Expert Advice For Moving to California

One thing is for sure — if you move to California, you’ll need to get a guest bedroom or pullout bed ready! You’re going to have plenty of visitors. California is a dream location thanks to its unparalleled year-round weather, abundant outdoor activities, and booming real estate market. If you are considering taking the leap and moving to California, read up on the following information. In the following text, we discuss:

1. All the major factors you might want to consider about California, including traffic, lifestyle, and things to do.
2. Some of the best cities and areas to live in throughout the Golden State.
3. The most important tasks you need to complete to execute your big move.
4. The customizable moving services that you can use to make your relocation unbelievably easy.

We hope this page helps you make educated decisions for yourself and your loved ones. California presents perks and opportunities that make it an excellent place to reside. And moving in is as easy as homemade pie when you relocate with a trusted, licensed, and insured California moving company.

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Living in California: What to Know Before Moving to California

If you’re ready to find the home of your dreams in California, it’s time to learn more about what you can expect from life in the Golden State. Whether you are an avid beachgoer, a warm weather lover, an outdoor adventurer, or an opportunity seeker, California has so much to offer you!

Pros and Cons of Living in California

The Golden State has a lot to offer, but its perks don’t come without some flaws. Here’s a brief overview of some of the pros and cons of calling California home.

Pros:

• The weather: Across most of the state, especially Southern California, year-round, beautiful weather means no snow shoveling or icy roads.
• Breathtaking scenery: From the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains to cliffside views of the Pacific, California is one of the country’s most beautiful states.
• Things to Do: With bustling metropolitan areas, the glitz and glam of Hollywood, a smattering of theme parks, a plethora of state and national parks, and some of the best wine country, California has no shortage of sights to see and places to visit.
• Economy: California has the largest economy in the U.S. and one of the most diversified.
• The Dress Code: California is known as a state that’s laidback, especially when it comes to attire. Here, t-shirts, flip-flops, and shorts are the norm.

Cons:

• Cost of living: In the Golden State, you’ll need mountains of gold to afford the California lifestyle. It’s the second most expensive state in terms of cost of living, second only to Hawaii.
• The housing market: California has some of the most expensive real estate in the country. According to the CA Association of Realtors, the median home price statewide exceeds $560,000, while the median home price in the pricey SF Bay Area is just shy of $1 million.
• State taxes: With high income tax, sales tax, and property tax rates, California makes the list of the top 10 least-friendly tax states in the country.
• Traffic: California’s major cities are notorious for being some of the worst for traffic. If you plan to live in a large metropolitan area, be sure to research the anticipated commute times.
• Public transportation: This isn’t the Big Apple where you can quickly zip around on the subway. Though public transit options are improving, California’s current system isn’t the best for a carless commute.

Is California a Good Place to Live?

One of the most populous states in the country, California is a great place to live as it features thriving metropolitan areas, a booming economy, and countless destinations for tourists and locals alike. Its bustling cities, glamorous silver screen locations, and luxurious wine country have helped the Golden State become one of the largest and most diversified economies in the United States. Of course, that also means there are many opportunities and places worth visiting.

What Is California Known For?

• World Famous Landmarks: It’s no secret that California has a large number of famous landmarks known across the globe including Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Hollywood sign.
• Wine Country: California is home to Napa and Sonoma Counties that are famous for their vineyards, wineries, and the scenic landscapes that ooze romance.
• Surfing: California has the third largest coastline in the US so surfing is naturally a big thing in the Golden State. And it’s not limited to just the southern coasts around Los Angeles and San Diego.
• Redwoods: Coastal Redwood or California Redwood are the common names of these giant evergreen, long-lived trees. Many of these magnificent specimens are easily two millennia or older.
• National Parks: The Golden State has more national parks than any other state. From the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California to the scenic summits of Yosemite, California has nine gorgeous national parks to explore as well as dozens of state and county parks.

