How Much Does It Cost to Move Out Of San Francisco?

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Best San Francisco Neighborhoods to Live In

Have you decided to leave San Francisco’s glamorous City by the Bay? You’re not alone. According to city government research, urban flight from San Francisco has been an issue for a while, with one-third of residents wanting to leave. We expect thousands more tech workers to depart San Francisco due to working remotely.

Many people are relocating to seek cheaper housing, bigger spaces, and a more affordable cost of living, which may lead them to relocate to Oakland or Alameda. Whether you’re relocating to another area of California, leaving the state, or just moving within the Golden State, we’ve got everything you need to know about cost and relocation services. We’ll even briefly look at some specific moves, such as relocating from San Francisco to Sacramento, San Diego, or Los Angeles.

Things to consider before looking for moving options out of San Francisco

The moving service you pick while relocating out of San Francisco relates to how quickly you need to leave your present home.

  • Type of move (local, long-distance, interstate, or international)
  • The amount and type of belongings you’re moving
  • Your budget
  • The timeframe for your move
  • Any special requirements (piano transport, storage,)

Other things to consider before leaving San Francisco:

  • Culture: San Francisco has a unique culture, with a strong focus on liberal values, sustainability, and technology. If you’re moving to a more conservative area, be prepared for a culture shock.
  • Weather: San Francisco has mild weather year-round, while other parts of California can be quite hot in the summer or cold in the winter. If you are moving to a colder place, you will have to be prepared with your warm wear.
  • Housing: San Francisco is known for its high housing costs. If you’re moving to a cheaper area, your cost of living will decrease significantly.
  • Education: San Francisco has some of the best public schools in the state. If you have children, they may have to change schools if you move out of San Francisco.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

How much stuff do you need to move?

The size of your move will influence the cost. Local moves are typically charged by the hour, while long-distance and interstate moves are usually priced by weight or volume (cubic feet) and the distance of the move.

To get an accurate estimate of how much your move will cost, you will need to know how much stuff you need to move. It is recommended to do a thorough inventory of everything you own, including:

  • Furniture (sofas, beds, dressers, tables, chairs)
  • Appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers)
  • Electronics (televisions, computers, stereos)
  • Clothes
  • Household items (dishes, cookware, linens, towels)
  • Tools and sporting equipment
  • Books

How quickly do you need to move? Is your timeline flexible?

The timeframe of your move will also influence the cost. If you need to move quickly, it will be more expensive than if you have a flexible timeline.

San Francisco Movers offers two types of service to accommodate different schedules and budgets:

  1. Standard Service: It’s the most popular option. Standard service is perfect for moves with flexible timelines. They will pick up your belongings and deliver them to your new home within 5-7 days.
  2. Expedited Service: Their expedited service is the way to go if you need to move quickly. They will pick up your belongings and deliver them within 2-3 days.

Will you need or want storage at any point during the move?

Moving large quantities of stuff may be difficult. If you need to store your belongings at any point during the move (maybe you’re moving out of San Francisco before your new home is ready), it will add to the cost of the move. If you’re transferring a long distance, you could want to look into storage services. Your items can generally be stored in a friend’s or family member’s garage or basement if you relocate within the state boundaries. If you’re moving out of state, look for a storage facility close to your old home or your new one. Suppose you are moving into a larger apartment. In that case, you may be able to find a storage company that will deliver a pod or container to your old home, stores it for you, and then deliver it to your new place when you’re ready, or you won’t need a storage unit if you can keep everything in your apartment.

See Also: Top 5 Moving Companies In San Francisco

CALCULATE MY MOVE

How much work do you feel like doing on your own? Will any friends or family lend you a hand with moving or packing?

Is there someone you could call for help with moving or packing? If not, are you prepared to do most of the work yourself? Because moving can be quite time-consuming, it’s critical to consider how much you’re willing and able to do independently. You may wish to hire a specialist removal business if you have a lot of possessions or you need to move on a tight schedule.

If you don’t have a lot of time or if money is something that isn’t an issue, consider packing some or all of your stuff yourself. You could also ask friends or family to assist with the move, which can help you save money while still receiving some assistance with heavy lifting. When deciding whether to pack or box up your belongings, you should also keep them in mind when you’re moving. Because demand is usually higher in the summer, moving during that time may be more costly. If you can move at off-peak hours, you may save money on transportation and storage fees.

What’s your ideal moving budget? What’s your maximum budget?

The cost of your move will be determined by many factors, including the size of your house, the distance between your present home and your destination, the sort of furniture and items you have, and whether or not you decide to hire professional assistance. If you’re moving long distances or have a lot of stuff, you may want to hire a professional moving company. If you have a lot of big furniture, you may want to hire a truck with a liftgate. The rental cost is determined by the truck’s size, the amount of time you need it, and how far you’re going.

