The Ultimate Checklist for Moving in the Bay Area

While moving to the Bay Area can be a beautiful experience, moving houses can be challenging. You’ve got to navigate the high traffic, narrow streets, and unpredictable weather. Involving a professional mover is one way to maneuver around these hiccups. However, preparation is key to a seamless moving experience, and you need a checklist. Here is the ultimate checklist for moving to the Bay Area with all the basic steps to make the relocation less stressful. 

Table of Contents

• Why You Need a Moving Checklist
• Moving Checklist: 6-8 Weeks Before the Move
• Moving Checklist: 4 Weeks Before the Move
• Moving Checklist: 2 Weeks Before the Move
• Moving Checklist: 1 Week Before the Move
• Bay Area-Specific Moving Tips
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Why You Need a Moving Checklist

Early preparation reduces stress when moving to the Bay Area. It allows enough time to learn about your destination and decide what to bring and what not to, which are often stressful aspects of moving planning. The preparation stage starts with a moving checklist.

A Bay Area moving checklist is handy for preparing for the region’s unique challenges, which include high traffic, unpredictable weather, and parking challenges. 

Let’s start with the high traffic.

Historically, the Bay Area, especially San Francisco, has always been marred by heavy traffic. The traffic is terrible during peak hours and can cause massive delays as movers are forced to drive slowly. An organized relocation guide or checklist will help you decide on the best time to travel and communicate it with the movers. The movers, in turn, can advise you on the best routes to beat the dense traffic. 

Bay Area’s unpredictable weather doesn’t help either. Movers sometimes have to deal with strong winds, storms, and occasional flooding, which forces them to drive slower. While picking a moving date, consider the weather forecast so that the weather can be favorable on the move day.  

The Bay Area also poses a parking challenge in urban areas. You need to book a truck parking space in advance to reserve it. A moving checklist helps you not forget this important detail and arm you with the right moving preparation tips.

Generally, the correct moving checklist enables you to: 

• Stay organized
• Prioritize what to keep
• Choose what to let go of
• Manage time efficiently
• Avoid forgetfulness
• Manage your budget

Moving Checklist: 6-8 Weeks Before the Move

You should start preparing for the move date at least 6-8 weeks prior. Here are some early moving preparation must-dos to include in your checklist:

1. Find a Reliable Local Mover

You need help moving in the Bay Area and should go for experienced hands. Do your research to find a good professional mover while focusing on the following factors:

• Moving experience: Consider a mover who has been in the industry for a while and is familiar with your type of move. 
• Local knowledge: The professional moving company should understand the Bay Area well. They should be familiar with and observe local regulations and requirements for movers. You can use local search directories like Yelp, Angi, and Google Business Profile to find them. 
• Reputation: Consider a mover with a good reputation. You can check their ratings on Google, BBB, and Yelp. 
• Insurance coverage: Your mover should offer insurance protection against potential loss or damage, especially of valuables. 
• Licensing: Check with ProtectYourMove.gov to determine if the mover is licensed. You can ask for their US Dot number to verify it on the website. 
• Pricing: Ask for free estimates from different movers and compare them. However, avoid movers with unrealistically low estimates as they could be scams. 
• Services: Look for a mover that offers the best moving service. You may need them to provide specialty services for fragile items and valuables. Inquire about them. 
• Customer service: Consider movers with good customer experience. If the reviews suggest otherwise, avoid such moving services. 

2. Declutter 

After finding a reliable, professional mover, the next stage is decluttering before moving. If you deem something no longer valuable and cannot sell or donate, toss it.

But if you believe it can help someone, donate it. But again, you can sell to bring you some money. Here are some Bay Area moving company tips to help you decide how best to declutter:

• 5-Second Rule: This rule dictates that you make a quick decision within 5 seconds. If it’s a keep, then add it to the packing list. If it’s not, discard, sell, or donate it. 
• Golden Rule: Only keep what you love and eliminate what you don’t.
• 20/20 Rule: Keep only items that cost $20 or more and take more than 20 minutes to replace.
• 5-Year Rule: Sell or donate anything you haven’t used for over 5 years. 