Tax Rates

When it comes to taxes, California is one of the least favorable states in the country. Though it ranks 16th in terms of property taxes, with an effective rate of .77%, it miserably fails when it comes to sales and income taxes. Shoppers can expect a base sales tax rate of 7.25%, though local municipalities tack on anywhere from .15% to 3% more. If you live in Glendale or Long Beach, for example, expect to pay the top sales tax rate of 10.25%. California also has the highest personal income tax rates of any state, though the rates are graduated. Lower income residents pay 1%, while top income earners (those making $1 million or more) pay as much as 13.3% in income taxes.

Housing Market

California is one of the largest residential real estate markets in the country, but it’s also one of the most expensive. According to data published by Statista, the average value of a single-family home statewide is over $760,000. Across the state, the median home value is $548,000 according to Zillow.com. By comparison, the median home value nationwide is only $226,000. While you don’t get much bang for your buck, it’s at least a buyers’ market for the time being.

Are you thinking about renting for a while? According to data published by apartmentlist.com, the median 1-bedroom rental rate is $1437, while the median 2-bedroom rents for $1832. The median rental price nationwide for comparable units is just $951 and $1180, respectively. Living in California undoubtedly comes at a premium. Not only are the rental rates in California already grossly inflated, but four California cities (Stockton, Anaheim, Sacramento, and Long Beach) make the top ten list for fastest rent growth in the last five years. Despite the depressingly expensive rents, in many markets, including San Francisco, Oakland, L.A., Long Beach, San Jose, Anaheim, and San Diego, it’s still better to rent than to buy.

Cost of Living

The cost of housing in most areas of California may give you some sticker shock. In places like SoCal or the Bay Area, home prices might be significantly higher than the home prices in your current state of residence. The home price index of California is nearly triple that of the nationwide index. Not only is housing more expensive, but so are most other costs, including groceries, utilities, and transportation. The only area in which you can expect lower-than-average costs is healthcare.

According to the Family Budget Calculator, a family of four living in the Los Angeles metro area can expect to pay an average of $1,663 per month for housing, $830 for food, over $1,000 for transportation, $1200 for childcare, and almost $2000 for healthcare and other necessities. This budget equates to a whopping $7,691 per month in living expenses (or $92,295 annually). Don’t forget to do your research and learn more about what your costs will be in your given area, including things like taxes, childcare, memberships, insurance, services, utilities, etc. When you are informed, you can design a budget and plan.

Weather & Natural Disasters

If you’re planning on moving to SoCal, trade your snow boots for flip flops (many Southern Californians will wear flip flops to work) and don’t forget to stock up on sunscreen for those days on the beach and out hiking. Sunglasses are another absolute necessity for the area. You can also say goodbye to shoveling snow and scraping ice off your car. Southern California is a place like nowhere else, with skin-warming sunny weather almost every single day. In Los Angeles, the average January high is 68 degrees, with lows in the uppers 40s. During the hottest month, August, L.A. enjoys highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-60s.

Northern California can get a bit colder, with mild summers and snow in some areas during the winter. Winters are wetter in Northern California than anything you would see in SoCal, so be sure to bring a rain jacket if you’re moving to the Bay Area or another Northern destination. In San Francisco, the average annual high is 64 degrees, with an average low of 51 degrees.

In terms of natural disasters, you won’t see many tornadoes or hurricanes, though you do need to be aware of the threat of wildfires and earthquakes. Southern California’s dry, Mediterranean climate frequently fuels massive fires. California’s location along the San Andreas Fault means its prone to experiencing frequent, and sometimes extensive, earthquakes. One of the worst earthquakes in recent history was a magnitude 7.2 that hit Landers, CA in 1992, causing $92 million in damage.

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Economy & the Job Market

California has the largest economy of any state and the fifth largest economy in the world, with a GDP of $2.797 trillion. A diverse set of industries bolsters the Golden State’s strong economy, including tourism, energy, agriculture, technology, and exported goods. You can find some of the best jobs in Silicon Valley, where employers like Apple, Google, and Facebook offer lucrative paychecks and plenty of fringe benefits. Other top employers include Disneyland, UCLA, the Naval Base San Diego, and UC Davis. Statewide, the unemployment is on the decline and currently hovers just above the national unemployment rate.

