If you are moving any time soon to the great City of San Francisco, you are in for a big adventure.  Before you get to the bay, you will need to do some efficient planning and strategizing to make sure your move is cost effective, stress-free and enjoyable.

What Makes San Francisco a popular Moving destination

What’s so great about this city?

1. It is probably the most exciting and vibrant city in the whole of California with its cornucopia of museums, interesting architecture, music, arts, and festivals.  Throw in the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39 and you will surely realize how much you have to look forward to upon your arrival.
2. The weather can be reasonably warm and sunny on some days, cold or foggy and rainy on others.  Many people love that the weather changes throughout the year so it never gets boring.  It has the coolest summer compared to other parts of the US with temperatures averaging from upper 60s to lower 70s, like it is always spring.   The perennial San Francisco fog works like a natural air conditioning system so you’ll need a light jacket even in the summer.   There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities with running trails, beaches, and scenic parks. It truly is an ideal place to live and work.
3. Delicious grub is aplenty, too – and every corner offers a unique culinary experience to satisfy your cravings.
4. The city is rich in employment opportunities – from banking/investments, trade and shipping, healthcare, education, and new media, thanks to the presence of many innovative new technologies companies in the city.

As with all moves anywhere in the country, moving to San Francisco requires that you plan well by knowing what resources you have and how to get to your destination smoothly.  While some people choose Do-it-yourself moves by simply hiring a U-Haul truck to save money, if you are moving cross country or long distance, it pays to compare moving company prices and services to see if you will be better off just moving with professional movers.  For one thing, they know the lay of the land, so to speak, and can definitely throw in a few moving tips here and there to make moving day more organized and stress-free for you.

At 5 Movers Quotes, we aim to help you make the most out of your move with:

• proven tips and advice on how to move easier and at the least cost possible
• FREE online moving quotes from top-rated moving professionals from our network
• Review of professional movers in San Francisco so you can compare moving rates
• Verified customer reviews about professional moving services
• Important things to know about the City by the bay.

Reasons to hire Professional Movers for your move to San Francisco

Moving can be a highly emotional and stressful experience. The decision whether to move with a professional moving company or just take a do it yourself approach is a long going debate.  Some people remain skeptical about the benefits of moving with professional movers.  Is it really worth it to hire movers when you move?

Below are 6 ways that professional movers can simplify the moving process for you.

1. Packing is the most tedious and time-consuming task in the moving process and could account for about ¼ of your moving cost.  If you do your own packing, you could actually be spending more than if you hire professional packers.  You will use up more boxes than required and your delicate items may not be packed properly, resulting in damage or breakage during transport.  In contrast, professional movers are trained to pack even fragile and sensitive items and work more quickly and efficiently.In case you want to save money by doing your own packing, watch this video from a professional moving company that will teach you how to pack even your fragile kitchen items like a pro.
2. Movers provide all the tools and equipment needed for loading and unloading, assembly/disassembly, packing and unpacking, and transport of your valuable goods.  This helps prevent damage and breakage.
3. Professional moving companies carry insurance and know how to keep your goods safe.  While most movers offer only basic insurance cover, there are some who do offer full replacement value for an additional cost.  When you use a moving company, you feel assured that someone is liable if something should happen to your belongings.
4. Professional movers know how to get your goods to your destination safely and easily.
5. Moving is less exhausting and stressful when professionals are on hand to guide you every step of the way, especially if you are moving long distance or from overseas.
6. It is possible to spend just the same amount of money, maybe less, when you move with professional moving companies compared to a DIY move.  You spend the same amount without having to do all the work.

 

MOVING SCAMS TO AVOID

In their desire to save on moving costs, some people end up being scammed by disreputable and fly-by-night operators. When you choose your movers, it is important to consider not just price but also company experience, reputation, professionalism, and customer service.  With our network of professional movers, you don’t ever have to worry about being scammed or taken for a ride by unscrupulous movers who often operate without a license or the right training.

