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Moving Across SF Checklist: 10 In-Town Moving Tips

Living in San Francisco is a dream come true for many people. For that reason, it is no wonder that when you need to move, you choose only a different part of this amazing California city. However, even when you move locally, you need to organize your move well and have everything ready for the big day. Luckily, movers from SF Moving will be there to assist you during every step of this process. Additionally, we have prepared a moving across SF checklist that will help you get ready. Keep reading to see how not to skip any of the important steps.

Where to start when preparing a moving across SF checklist?

Even though it may seem that an in-town move is much easier than an interstate or a long-distance one, you still need to prepare thoroughly. The most important items your checklist for a move across San Francisco should consist of are:

  • start planning on time;
  • create a moving budget;
  • hire reliable residential movers SF has to offer;
  • declutter before you start packing;
  • make an inventory list;
  • buy necessary packing supplies;
  • start packing on time;
  • change the address and take care of the utilities;
  • prepare your new home;
  • have an essentials bag ready.
The view of Golden Gate bridge
Living in SF has many pros, so it is great you decided only to move across the city!

Start planning early

When we say that you need to start preparing for your move on time, that means at least two months earlier. Of course, this is not always possible, since there are last-minute moves. However, whenever possible, start making a plan at least 8 weeks before your moving day. Planning includes exactly this — making a list for your move across San Francisco. So, write down each of the steps we have already mentioned and make sure you start doing those things on time.

Create the moving budget

Many factors will affect your moving budget and you need to consider them all. First of all, are you planning a DIY move, or hiring local SF movers? It may seem that a DIY move is more budget-friendly. However, unless you own a moving truck and have all the necessary packing supplies already, hiring movers is probably a better option, especially if you get to move off-season.

Another thing you should think about is moving and renting prices. By the time you start preparing for your relocation across San Francisco, you probably already have a new living place. However, the cost of living is not the same in all SF neighborhoods. For example, if you want to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Castro, you will have to pay $3095. In Chinatown, on the other hand, the median rent for a studio or one-bedroom apartment is $3,422. The median home price in SF, if you want to buy, is $1.45 million. So, plan your budget wisely. Always count in at least 15% more, because you never know what can happen.

Hire reliable movers

One of the most important pre-relocation tasks is to find reliable movers. Ask for recommendations, read moving reviews, and check the websites of the moving companies. Remember, a relevant moving company with experienced movers will have all the basic information displayed on the website, and you will be able to easily get in touch with them should you have more questions. It is important to schedule the moving date in advance to make sure there will be movers available when you need them.

A person writing a moving across SF checklist
Moving across SF checklist includes all the details to help you easily prepare your move.

Declutter before you start packing

Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of unnecessary items. Go through everything you own and toss away all the useless stuff. If you have time, you can sell some of the furniture, vintage items, or clothes that are in a good condition. Last, but not least, you can always donate some of your belongings. Decluttering means you will have fewer items to pack, which means everything will go faster and the relocation will be less expensive.

Make an inventory list

Your moving across SF checklist should include making an inventory list also. While decluttering, write down all the things you own and plan to pack. First of all, this will help you know what type and amount of packing materials to gather. Also, it will help you be organized once you start unpacking. You will be able to decide where to put which item before unpacking, so you will avoid getting stuck and making a mess.

Buy packing supplies

As we already mentioned, you need to gather packing supplies before you start moving. You will need cardboard and plastic boxes, bubble wrap, paper, and towels to protect your items. Duct tape and labeling stickers are also a must. Of course, if you hire a moving company whose packing and unpacking services San Francisco residents recommend, then you can skip this step since they will bring all the supplies.

Start packing

You should start packing as soon as you finish decluttering, or during that process. Of course, it is recommendable to start at least 45 days before the moving day. Start from the storage, seasonal items, and not-so-frequently used rooms. Also, when you start packing kitchen items, stop buying food, and use what you already have. Even though you are moving across the city, movers won’t transport your food, and for you, it will be just an additional burden.

A woman counting money
Plan your budget wisely!

Change the address and take care of the utilities

The best thing about the local move is that you usually don’t have to change the utility providers. If they operate in one part of the city, there is a great chance they do so in another. You do, however, need to change your address and let them know, especially because you don’t want to keep paying for the utilities in your old home.

Prepare your new home

Preparing your new home means having all the utilities ready before you move in. You don’t want to spend the first night in your new in the total dark, or without being able to prepare some food and get a nice, relaxing bath.

Have your essentials bag ready

Even though it is a move just across the city, you don’t know what may happen. There can be huge traffic jams, the weather conditions may not be the best, etc. So, prepare the essentials bag. Have some snacks and refreshments, clean clothes, and most importantly — your documents, phones, and chargers.

Why is it a good idea to stay in SF?

Even though you have to move, staying in San Francisco is a wise decision. Its extraordinary nature, the opportunity to visit Golden Gate Park whenever you want, diverse neighborhoods, and many job opportunities are reasons enough to want to keep living in this city. So, after making the moving across SF checklist, call your movers and start preparing for the relocation.

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