Traffic and Transportation

Depending on where you live in California, you will have to grow accustomed to a long commute. On average the typical California worker commutes for almost an hour each day! Residents far out in the L.A. suburb of Palmdale have the worst commute in the entire country, spending an average of 85.4 minutes getting to and from work each day. Look up conditions in your ideal area to find out the worst times to travel. Traffic in some areas is packed but still fast-moving, while other cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, are bumper-to-bumper every single day. Even rural highways can be astoundingly busy.

Though many Californians still choose to spend time behind the wheel, decent public transportation does exist is some metropolitan areas.

• Los Angeles: L.A. has a decent Metro Rail system, that will get you to most destinations, even though you may have to pass through some dodgy areas. The public bus system is more extensive and costs about the same as riding on the rail.
• San Diego: Trolleys service most of downtown San Diego, but for longer commutes, you may want to explore your options on the North County Transit District’s Coaster train or the BREEZE or MTS bus routes.
• San Jose: Bay Area Rapid Transit and the Caltrain heavy rail connect San Jose to the rest of the Bay Area. In town, you can take a VTA light rail or bus or hop aboard the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH).
• San Francisco: Take one of the iconic cable cars, or hop on a Muni Rapid Bus or Muni Metro light rail for commutes around downtown. The Bay Area Rapid Transit system connects commuters in outlying areas, including Richmond, Fremont, Pleasanton, Antioch, and Milbrae. If you live on one of the surrounding islands, you can spend your morning commute aboard the Golden Gate Ferry or the San Francisco Ferry.

Things to Do

You will notice that fitness and health are a huge part of the California lifestyle. The weight rooms and yoga classes are brimming, the trails are filled with joggers and bicyclists, and the farmers markets are teeming with fresh produce.

Spending time outside is also a central part of the California lifestyle. Many of your neighbors will eat outside or participate in regular bike rides or hikes. People are always walking their dogs or heading over to the outdoor markets to grab groceries.

There are plenty of things to do in outdoorsy California. Some of our suggestions include:

• Enjoy Venice Beach, with its world-renowned Muscle Beach
• Visit any of the California’s dozens upon dozens of state parks and recreation areas
• Walk down Santa Monica Pier and get an adrenaline rush on its amusement park rides
• Visit Alcatraz Island, with the breathtaking Rock and one of America’s infamous federal prisons
• Take a trip down to the hottest place on earth, Death Valley
• Explore Yosemite (or one of the other 8 national parks), with its incomparable scenery, hiking, and photography opportunities

Food

Here are a few of the things you need to know about food consumption and options in California:

• It’s all organic and fresh: What comes with a healthy lifestyle and beautiful weather? Fresh fruits and veggies! A lot of your produce is farmed right there in California, so you can trust it hasn’t traveled far. Farmers markets are everywhere, and organic foods fly off the shelves.
• Avocados are all the rage: The avocado frenzy has spread far and wide, but California is home to some of the best avocados and most creative avo recipes.
• Chow down on fish tacos: Fish tacos are a specialty in SoCal. You’ll find food trucks and restaurants with the best tacos you’ve ever tasted.
• Consider growing your own: Gardening is extremely popular here, since people can grow so many beautiful fresh fruits and veggies in this climate. Your neighbors will probably have fruit trees and herbs growing right in their backyard.
• You’ll meet lots of vegetarians: Eating healthily is a priority for many Californians, so you’ll meet many vegetarians, vegans, and other thoughtful consumers. Food is all about the freshness and fueling your amazing body!

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Schools and Universities

If you have children or plan on attending school yourself, you’re probably interested in how California’s education system stacks up. According to USA Today, California has the largest public school system in the country, which is no surprise given that it’s the most populous state. However, it ranks 35th for public schools based on poor student performance and low spending per student. Despite the Golden State’s lackluster public school performance, not all public school districts get a bad rap. The following districts consistently rank as some of the best in the state:

• Davis Joint Unified School District
• Scott Valley Unified School District
• Palo Alto Unified School District
• Shasta Union High School District
• Bret Harte Union High School District

In terms of higher education, California has 264 four-year colleges and universities, giving residents plenty of options for securing their bachelor’s degree. According to U.S. News and World Report, the top-ranked universities include:

