Moving is never really easy. Then, a long distance moving stress from San Francisco? That’s a whole new adventure!
Bay City is stunning, but it can be an absolute circus when it comes to moving, especially long distance.
Between securing a parking spot for the moving truck, navigating those famously steep hills, and obtaining necessary moving permits, it’s enough to make anyone consider staying put.
However, you only need the right game plan and a few insider tips to make your relocation plans a breeze.
Whether you are relocating to sunny Los Angeles, tech-savvy Seattle, or the scenic suburbs of Portland, a little planning can turn your cross-country (or cross-state) move into a smooth and stress-free experience.
Here are a few tips:
- Master the Art of Planning
For everything beautiful that San Francisco is, thousands of people are actively looking to relocate.
But where do people from San Francisco move to?
Los Angeles, Sacramento, Portland, Miami, and San Diego receive scores of San Franciscans every quarter.
For the thousands that make this move, they know that San Francisco isn’t exactly the kind of place where you can wing a move. The city doesn’t even make it easy to get a big moving truck parked on the narrow streets.
So, before you do anything, you need to get your logistics in order. This includes:
- Booking your long distance movers early.
Long distance moving companies get booked up fast, especially during peak seasons (summer and end-of-month rushes).
If you are heading to a nearby city like Portland, Oregon, or Las Vegas, Nevada, check for moving companies with experience in these routes.
Professional movers with experience in San Francisco will also know how to handle those crazy inclines and can navigate tricky streets better than an out-of-town rental truck.
- Securing parking permits.
Moving trucks need special permits here. You should apply through the SFMTA (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) at least a week before your move day.
Your application could be for a temporary “No Parking” permit at least 5-7 days in advance.
- Check loading zone restrictions.
Not every street allows large trucks to park, so double-check your specific neighborhood’s rules.
Even with a permit, you might need to mark your spot the night before, especially in busy neighborhoods like the Mission or North Beach.
Use cones or signs to make this marking.
- Moving truck options.
If your building has tight access or you are in a hilly area, a full-sized moving truck might not be practical. Instead, consider portable moving containers that can be dropped off and picked up.
This is ideal if you are moving to a place like Sacramento or San Diego, where driveway space is easier to find.
- Get Strategic with Packing
Packing may be touted as an art. In San Francisco? It’s a strategic game, and here’s how you can play it right:
- Downsize ruthlessly.
The cost of long distance moving is based on weight and volume rather than the number of rooms packed.
If you’re heading to a more spacious city like Sacramento, CA, or Seattle, WA, you might be tempted to keep more belongings.
But, it’s going to cost you!
- Use sturdy boxes.
The city’s hills and potholes can make for a bumpy ride. Invest in heavy-duty moving boxes to protect your valuables. Wrap fragile items in clothes or towels to save space and padding.
- Label EVERYTHING.
With a long distance move, you might not unpack for a while, so clear labels will save you frustration later.
- Separate the essentials.
Keep a “First Night” box with essentials (toiletries, chargers, sheets, coffee) so you don’t have to dig through 20 boxes after a long drive.
- Embrace the Power of Storage
Depending on how far your long distance move may be, you will likely not move straight into your new home. To make your move easier, it would be best to opt for storage facilities.
San Francisco has plenty of secure storage facilities to temporarily keep your belongings.
If you are making a stop in Los Angeles before your final destination, consider storage options near major highways or moving company hubs to make pick-up and drop-off easier.
- Beat the Traffic Game
San Francisco traffic can turn a simple move into a marathon—just plan on staying ahead of the traffic chaos.
Avoid peak hours (usually around 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM on workweek days) and consider moving earlier in the morning or on a weekend.
Perhaps you’re hiring movers, discuss the best time for them to arrive to avoid congestion.
If you’re heading south towards San Diego, CA, or east toward Reno, NV, plan your departure time wisely to avoid getting stuck on I-80 or I-5.
- Prepare for Elevation Challenges
In an instance where your home is on one of San Francisco’s famous inclines, moving things like bulky furniture can be challenging for long distance moving.
You can hire professional movers who know San Francisco and are skilled and experienced in maneuvering furniture on steep streets. Or, you could consider a shuttle service.
Some moving companies use smaller vehicles to ferry items from tight areas to a larger truck parked nearby.
Remember to protect your fragile items. Bumpy streets and delicate glassware make for a disaster. Extra padding and secure packing are a must.
- Be Ready for a Costly Move
Long distance moving is not cheap anywhere.
Since San Francisco is already an expensive city, the cost of moving will be much higher than in a few other areas. However, this doesn’t imply you cannot cut costs in some ways.
Some of the ways you can do this include:
- Move during off-peak times.
If possible, schedule your move for midweek or mid-month when rates tend to be lower.
- Ask about discounts.
Many moving companies offer discounts when you book early. They may also have other criteria for qualifying for a discount that you may meet.
- Compare quotes.
Get estimates from at least three different movers to find the cheapest long distance moving option. Opt for the moving company offering the best deal.
If you are moving to Austin, TX, or Denver, CO, compare quotes for companies specializing in those routes for potential savings.
- Handle Utilities and Address Changes Early
Nothing’s worse than arriving at your new home only to realize you forgot to set up your electricity.
So, before your long distance moving from San Francisco:
- Cancel or transfer utilities.
Contact PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company), your internet provider, and any other service providers to cancel or transfer your utilities.
- Update your address.
Do this with USPS, banks, insurance, and subscription services.
- Notify your employer.
If your job is remote, confirm any address-related changes for tax purposes.
Summary — Moving with Ease
Yes, long distance moving from San Francisco can be a logistical challenge. But… with some smart planning, you can make it a stress-free process.
Get your parking and moving permits (where they apply), pack smart, and hit the road early to avoid traffic headaches. Hire professionals to handle the peculiarities of navigating San Francisco, it will save you a lot of headaches.
Whether heading to Portland, Austin, or even across the country to New York City, the right preparation will make all the difference.
Before you know it, you’ll be settling into your new home and reminiscing about that crazy but successful move out of Bay City.
