The Golden State, the land of Dreams, the home of Hollywood, the ocean, and the world of surf and sand; California has gone by all of these nicknames and more. The state is home to an incredible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, as well as big name cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and more. If you’re thinking about making the move to the West Coast, you’re not alone; the population of California has grown by 5% in the last few years. Keep these tips in mind to help facilitate the easiest possible move to California!
California is a truly magical place for many reasons. Nature lovers will appreciate the diverse and varied landscape of Cali, as will outdoor enthusiasts of every variety. With plenty of national and state parks, mountains, and beaches, hiking, surfing, skiing, and swimming opportunities abound. You can also explore some of the higher-end cultural components of California, from wine country to the artistic communities living in and around Los Angeles. Hollywood is another major draw, as many struggling actors and actresses cut their teeth in the film industry here. Though California is one of the more expensive states to live in, it provides incredible opportunities and locations to enjoy.
Moving to California requires a lot of guts and confidence. Living in California is definitely expensive, with an elevated tax rate as well as an overall higher cost of living, so if you’re getting ready to move it’s a good idea to have some money saved up. You’re also going to want to contract with a local moving company in California to help support your move; a California moving company can help you navigate tough traffic and winding backroads combined as you haul your belongings in.
Finding the right moving company in California will largely depend on where in California you’re moving. A team of movers helping you move into a home near Los Angeles will have different skill sets and priorities than a team of movers helping you settle into San Francisco or somewhere in the valleys of North California. Pick a moving company that specializes in the area you plan to move into for the best results.
Moving to California will require some careful logistical planning to help execute. Depending on where you’re moving from, your commute to California will likely take several days.
Make sure your moving company has reasonable and reliable transportation and fees so that you’re not paying a small fortune for services that don’t meet all your needs.
You will also want to make sure your moving company’s trucks and teams can handle varied California landscapes. From highway traffic to mountains and valleys, a multipurpose moving team (full service moving company) is your best bet when it comes to securing the safety of your valuables and property.
Moving to California is an exciting adventure, and a California moving company can help you get the job done well for a great overall move!
For interstate moves, you can verify that a mover is federally licensed by calling the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at (202) 385-2423
California moving companies must have their California T number issued by the California Public Utilities Commission and they also must obtain permits from the PUC after proving financial and safety fitness as well as insurance and a criminal background clearance by the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Agency: California Public Utilities Commission
Address: SSRS Unit 505, Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3298
Phone: (800) 848-5580
Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/puc/
Protect Your Move (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
www.protectyourmove.gov
US Department of Transportation
www.dot.gov
1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590
1-800-877-8339
1-866-377-8642
American Moving & Storage Association
www.moving.org
1611
Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
1-800-849-2672