• Stanford University (Stanford, CA): 7,062 undergrads
• California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA): 961 undergrads
• UCLA (Los Angeles, CA): 31,002 undergrads
• UC Berkeley (Berkeley, CA): 30,574 undergrads
• University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA): 19,170 undergrads

How to Become a California Resident

Before you can apply for a new driver’s license or apply for in-state tuition, you must show proof of California residency. The state has a long list of documents that will satisfy this requirement, but it boils down to

• Proving you have a California address
• Living in the state for at least 9 months of the year

For undergraduate students, the requirements for proving in-state residency are more stringent:

• Must have physical presence in the state for at least a year (366 days)
• Must demonstrate intent to stay in the state, by doing things like getting a CA driver’s license and registering to vote
• Must demonstrate two years of financial independence

Moving to California DMV

New California residents should make a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles shortly after their move, to apply for a new driver’s license and to register their vehicle(s). The state requires newcomers to apply for a California driver’s license within 10 days of establishing California residency. You have 20 days to register your vehicle(s) from the time you enter the state.

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Best Places to Live in California

Where are you destined to land in the Sunshine State? Here are a few California areas we think you might be interested in living in or around once you move.

Santa Monica

Population: 92,000
Median Home Value: $1.72 M

Santa Monica is a classy and iconic place. This beachside enclave stretches along three miles of coastline, with beautiful Pacific Ocean views everywhere you look. Given its proximity to Hollywood, don’t be surprised if you see a celebrity or two while you’re walking down the sunny sidewalks and beaches. Visit fine dining restaurants or flex your muscles at Muscle Beach. Art lovers should stop by Bergamot station, and healthy eaters will be pleased with the gigantic weekly farmers’ market. On any given sunny day, you can take a pleasant stroll through the 26-acre Palisades Park, known for its stunning sunset views. Santa Monica only gets an average of 33 rainy days a year and enjoys a coastal Mediterranean climate, so you’ll have ample time to enjoy the outdoors.

The cost of living in Santa Monica is high, but so is the average income. The city’s bustling economy is reinforced by recognizable names like Hulu, Beachbody, Miramax, and Lionsgate pictures, as well as several video game development studios. Residents with jobs in Los Angeles can commute via I-10 (the Santa Monica Freeway), or by light rail (the Expo Line serves this area) or LA County bus.

Families with growing children will be impressed by the high school graduation rate of 92%. The city is served by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, which boasts several standout elementary schools that rate high on the Academic Performance Index, including Roosevelt Elementary, Franklin Elementary, and Edison Elementary Schools. There is also a smattering of private schools in the area, including the highly regarded Carlthorp School and the Saint Monica Catholic High School.

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Irvine

Population: 277,000
Median Home Value: $859,500

Irvine, a suburb of L.A., is the ideal destination for people who want that beautiful California scenery without the big city vibes. A master-planned community, Irvine has 46 little “townships,” each of which has a unique architectural feel. William Pereira, the town’s designer, gave each village a theme, like Northpark’s Spanish Mission style or Northwood’s Bungalow Craftsman.

Irvine is excellent for families, with low crime rates, excellent schools, and an accessible job market. Top employers include the University of California at Irvine, the Irvine Unified School District, and Blizzard Entertainment, a video game development company. There are dozens of other companies headquartered in Irvine, and the city has earned accolades as one of the top places for start-up companies. Most households feed into the Irvine Unified School District, which has five top-rated public high schools. In addition to UC Irvine, the city boasts 11 other colleges and universities, including The Institute of Design and Merchandising and the Fuller Theological Seminary.

This city enjoys exceptional weather year-round. In December, the coldest month, lows dip down the to low-40s, while the average high tops out in the upper-60s. In the summer, you can expect highs in the mid-80s with lows that dip into the low-60s. Though it does get some rain in the late spring and early summer, overall Irvine has few rain days. Residents bask in the sunshine approximately 288 days a year!