3. Create a Moving Budget and Track Expenses

Once you finish decluttering, you can create a budget for your move. You may need to ask for free estimates from multiple movers and compare them. Overall, the moving budget depends on:

• Distance: The longer the distance, the higher the budget
• Move Size: The more the items, the costlier the move
• Services: Expect to pay more for full-service packages, which cover everything from loading and packing to shipping and offloading
• Specialty items: Expect to pay more to move fragile and valuable items, including electronics, antiques, and musical instruments

Other than creating a moving budget, track expenses by categorizing them according to type. For example, you can have categories like parking supplies and transportation. Ensure you record all expenses and keep the receipts for accountability. 

4. Notify Landlords or HOAs

You should notify your landlord about your move if you live in a rental. Serve them a written notice (email or letter) at least 30 days before the intended move date. Include the move date, your name, and contact information. 

If the HOA oversees your home, you should serve them the notice. You can indicate if you already have a buyer. Consult your HOA or lease agreement to ensure you don’t miss an important detail. 

Moving Checklist: 4 Weeks Before the Move

With a month to the move, consider doing the following:

1. Begin Packing Non-essentials and Label the Boxes by Room 

Several packing and labeling tips are worth remembering 4 weeks before the move. You can start packing non-essential items as early as four weeks in advance. That includes the following:

• Magazines
• Books
• Extra bedding
• Artwork
• Decors
• Idle sport equipment 
• Games
• Collectibles

You need to acquire packing supplies for the above non-essentials. That includes sturdy boxes (of varying sizes), bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers. As you pack the non-essentials into the boxes, label them correctly by room for easy unpacking. 

2. Apply for Parking Permits for Moving Trucks

You should apply for moving truck parking permits Bay Area, especially when moving to an urban residential area. In most cases, it’s challenging to find parking spaces in the outdoor spaces of high-rise condos and apartments, so it’s necessary to book truck permits in advance. 

Remember to ask your mover how much space you need before booking the parking. 

3. Contact Utility Providers to Schedule Service Transfer 

You should organize to cancel or transfer utility services such as water, electricity, gas, telephone, and cable TV. Stop the service if you no longer need it or it’s not applicable at your new home.

 If the new owner wants to continue with the service, you can contact the service provider to schedule a transfer. This should be clear on your utility transfer checklist. Remember to pay overdue bills before any cancellation or service transfer. 

4.      Arrange for Child/Pet Care on the Moving Day

You’ve to plan for your kids and pets before the move date. For kids, consider the following tips:

• Be honest with them about the plans to move
• Check out the new place with them
• Hire a babysitter or nanny in advance for toddlers
• Prepare for school records transfer
• Organize medical records transfer 

Book a professional pet transportation or relocation service if you have a pet. Before the move date, continue with the pet’s feeding routine and play. 

Moving Checklist: 2 Weeks Before the Move

Here are the confirmations two weeks before the move:

1. Address Update Checklist

Update your new home address with the post office, subscription services, and banks. Also, remember utility providers and insurance companies. Inform them in writing, by email, or in-person to make it official. 

2. Moving Essentials Kit

Prepare a kit or bag for your essential items and pack them accordingly. That includes: 

• Toiletries
• Snacks
• Phone chargers
• Drinking water
• Important documents 
• Change of clothes
• Pajamas
• Fresh bed sheets
• Wallet

Don’t forget to set a separate essential kit for kids’ essentials like:

• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Formula
• Clothes
• Medication
• Favorite toys
• Kids’ blanket

Also, have a separate kit for the pet’s essentials, an essentials toolbox, and a first aid kit. 

3. Confirm Movers Schedule 

Confirm the original agreement with the mover about your move. Ensure they have the date and address correct, and check if they’ll need specific packing supplies, which you should provide on move day. 

