by it overnight. For paperwork on the other side of the move, see the customs guide.
What curb space can you reserve in Santa Monica, and for how long?
“Curb space for a moving truck can be reserved for a maximum of 72 hours.”
- Metered or unmetered.
Both can be reserved. “For metered parking, it is necessary to know the meter numbers you wish to reserve.”
- What cannot be reserved.
“ADA parking spaces (blue curb), valet parking during operating hours, curbside bicycle lanes, loading zones, and red curb locations cannot be reserved.”
- Someone parks there.
“Once inspected by SMPD Traffic Services, the signs are tow-away zones.”
The signs are not tow-away zones until the police have inspected them, so book the inspection into your timetable.
What do Santa Monica temporary no parking signs cost?
The city’s fee list has two lines: an application fee of $107.75 and $2.04 for each sign. Four signs, for example, come to $115.91 on those figures, which is our arithmetic and not a figure the city prints.
- Where to apply.
“This permit has been moved to the Public Works counter.” Counter appointments can be booked online.
- Opening times.
City Hall is open 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays and “Our offices are closed every other Friday, weekends and holidays.”
- Telephone.
The Public Works permits line is (310) 458-8737.
The page does not say how many days ahead to apply or how many signs a street needs.
What about moving PODs, dumpsters and larger trucks in Santa Monica?
“The TNPS is not for construction activity or immovable objects like moving PODS or dumpsters.” For these, the city sends you to Public Works for a Use of Public Property Permit.
A big truck brings a second rule: “the moving truck operator may need to obtain an Oversize Load Permit to travel in Santa Monica”. The page links a definition of an oversize vehicle that we did not open, so ask your removal company whether its truck counts.
Which other Southern California places apply to a move to Santa Monica?
The California guide sets out the state’s license, smog and imported-car rules. The Santa Barbara guide covers a coastal city with a different permit, and the San Francisco guide covers the SFMTA’s process.
Los Angeles, the large neighbour, has its own Los Angeles movers guide, which says the sign fee and lead time are not confirmed. Other nearby cities of 50,000 or more include Long Beach 450,469; Santa Clarita 228,430; Glendale 187,160; Torrance 138,391; Pasadena 135,804; Burbank 102,988; Inglewood 101,662. The state-by-state guide names every state, and the USA removals hub lists the other guides.
Questions about moving to or from Santa Monica
Are no parking signs required for a move in Santa Monica?
No.
The city says they are advised but not required, and moving vehicles may use legal street parking if they follow existing regulations and do not park overnight.
How long can a moving truck reserve curb space in Santa Monica?
A maximum of 72 hours, according to the city’s page.
How much do Santa Monica temporary no parking signs cost?
The application fee is $107.75, and each sign costs $2.04.
Can I reserve a loading zone or red curb in Santa Monica?
No.
Blue curb accessible spaces, valet parking, bike lanes, loading zones and red curb locations cannot be reserved.
Send us the details of your Santa Monica move
Give the Santa Monica street, whether it has meters or an alley, your dates and the truck length.
About International Removals Companies
International Removals Companies is an enquiry and introduction service run by DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, in partnership with AGM Group. We don't move goods ourselves: the removal company quotes for your move and carries it out, so check its credentials and terms before you book. Our service is free. Discuss the quotation and booking terms directly with the removal company.
- Email[email protected]
- In partnership withAGM Group (agm.group)