With all that beautiful weather, residents have plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities, like sunbathing at Crystal Cove State Park or hiking the Bommer Canyon Trails. What else do they enjoy doing? Families love visiting the Pretend City Children’s Museum, with 17 interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences. If you enjoy comedy, ImprovCity is known as one of the best comedy clubs in Southern California, and the entertainment comes cheap at only $10 per ticket. Check out upcoming shows at Verizon’s Wireless Amphitheater, which has hosted big-name artists including Maroon 5 and Dave Matthews Band. Ice cream lovers will be pleased to visit the Creamistry, where your frozen treat is made to order right in front of you with liquid nitrogen. It’s the first shop of its kind in the area, and one of the best with flexible dairy-free and dietary-sensitive options.

Traffic is well-controlled in the Irvine area, with sensors and computers that manage its flow on a day-to-day basis. Manageable traffic is a  surprising upside to moving to the Irvine area!

Coronado

Population: 24,000
Median Home Value: $1.79 M

Located off the coast of San Diego, Coronado is a spectacular island community. Residents and visitors alike to love its quiet beaches, quaint streets, and small-town vibe. Activities are endless in Coronado. You can sail, a kayak or a paddleboard. You can take a hike along Coronado Beach or ride a bike on the island’s sixteen miles of boardwalk. Alternatively, you can visit Coronado’s galleries, theaters, and museums or hit the links at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course. At the end of the day, you can enjoy beachside drinks at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, an impressive Victorian beach resort built in 1887. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll have pleasant weather almost year-round. Coronado gets 265 days of sunshine a year and just 12 inches of rain.

The island’s significant employers include the Naval Air Station North Island and two of the most prominent hotels – Hotel Del and the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. The unemployment rate is just 2.8%, which is well below the national unemployment rate. But, if you can’t land a job on the island, you can easily commute to downtown San Diego for work. The Coronado Ferry frequently runs between the east side of Coronado and the San Diego waterfront, or you can brave the perilous heights of the Coronado Bay Bridge by car.

If you’re interested in that majestic and private island feel, as well as an outdoor lifestyle, consider a move to Coronado.

Los Altos Hills

Population: 8,500
Median Home Value: $4.65 M

The residents of Los Altos Hills are passionate and involved in their community. This place is tiny, but it’s growing fast, with a current population of just 8,000 people. This exclusive community has breathtaking, expensive mansions that along well-manicured streets. There is certainly a luxurious feel in the area. Most residents shop and dine nearby places like Cupertino and Palo Alto, but options are increasing in the Hills. Many individuals love that this is a residential community without commercial activity. There are no hurried post offices or shopping centers here. It is quiet and safe.

The residents of Los Altos Hills are well-educated, talented, and successful individuals. They come from a variety of backgrounds including academia and sports. Residents of the Hills are always pushing themselves to learn and grow, so if you are looking for a passionate group of people who will continue to motivate you, this could be the place! Children attend school at one of the public options offered by the Palo Alto Unified School District and the Los Altos School District, or you have the option of sending them to the private Ventana School or Pinewood School.

You’re going to love the natural beauty in Los Altos Hills. The streets are tree-lined, and your neighbors keep stunning gardens. It’s a notably walkable town, with a variety of trails, including stroller-friendly paths. You will notice right away that you have the sense that you are always in a peaceful park rather than the middle of a city. Like other parts of California, Los Altos Hills enjoys phenomenal weather – boasting 263 days of sunshine a year and a comfortable year-round climate.

Belmont

Population: 25,000
Median Home Value: $1.72 M

Located in the SF Bay Area, Belmont is a small town with an impressively low crime rate. The unemployment rate is a minuscule 5%, and the public school system is superior to many others in the state. The Belmont-Redwood Shores Elementary School District Students serves students in grades K-8, and has several excellent grade schools, while the Sequoia Union High School District serves students in grades 9-12.

Belmont is called the “town of homes.” Many of them feel traditional and historical but are newly renovated and modern inside. It has a high walking score, meaning that you can navigate the city and complete many of your errands by foot.

This enclave enjoys 255 days of sunshine and gets around 27 inches of rain per year, but the temperatures are comfortable year-round. Belmont features beautiful little town centers called Belmont Center and Cushing Square that both offer a variety of dining and shopping. If you’re looking things to do, check out Twin Pines Park, Alpha Acid Brewery, or the Belmont Farmers Market. Planet Granite is a fun indoor climbing facility, and Belmont Iceland is a great place to ice skate, even in the middle of the summer!