Here is an interesting video from CBC to help you avoid nasty moving experiences with movers who charge way more than you expected, ambush you in unexpected ways, and generally let you down.  Here are some moving scams you should watch out for.

 

REVIEW OF SAN FRANCISCO MOVING COMPANIES

GOLDEN BAY MOVERS

This relocation company offers full moving services to the San Francisco Bay Area. They specialize in commercial and residential moves and have made thousands of local moves since 1992. The company offers packing services and also Pod, truck rental or container loading and unloading.

As a fully licensed and insured moving company, it provides customers with 3 insurance options: basic (free) with cover of $.60 per pound per article, or actual cash value for additional $.75 for every $100 of insured goods or full value with $0.00 deductions for additional $1.20 for every $100 of insured goods.

 

 

 

SF MOVING

This professional moving company offers reasonably priced and dependable moving services in the San Francisco Bay area.  They assist with packing and wrapping, transport and storage for residential and commercial moves anywhere in the United States or international locations.  Also available are crating services for fragile or delicate items such as glass, sculptures, antiques, paintings, and bone china.

For storage, the company has a clean and vaulted storage area with high tech security systems to guarantee the safety of your belongings.

 

LUGG

This company refers to their moving service as on-demand movers. In a nutshell, they load, haul and deliver and they can be requested with your mobile device within minutes complete with truck and movers.
Basically, you can move anything with a tap on your phone by setting a pick-up location, sending a photo of the item for moving, and your movers will be on their way. Nice, right?

They offer 100% cover for damage to your item if the fault lies with their movers.   You won’t have to do anything as movers will load and haul for you.  They are proud to say they don’t need advance notice as you can schedule anytime you are ready, with their arrival time within 15-60 minutes.

 

 

CAREMORE Moves and Storage

This relocation company is based in San Francisco.  It is a licensed and insured, full service moving service offering packing, labor only, loading and unloading, storage, moving boxes, furniture disposal, local and long distance moves anywhere in California.

 

 

NORTHSTAR MOVING COMPANY

This moving company began in 1994 and uses state of the art equipment for all their moves.  It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and was voted by Citysearch as Best Mover.

They offer local, intrastate, long distance and international moves, residential and commercial moves, production moves, and storage and warehousing.

Their red carpet service extends to pets, art and piano moving, Family care, Vehicle Care, and more.  It is obvious this moving company is ready to address all customer concerns in every possible way.

 

 

ONE BIG MAN, ONE BIG TRUCK

This business started in 1983 for people moving in the San Francisco area.  Today, they service moves in the Bay area and throughout California.

The company also offers packing services whether they pack everything for you, pack only some of your valuables or just provide packing supplies.

This company is a great option for small and fast moves as they have no minimum time. Check out their rates below.

 

 

 

 

SPARTAN VAN LINES

This moving company serves San Francisco and San Jose at reasonable prices.  No additional fee is charged even for last minute moves.  The company offers timely pick-up and delivery with uniformed movers.  Crating and packing services are available with detailed inventories given for each move.  Storage option in a climate controlled facility is also provided AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.

This moving company has an A- rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited since 2015.

 

 

CORRIB MOVING AND STORAGE

This moving company is Irish family-owned and offers commercial and residential moves, storage services, and packing services.   The company provides standard insurance as part of your moving quote.  They charge on a per hour basis with 2 to 3 movers as required by the size of your move.  No deposit is required to book and they accept cash or credit cards for payment.

 

 

FAIRPRICE MOVERS

This moving company services the San Francisco and surrounding bay area and San Jose for commercial and household moves.  Their services include door to door service, loading and unloading, assembly/disassembly of furniture and appliances, and moving supplies.  There is no additional charge for fuel or stairs and elevators.

For local moves, they charge by the hour and offer special promotions during weekdays.   Long distance moves are estimated based on weight and space needed. Senior citizens are also given a nice discount.

