Moving in California may seem like a daunting process, but it doesn’t need to be. Careful preparation and a little research can ensure that your California move happens quickly and smoothly, with little interruption to your daily life.
Smart Ideas for a Safe and Easy California Moving Plan — Packing
You should start packing for your California move well in advance, four to six weeks if possible. You won’t be able to pack everything this far ahead, but do the best you can. Begin by doing an inventory of all the items you will be moving. Prioritize the items you will be packing yourself and try to pack items of similar priority together. Make a list of which items will be in which box and make sure this list is easily accessible.
When packing items yourself, be sure to use plenty of padding between items, be it newspaper, blankets, Styrofoam or whatever you can use to reduce impact. Try to render packed items, especially fragile ones, as immobile as possible.
Smart Ideas for a Safe and Easy California Moving Plan — Hiring a Mover
Unless you are planning to rent a truck and move everything yourself, you will need to hire a mover. If you are moving within California, make sure that your mover is registered with the California Public Utilities Commission. This will make it more likely that you hire a reputable mover and give your more recourse if anything goes wrong. If this will be a move to California from out of state, you will want to verify that the mover is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Have your mover come to your home and give you a written estimate of the move well in advance of the actual moving out day. Make sure that the mover has seen all items for the move and understands the requirements. Try to get estimates from a few different movers and make sure the mover actually comes to your home to make an accurate assessment.
Smart Ideas for a Safe and Easy California Moving Plan — The Move
Know when your mover will arrive and be ready and waiting. Review all paperwork and make sure all terms are clear. Make sure that the moving company has a phone number where they can contact you during the move and that they have clear directions to your new location.
Wait until everything is in the truck and you have done a final inspection of the home before leaving. Try to be on hand when your items arrive. Make sure that everything is off the truck and in your new home before paying the movers. If you discover any loss or breakage, report it to the proper governing body (CPUC or FMCSA) as soon as possible.
Turn off your old utilities and try to have at least your new phone line turned on the day before you arrive.