People look at Belmont as a great place for raising families and settling down. You will still enjoy beautiful views and only a 25-minute drive to the nearest beach. You’re also only about 30 minutes or so from San Francisco if you want to visit or work in the big city.

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Aliso Viejo

Population: 52,000
Median Home Price: $640,000

Forbes.com listed Aliso Viejo  as one of “America’s Top 25 Towns to Live Well.” WalletHub.com once reported Aliso Viejo as the 6th best place to raise a family in the nation. These rankings tell you a little bit about how awesome living in Aliso Viejo can be! The name of this Orange County municipality derives from Spanish which means “old sycamore.” The city is known for generous park space, abundant job opportunities, and high-quality public schools.

Aliso Viejo’s slogan is “Aliso Viejo – Experience It All” because there are plenty of attractions and things to do and 281 sunny days a year to be outside. Some of the places you can visit include:

• One of the 21 grassy parks
• An 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus
• The Soka Performing Arts Center
• The Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center
• Shopping and dining destinations at the Aliso Viejo Town Center and The Commons

Aliso Viejo’s top employer is the USPS with about 1,000 employees. Other great companies to work for include Microsemi, Ambry Genetics, and Five Point Holdings. The unemployment is a slim 2.6%, and the median income here is just over $102,000. And, compared to other desirable areas of California, the median home price here is refreshingly affordable, so you can expect your paycheck to go further.

Which California city is right for you?

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How to Move to California

If you are moving to California, it’s essential to do some prep work to improve the upcoming transition. Some of the most important things to watch out for include transporting your vehicles and your plants, since California has careful regulations for both in place. Read on to learn more about these pertinent topics and more before you make your move.

• Complete a change of address form with the USPS: This can be done online either weeks or months before your move.
• Do your research on moving companies: Make sure any professional mover you consider has a record with the Better Business Bureau. You need certified and trained workers, so you don’t end up a part of a moving scam. Great Guys Moving lets you search for licensed, insured California movers in one easy place. Request FREE quotes now!
• Make and stick to a budget: It’s essential to be realistic about the costs that come with changing real estate, hiring movers, and furnishing a new home. Out-of-state moves aren’t cheap, but if you set a budget, you can then tweak your plans accordingly. If you set up a budget in advance, save up, and stick to that budget, the cost will be considerably less stressful. Don’t forget to place a dollar amount on your peace of mind when it comes to weighing whether to hire movers or do it all yourself.
• Collect your quotes: Once you have a list of about three to five moving companies that are insured and licensed, call them about your unique needs. Let them know what you need help with, including anything from packing to storage to car transport. Invite a few of the most promising companies to provide you with an in-home estimate.
• Hire your movers: Once you identify a cross-country mover you are satisfied with, hire them and reserve your moving date. Keep in mind that it may be cheaper to move on a weekday than on the weekend.
• Make a packing list: It is crucial to stay organized to avoid getting overwhelmed during the packing process. Create a basic home inventory, and indicate which belongings to move, sell, or donate. Have a list of labels that you will stick to as you pack and make a list of supplies you need before you shop or look for them.
• Create a contact list: Who do you need to know in your new California paradise? Consider collecting contacts like doctors, accountants, schools, insurance companies, teachers, grocery stores, etc. so you have somewhere to begin when it’s time to rebuild your life after the move.
• Visit your new state: While you are pondering real estate and new schools and contacts, visit the place you intend to move at least once! Make plans to become familiar with the area and the places you will regularly be going. Don’t hesitate to talk to neighbors and residents to get a feel for the best neighborhoods in the area.
• Apply for driver’s license: As we mentioned before, laws are somewhat strict in California when it comes to automobiles and driving. You are required to apply for a license and obtain insurance within ten days of arriving in California. Check up on your insurance, too – you need $5,000 of vehicle damage insurance and at least $15,000 of bodily injury insurance. You will also need to register your vehicle in California, which requires obtaining a California smog check certificate. You can get one of these at a specific smog check center before you register your vehicle.
• Be aware of your houseplants: If you grow houseplants or produce, it is best to leave them behind and start over. California does not allow the import of citrus plants, and it makes it difficult to bring in fruit, nut, pine, or oak trees. You can only bring houseplants that have been raised entirely indoors with a commercial potting mix. When you enter California, you must declare any plants, produce, or plant material, and due to strict policies, border patrol may have to confiscate them. Look up the rules and regulations and be prepared to be flexible.
• Stick to a packing timeline: Involve anyone involved in the move! Give everyone in your household some of the tasks and emphasize the importance of sticking to the schedule to get the work done on time, with minimal stress.
• Sell and donate: You might choose to sell those items you don’t want to take with you. Try to get a fair price through a garage sale or by selling online or with phone apps. Look for places in your area where you can donate any items you would like to give away.
• Schedule utilities: Don’t forget to transfer your utilities about a month or two in advance. Call up your cable and internet, water and sewer, gas, and electricity providers and let them know you want services to end just after your move. Call new companies and schedule services to start right after your move as well. Don’t forget other things you may use every month like security systems, satellite, gym memberships, monthly box subscriptions, etc.
• Inform friends and family: Let your employer, friends, family, and neighbors know you are moving. Spend time with friends and family and in your favorite places before you take off. Make sure you have a place for the moving truck, and all accommodations are ready for your movers.
• Get pets ready: Take your pet into the vet and ask how you can get your furball prepared for the big move. You may need to meet a few more requirements before you bring your pet with you to California.
• Double-check accommodations: Make sure you double-check those airline tickets, babysitters, pet-sitters, drivers, professional movers, friends and family, and all those other essentials for moving day. You will feel much better when you know everything is ready and lined up so you can start living peacefully in paradise!