 

 

Professional San Francisco Movers

This moving company, established in 2005, promises you peace of mind during your move as they have trained and professional movers to ensure your needs are taken care of.  The company offers residential, commercial, and specialty moves, and professional packing services. They charge all-inclusive rates with no hidden charges.

For $99 per hour, you can get a moving truck and 2 movers.

 

 

FAST AND RELIABLE MOVING SERVICE LLC (ZHANG’S MOVING)

This moving company, family owned and operated, has been serving San Francisco since 1994. They offer full service moving, commercial, residential, antiques moving, piano moving services, hoisting, and loading and unloading services. Their trucks include van, 16-ft and 24-ft trucks.  The company also offers free delivery of moving supplies.

They accept cash, credit cards, and checks.

 

OASIS MOVING COMPANY

This moving company serves the San Francisco Bay area for household and commercial moves as well as California long distance moves.

Unlike other movers, they charge per hour which starts when movers arrive at your door and not when they leave their office.  The bill also ends at the nearest half hour when job is completed.  As you can see, they won’t overcharge you and will bill only for the time it actually takes to complete your move.  There are also no additional charges for fuel, mileage or other hidden charges.

 

 

PAT RYAN MOVING AND STORAGE

This moving company is family owned and operated and specializes in local moves.  Since 2001, the company has served San Francisco residential moves and offer excellent packing services.  It has its own storage facility for storing your items you don’t have room for.  As full service local movers, their crew will take care of all the details of your move.

The company offers hourly rated, with no additional charge for evenings or weekends.  The good thing is that they won’t charge you for moving large items like pianos because they base your moving bill on the time alone it takes to complete the job.

For payment, no deposit is required and they accept cash and checks.

 

BIG LEPRECHAUN MOVING AND STORAGE

This moving company offers moving and storage services in San Francisco for very affordable rates.  The company is 100% Irish family owned and operated. They can help with any studio, 2-bedroom, or 5 bedroom move and even with office moves.

 

 

ROGUE MOVING AND STORAGE

This moving company specializes in residential and commercial moves, packing services, hoisting, and loading and unloading.  They take pride in their excellent customer service record.

The rates are based on time plus minimum driving time. Storage fees are charged on a monthly basis.  For payment, the company accepts cash, checks and credit cards.

 

 

Useful Relocation Resources For Moving To San Francisco

There are many things you’ll be looking for when you get to San Francisco, or probably even before that. Once you have organized your method for moving to the city by choosing from your free online quotes, you can focus on preparing for the new life ahead of you.

We can make your life easier by helping you put a check mark on your to-do list:

FINDING AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS

The Bay area covers about 7,000 square miles with 9 counties and 6 sub-regions where around 7 million residents live.  These 6 sub regions are – The Peninsula, Santa Cruz/ San Benito, The South Bay, The North Bay, The East Bay and San Francisco.

Apartments can be pretty expensive, thanks to the fact that household incomes are generally higher compared to the rest of the country.   Many residents use home-sharing options or service swap (pet sitting, day care, maintenance) for discounted rent.  Ask San Francisco residents and they will say cheap apartments are not to be found here but definitely, you can look for affordable options or arrangements advertised.

A note of advice: apartment vacancies in the city are rare and go pretty quickly.
Here are some useful links to check out for finding your apartment in San Francisco.
https://www.apartmentlist.com/ca/san-francisco
https://livelovely.com/
https://www.zumper.com/apartments-for-rent/san-francisco-ca

TOP OF THE LIST AGENCIES TO NOTIFY FOR CHANGE OF ADDRESS

It is important to notify proper agencies about a change of address. You’ll need to inform the Department of Motor Vehicles to get your new state license and register your vehicle.  It is advisable to make an appointment. For more information, you can visit http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv.

You can also register to vote in San Francisco with an online application form at http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration.