4. Prepare a Plan for Managing Fragile or Valuable Items

You need to plan how you’ll safely pack fragile and valuable items, and these tips will help:

• Prepare sturdy boxes, air pillows, and bubble wraps to protect them
• Confirm if the mover offers specialty services to handle the items
• Prepare briefs for the movers for the items 
• Label the boxes individually 
• Arrange for separate transport if possible 

Moving Checklist: 1 Week Before the Move 

Now that you only have 7 days to the move date, here’s what to include in your last-minute moving checklist:

1. Clean and Defrost Your Refrigerator and Other Appliance

Disconnect the appliances from the power and water supplies. Then empty, clean thoroughly, and leave them to dry.

2. Double-check Room by Room to Ensure Nothing is Left Behind

Do a final walk-through of the house before the move date. Use the inventory list to ensure you don’t miss a detail. Open the cabinets and closets to ensure nothing is left behind. Observe pre-cleaning tips to leave the home spotless. 

3. Prepare a Suitcase with Clothes and Personal Items for Immediate Use

Consider packing the items you’ll need during or immediately after the move. That includes clothes, shoes, phones, and other personal items. 

4. Confirm Access Management for Movers at Your New Home

Ensure your new home is ready for moving. Inform the new landlord of HOA about your arrival date to ensure the mover has access. This confirms your moving day readiness. 

Bay Area-Specific Moving Tips 

Here are tips for addressing various Bay Area moving challenges: 

1. Narrow Streets

Some streets in the Bay Area are narrow. For example, DeForest Street in San Francisco is only 4 feet wide despite being a major street. Such a street leads to delays, and drivers must drive slowly and exercise caution. However, it could help find alternative routes. 

2. Traffic Congestion

With traffic congestion being common on major highways around peak hours, here are some Bay Area traffic moving tips:

• Consider moving during off-peak hours
• Choose alternative routes that have less traffic
• Start the trip early to beat traffic 
• Move during the off-season (winter or fall) when there’s little traffic 

3. Weather Concerns 

Heavy downpours, unpredictable storms, and strong winds can make moving around the Bay Area difficult. However, carefully planning and observing the weather forecast can overcome this challenge. Additionally, observe these weather-proof moving tips: 

• Use plastic wrapping on large boxes
• Keep boxes dry
• Use waterproof storage containers for smaller items that need to be dry
• Use waterproof tarps during heavy downpours
• Consult a mover on the best time to move

4. Parking Restriction

The Bay Area has a few parking restrictions that movers must know. For example, you need a parking permit for moving trucks, which you should obtain at least 5 days in advance. Ordinarily, the parking permit lasts up to 72 hours. Movers also need to be familiar with various curb colors, as the table below shows:

Curb Color	Meaning
Red	No parking
White	5-minute parking
Green	10-minute parking
Yellow	Commercial vehicle only
Blue	Reserved for people with disability

FAQs

How far in advance should I book a moving company in the Bay Area?

Consider booking a moving company in the Bay Area at least 6-8 weeks in advance, mainly in the summer. This advanced moving booking timeline allows you to get a reputable mover despite summer being peak season. 

In the summer, most people are on vacation, kids are on school breaks, and the weather is pleasant for relocation. If you are looking for the best Bay Area relocation timing with fewer bookings, consider the off-season (October to March). 

What should I include in my moving essentials kit?

Your moving essentials checklist should include at least these relocation must-haves:

• Toiletries (all-purpose soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, and others)
• Important documents 
• Drinking water
• Snacks
• Prescription medication
• Towel
• Fresh bedding and pajama
• Change of clothes
• Kids’ supplies such as diapers, wet wipes, kids’ toys, and formula
• Pet supplies such as treats, leash, pet bedding, and favorite toy 

Do I need parking permits for moving trucks in the Bay Area?

You need parking permits for moving trucks in San Francisco, Oakland, and most urban places in the Bay Area. The Bay Area truck parking permit allows you to reserve parking space for the trucks for up to 72 hours. You can apply through the municipality’s permit office or online portal. 

Conclusion

Are you looking to move to the Bay Area? Consider Joshua’s Moving. Our team has vast experience offering professional moving services in the Bay Area. We can help you make your move seamless and enjoyable. Contact us for a free estimate today!