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Quality Moving Services from California Movers

You deserve a vetted and experienced moving company that delivers a wide array of moving services. When you hire the professionals, you can simplify the logistics of your move and take all the stress out of your relocation with one or several of the following options.

Interstate Moves

If you are moving out-of-state, you should only leave your possessions in the best hands. Hire a professionally trained crew that offers fully-equipped and clean trucks, as well as complete services at affordable costs.

Intrastate & Local Moves

Our local movers will provide you with an accurate and fair quote. Our intrastate and local movers still offer everything you need to make your move easy, from box disposal and recycling to custom crating.

Small Load Moves

Hire a small load moving company to save money on your move without compromising the efficiency. Our network of consolidated shippers works around your schedule and provides straightforward pricing.

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Furniture Shipments

Whether you’re shipping your furniture within the state or outside of it, we offer unparalleled shipping services. Whatever type of furniture you must move, our movers can take care of it for you, door-to-door so that you can avoid stress and injury.

Piano Transport

Experience pros pack and move your piano the right way, using a series of blankets and a piano dolly. The movers we work with have the specialized equipment it takes to move your piano without damaging walls, your back, or the instrument itself.

Art & Antiques

The expertly trained staff takes care while moving your valuable belongings. Your movers will make careful plans before moving your art and antiques, and of course, offer insurance along with their comprehensive moving services.

Storage-in-Transit

It takes time and effort to unpack your belongings, but we offer storage-in-transit to give you all the time you need. Your moving and storage company will keep your goods secure in a top-notch facility until your preferred delivery date while you prepare your new home or office.

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Car Shipping

Our movers have experience moving automobiles of all kinds. They can ship your vehicles, so they are waiting for you, in pristine condition, at your new home once you arrive. Ask about their convenient door-to-door options.

Packing Services

Packing dictates the condition of your belongings after the big move. Because packing is critical to the outcome of your relocation, our movers and packers have honed the best packing practices and techniques. They use only the highest quality materials to guarantee all your things will reach your new home unscathed.

Residential Moves

If all you want is a few extra hands to help you with the heavy furniture, we can do that. If you desire a coordinator, packer, or assembly specialist, our pros have all the skills you need to make your move effortless.

Commercial Moves

It is imperative that a commercial move is made properly to avoid disrupting the flow of business. Our compassionate movers will stick with you start to finish, moving everything from inventory to special equipment with expertise.

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To get started with your move to the Golden State, request free quotes from the best moving companies in California, right here on Great Guys! We bring you the top names in local and long distance moving so that you can plan your move with confidence.

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