A private company also takes care of garbage collection in the city and provides 3 bins for your recyclable, compost and regular garbage.  You can check schedules of service at http://recologysf.com/index.php/for-homes/services-for-san-francisco-residents.

You can obtain information you need about California taxes and payment at http://www.taxes.ca.gov.

If you have kids, you’ll need to find the right school for them.  Here’s a list of the best elementary, middle, and high schools in the city.

 

Elementary Schools:

1. Sherman Elementary
2. John Yehall Chin Elementary
3. Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary
4. Clarendon Alternative Elementary
5. Alice Fong Yu Elementary

Middle Schools:

1. Presidio Middle School
2. Roosevelt Middle School
3. Aptos Middle School
4. A.P. Giannini Middle School
5. Herbert Hoover Middle School

High Schools:

1. Galileo High
2. Lowell high
3. Balboa High
4. Impact Academy of Arts and Technology
5. San Francisco School of the Arts

UTILITIES

There are 3 important utilities you have to arrange in advance – electricity, gas and water.   Below are links to refer to for having these services connected before you arrive, at least two weeks of notification required.

http://www.pge.com
http://www.sfwater.org/

FINDING EMPLOYMENT

 

There are many San Francisco jobs waiting for you when you arrive, no matter what your background and interests are. The trick is knowing where to look.   Job opportunities in the city come from different types of industries, many of which are the highest paid in the United States.

The high tech center in Silicon Valley continues to expand, bringing with it a high number of highly-paid jobs. Examples of companies with headquarters in the city are Google, Twitter, Apple, Uber, and other online business service firms.

Most jobs in the city are related to finance and technology in downtown Financial District and in the fields of biotechnology which are concentrated in Mission Bay neighborhood.  A large percentage of jobs also come from small businesses.

http://www.sanfranjobs.com/
https://www.jobaps.com/sf/
http://us.jobs/c-San-Francisco-California-jobs.asp

GETTING AROUND THE CITY

 

Sure, you’ve heard of San Francisco cable cars and they are still operational in the downtown area.  However, there are many other transport options for you to choose from.  The city has a vast transportation system which includes the Muni light rail and transit, Muni buses, the Bay area Rapid Transit (BART) and the Caltrain railway system. Look up the links below for information on how to get around the city.

https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around
http://www.bart.gov/
http://www.caltrain.com/stations/sanfranciscostation.html

NEVER TO BE MISSED PLACES AND THINGS FOR NEW ARRIVALS TO SEE

 

To start your relationship with your new city, it is a must that you see the top attractions of San Francisco.  Although it is a big city with lots of great places to see, the truth is that it is only 49 square miles.  You can see a lot in just a short time to get you acclimatized and familiar with your new home.

1. See the Golden Gate Bridge
   This world famous bridge impresses even the most jaded.
2. Take your first cable car ride.
   You have to experience this renowned cable car that has been around since the late 19th century.  Tickets are sold at turnarounds on each route – a great way to see your first spectacular view of the city.
3. Check out Alcatraz.
   This notorious prison is on an island in the center of San Francisco Bay.  You can take an Alcatraz cruise from Pier 33.
4. See Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39.
   

   The famous San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf

   This festive waterfront market is a top favorite for locals and tourists alike. Sea lions can be seen here and a short walk takes you to other attractions like Madame Tussaud’s, Ripley’s Believe it or Not and the San Francisco Dungeon.

5. Visit Old Chinatown
   Explore this part of the city on foot and have a look at exotic shops and popular restaurants. Relax and sample all kinds of delicious dim sum.

You should start feeling right at home when you’ve visited these terrific places that have made San Francisco truly a heart-stealer.

You have seen how you can save money from your move, checked out various moving companies in San Francisco, and have a list of things to do before and after your move.  It is time to buckle down to work and get your MOVE ready.

Click request button to receive your 5 free moving quotes today and choose your San Francisco movers.

We are as excited about your move as you are. Enjoy your move to the city with our network of movers!