Whether you’re moving within San Diego County or moving to San Diego for the first time, there’s no better time than the present to start organizing your San Diego move. As locals may know, San Diego is a very popular place to live and has some unique quirks when it comes to moving.
In this guide, we’ll lay out everything you need to know before you move in the San Diego area. We also include a moving supplies checklist and questions to ask yourself while moving to stay organized.
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Organizing Your San Diego Move: What to Know Before Your Move
There are several things you will need to have before you start your move. We’ve put together this handy checklist for those moving to San Diego to help you get started on organizing your San Diego move.
San Diego Move Supplies Checklist
Moving Boxes
Packing Tape
Bubble Wrap
Scissors
Markers/Label Maker
Transportation/Vehicle for Items
Ratchet Straps or Rope
Moving Blankets
Trash Bags
This list works great for those who are planning on moving without the assistance of movers. If you are looking into hiring a moving company to assist you, many of these supplies will be provided by the professional movers you hire.
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Top Five Tips for Organizing Your San Diego Move
1. Avoid Moving During High-Traffic Times
No one wants to drive a U-Haul or a truck full of boxes back and forth through rush hour. To save time and money, be sure to avoid the early morning and early afternoon slogs on the freeways. In San Diego, rush hour is more than your typical 5 to 6 p.m. traffic jam.
Depending on the day, the morning rush hour is typically between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and the evening rush hour ranges from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. When you factor in accidents or rain, you can end up stuck in a stop-and-go for quite a bit of time.
We recommend avoiding moving during these high-traffic times, especially if you’re making multiple trips.
2. Establish a Packing Plan
The worst part about moving by far is losing things in the move. If you’ve ever moved before, you’ve likely encountered the hair-pulling realization that you can’t find an entire box of your belongings. How could it have disappeared?
Setting up an organization system before you start packing is crucial for keeping track of your things. Before you start packing, go from room to room and consider these questions:
Where will these items go in my new house/apartment?
How will I know which items are in which boxes?
Will I need some items within the first day or two after my move?
Can some items wait to be unpacked? Are others a higher priority?
Pro-Tip: Label your boxes more specifically than the room name the box belongs in and set aside priority items so they don’t get lost.
Professional movers can also help keep things organized if you choose to use them. Moving companies can pack and unpack belongings to help keep everything accounted for during your move to San Diego.
3. Don’t Underestimate the Weather
Sunny San Diego is well-known for its idyllic weather and many sunny days, but any local knows it’s better to be safe than sorry. In the winter months, infrequent San Diego rain can put a damper on your move, with a higher risk for accidents on the freeways and the possibility of your belongings getting wet.
On the other side of the spectrum, heat waves can complicate moving. Days with excessive heat and lifting heavy boxes are a bad combination. Make sure you’re aware and prepared for warm weather with plenty of water and a shady place to cool off in between loads if you’re moving on your own.
We recommend moving in the winter or hiring a moving company for summer moves, especially for those who are sensitive to the heat.
4. Declutter Before You Move
Don’t waste time and money packing your clutter with you. While you are packing your belongings, make decisions on what really needs to come with you to your next destination. You can easily set up a simple system to declutter as you pack.
Here is a sample list of questions to ask yourself as you pack:
When was the last time I used this item?
Is there sentimental value to this item?
If there is sentimental value to this item, can I take a picture of it?
5. Learn About Your New Neighborhood
San Diego is diverse! There are many subcultures and differences from city to city within San Diego County. If you’re moving to San Diego for the first time, there may be some culture shock.
San Diego is more than just a beach city. There is incredible food, exciting sports teams, attractions, and frequent concerts. There are also several wonderful universities in the area and highly rated schools.
As with every major city, San Diego also has its struggles. It’s important to stay up to date on local issues and participate in your new community. For example, due to frequent drought, San Diegans must be more water-wise than other cities.
Keep in mind that this information is general to the county. Whether you’re moving to East County or North County, be sure to research your specific area for more information.
Conclusion
San Diego is one of the best cities to live in in the United States. No matter where you decide to call home within the county, you’ll be happy to call San Diego home. By following these moving tips, you will be able to get the jump on organizing your San Diego move and set yourself up for moving success.
Interested in moving with the assistance of professional movers? Hiring movers takes the stress out of moving. Blue Dog Moving is a San Diego moving company dedicated to moving your belongings safely and responsibly. Get in touch with us, schedule a move, or request a callback!