Moving to San Francisco is exciting! The Bay Area has a lot to offer. However, even a mid-size move, meaning you’re not packing everything including the kitchen sink, can still come with challenges. This is especially true if your move involves navigating Frisco’s notoriously hilly streets.
Some of San Fran’s streets can seem like straight vertical climbs. While moving a modest quantity to San Francisco can come with unique challenges, you can take some steps to reduce the stress.
Making Your San Francisco Move a Little Easier
Any move is stressful, even when it’s just down the hall in an apartment building, and adding in the challenges of a big city move can send your stress level to new highs. Here are some tips to help your midsize Frisco move go a little more smoothly.
Clear Out Your Stuff
Just shoving everything you own into boxes is tempting. There’s no denying it’s a faster way to get ready for a move but it can also make unpacking a nightmare. Suddenly, you’re emptying boxes of stuff you haven’t used in years. If your new pad is smaller than your old one, now you’re frantically searching for places to store your junk.
Take time to sort through your belongings. If you’re finding items you don’t even remember owning, chances are you won’t need them in your new place. Don’t fall for the ‘one day this will come in handy’ spiel. You’re probably going to forget about these things shortly after unpacking.
Create two piles before putting anything in a box. One pile is for stuff that’s going and the other is for the things you’re never going to use. So, what should you do with the unwanted stuff? What about holding a yard sale? You can get rid of your stuff and make some extra cash to use towards the move. What doesn’t sell, you can donate to charity. Now, you also have a tax write-off and this is always a good thing.
Before announcing your yard sale it’s a good idea to check with local ordinances. Some municipalities have strict regulations regarding yard sales.
Figure Out Your Loading and Unloading Options
If you’re moving from one house to another, there’s a good chance you have a driveway; thankfully, this takes most of the stress out of where to park when it’s time to load and unload the moving truck. However, something to keep in mind is not every San Francisco house comes with a driveway, meaning you’re going to need to check with local parking laws, which can also apply to condos and apartment complexes.
You may not be allowed to park by the building entrance or even your front door. If you find a parking spot dedicated to loading and unloading, congratulations, you’re one of the lucky few.
However, since this is the way, even in downtown Frisco, it’s best to do a little planning. You may also want to prepare yourself, and the movers, for some walking to and from the truck.
Don’t forget about getting a parking permit. San Francisco offers temporary loading and unloading permits that can make it a lot easier to find a parking spot close to your front door. There is a permit fee but if your new address is on a hill it’s usually worth the added cost. After all, do you really want to lug a couch up a steep hill?
Some apartment buildings have freight elevators. Find out if this applies to your new address and ask about any regulations. For example, tenants may only be allowed to use the freight elevator at specific times. You’ll also probably need to let the building manager know your plans so they’re ready with the elevator key.
Your Moving Day Should Fit Your Schedule
Moving companies often try to talk customers into moving days that best fit their schedule, but the moving company’s and your schedule may not align perfectly. Don’t be pressured into accepting a moving date that’s going to cause additional stress. You already have enough to worry about without adding in the stress of trying to squeeze your move into a busy schedule.
You may need to call around to a few different moving services but it’s worth it when you’re not trying to move on your lunch break. Don’t forget to consider traffic—San Fran’s traffic isn’t quite as bad as L.A.’s but it’s close. Weekends are often the best time to plan a move, but this does have a few disadvantages.
Moving companies often charge a little more for weekends. You’re also competing with others trying to schedule their weekend move. The sooner you book your move, the better your chances are of getting your preferred moving date. A good tip to think about is moving in the middle of the month. Middle of the month weekends tend to be a little slower than the first and end of the month.
Moving Day Tips
Congratulations! Everything is boxed up and ready for the movers. So far, your mid-quantity move is going off without a hitch. To keep things moving smoothly, don’t stress over the weather. San Francisco’s microclimate is tricky to predict and can change in an instant. The morning may start damp and foggy, but by lunchtime, you’re looking at a sunny day.
Even though you’re only moving a mid-size load, don’t overdo it. Also, don’t freak out if you see your movers taking breaks. You should plan on taking periodic breaks throughout the move, especially if you’re going up and down hills.
Taking a short break every hour or so can help ensure you have enough energy left to finish the move. Don’t forget about hydration—this is crucial, even on cold, cloudy days.
Enjoy Your New San Francisco Home
Once the move is completed, it’s crucial to allow yourself the pleasure of exploring your new surroundings. Engage with your new neighbors and discover the local attractions, even if it’s something as simple as the corner store. Having navigated the moving process with minimal stress, this is your time to savor the achievement and the new beginnings that await.
Grant yourself this well-deserved break; the boxes will still be there when you’re ready to tackle them. By immersing yourself in the local culture and community from the start, you lay the foundation for a fulfilling and connected life in your new home.
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