Planning a move in San Francisco has its own particular set of things to consider. In Part 5 of this series, we look at some of things to consider when planning a move in our wonderful city by the bay!
What makes the list? Well, the HILLS are a big one! Native residents will appreciate the challenges that face someone planning a move in the city, for those moving to San Francisco for the first time; the hills are only one of the many obstacles. Read on to find out the things you MUST KNOW!
Things to Consider if Planning a Move in San Francisco
There are SO many things to take into account when planning a move in San Francisco. Moving into a condo in the Financial District will be very different from moving into a house-rental in the Sunset. And they will each have their own set of challenges!
A move in San Francisco will involve: Rush hour pretty much all day every day, bikers, pedestrians, construction, really cold summer weather, stairs, steep hills, game day traffic, one-way streets, thick fog, emergency vehicles, insane parking restrictions every day, tons of tourists, special events, street cleaning, more stairs and certain terrifying-crazy-steep hills, delivery trucks servicing businesses by your new home and the homeless on your doorstep, more construction, road repair…And More!
ALL of this comes into play when planning a move in San Francisco. This is one time, where you really would be better off calling a professional! At Cummings Moving we have done thousands of moves in San Francisco and know how to do it fast… And Safe! At least get an estimate. That’s FREE!
Then weigh a quick Cummings move (one that has you exploring your new neighborhood that afternoon before unpacking your new home that night) against an exhausting, day-long, hair-raising DIY ordeal that ends in an insurance claim because, at best, you bumped a car with your rental truck!
At least Call Cummings for that FREE Estimate!!!
Renting a DIY Truck When Planning a Move
Do you really know how to navigate, park, and operate a fully loaded truck on the hills of San Francisco? The hills are insane and driving through the city streets is chaotic at best. Then there is the issue of parking – Impossible! If you MUST go DIY, then partner with a San Francisco resident to walk you through all the logistics you’ll need to think through AHEAD of time. Planning a move in San Francisco is not one where you can “wing it!” It takes real planning.
In general, when doing a DIY move, the truck is one of your biggest expenses. We found some great truck tips at LifeHacker.com.
Measure Your Furniture and Your New Space
If you are new to San Francisco, we have some unique living spaces here in San Francisco; many of them older buildings with narrow stairs and small elevators. While it’s ideal to measure your old furniture and new space before you move to make sure that your pieces fit BEFORE you pay to move them, if you can at least get to your new space well-ahead of the truck, you will have some time to plan for furniture move-in and placement.
When you arrive, take a look for move-in “trouble-spots.” See if there are alternate ways to get larger pieces into your new home. Make arrangements for access to that alternate way in and make sure you have tools on hand to take the legs OFF that dining room table, couch or over-stuffed chair so you have a better chance of getting it around that sharp corner. You can see why all this would be better handled when planning a move, rather than on the day you move in!
Once you have things scoped out, since you will have the dimensions of your main pieces with you, along with that trusty tape-measure, paper, a roll of blue painter’s tape and a thick marker, you can plan for furniture placement. With your BOLD magic-marker, paper and painter’s tape, you are ready for action. Simply mark the area with a sign “Couch” – Place it on the floor mark with blue tape where the corners of that piece will go. Do the same for all the big furniture and it will save your back moving things around later. You can also mark off a space in each room where you want the boxes for that room to be stacked. This will help get your move done so you can get out and explore San Francisco!
Planning a Move in San Francisco Series Wrap-up
On October 28th we will wrap up this “Planning a Move” series with our last installment. In it we will answer that burning question: Do I tip my movers? Check back for that and more just before Halloween. Boo!
Remember, Cummings Moving is one FREE Estimate away! Planning a move in San Francisco is one time where – It is definitely worth the call!
Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers
Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.
The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.
Photo Credit – A special note of appreciation to Lee Abel for her wonderful photo.