The cost of moving boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing materials can quickly mount up. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies are available at most hardware shops and on the internet. Keeping this in mind will help you stick to a budget while still ensuring that your move goes as smoothly as possible.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

What are some general costs associated with moving out of San Francisco?

Moving is often regarded as one of the most stressful life events. Aside from the emotional upheaval of leaving friends and familiar surroundings, many financial concerns are to consider. The total cost of moving out of San Francisco will vary depending on how much stuff you have, whether you need storage, how much help you want or need, the time of year you move, and the distance you’re going.

The first thing to consider is the cost of packing and transporting your items. This can be done DIY-style, but it may be more practical to hire a professional helper to avoid the aggravation (and possible backache) of handling hefty boxes and furniture.

Second, there are transportation expenses to consider. If you’re driving to your new location, remember to include the cost of gas and perhaps lodging on the road. Also, if you’re flying, make sure you budget for airfare, luggage fees, and other airport-related expenses.

Finally, there are the expenses associated with moving into your new house. These include utility connections, furnishings rental or purchase, and food and toiletries purchases.

Moving Options and How Much do they Cost?

Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Several different moving options are available to help make your move as easy and stress-free as possible.

  • Traditional Full-Service Moving Companies
  • Moving and Storage Container Services
  • DIY Truck Rental
Type of MoveTraditional Full-Service Moving CompaniesMoving and Storage Container ServicesDIY Truck Rental
Local$1,044-$2,321$350 – $548$67 – $173
Long-distance$2,500 – $5,769$892 – $4,268$259 – $500

Traditional Full-service Moving Companies in San Francisco

If you don’t want anything to do with packing and moving your things out of San Francisco, you might think about hiring professional movers. This is the most costly and hands-off sort of service.

When you select a full-service mover, you can receive whatever service level you want. For example, instead of having them only load, unload, and drive your belongings, you can pay extra to have them do it all. If that’s what you choose, they’ll even disassemble and reassemble furniture if needed.

When researching moving companies in San Francisco, start by asking your friends and relatives for recommendations and getting quotes in writing. Be wary of unusually low bids when comparing quotations; they could be frauds.

Type of MoveEstimated costs: Traditional Full-service Moving Companies
Local$1,044-$2,321
Long – distance$2,500 – $5,769
Cross Country$3,354 – $7,689

CALCULATE MY MOVE

Moving and Storage Container Services for a San Francisco Move

If you need some time to leave San Francisco and arrive at your new destination, a moving and storage container service could be the right solution. These services provide a large container delivered to your San Francisco home. You have a period—usually around two weeks—to load it up with your belongings. Once it’s full, the container is picked up and taken to a storage facility until you’re ready for it to be delivered to your new home.

See Also: Best San Francisco Neighborhoods to Live In

Type of MoveEstimated costs: Moving and Storage Container Services
Local$350 – $548
Long – distance$892 – $4,268
Cross Country$2,600 – $6,483

DIY Truck Rental Move from San Francisco

If you’re searching for a hands-on method to move, DIY truck rental services might be ideal. With this service, you rent a vehicle and are responsible for loading, driving, and unloading your goods. The first point to consider is whether you merely need a moving company or if you want to save money by hiring an independent truck. This option is frequently less expensive than hiring a full-service relocation firm, but it requires additional effort. DIY truck rental services are an excellent choice for residents of San Francisco who are relocating within the City or to a nearby suburb.

Type of MoveEstimated costs: Truck Rental
Local$67 – $173
Long – distance$259 – $500
Cross Country$2,584 – $6,145

When is the best time to move out of San Francisco?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best time to move out of San Francisco will depend on many factors, including your circumstances and housing needs. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding:

  1. Consider the cost of living in San Francisco. If you are struggling to make ends meet, it may be time to consider moving to a more affordable city.
  2. Think about your job prospects. If you are unhappy with your current job or feel like you could be earning more elsewhere, moving to a new city may help you advance your career.
  3. Take your lifestyle into account.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

If you are looking for a slower pace of life or more space, moving out of San Francisco may be the right choice.

See Also: What Salary Do You Need To Live in San Francisco

Conclusion

San Francisco is an expensive city to live in, and the cost of living can be a major factor in deciding whether or not to move out of San Francisco. However, many other things to consider, including job prospects and lifestyle. Ensure that you have all the information to help you move out of San Francisco.

FAQ

How much does it cost to move out of San Francisco?

The cost of moving out of San Francisco will depend on many factors, including the type of move you choose and the distance you are moving. If you hire a professional moving company, expect to pay around $2,000 for a local move and up to $5,000 for a long-distance move. If you are renting a truck and doing the move yourself, the cost will be lower, but you will need to factor in the cost of gas and rental fees.

When is the best time to move out of San Francisco?

San Francisco is known for being an expensive city to live in. If you are struggling to make ends meet, it may be time to consider moving to a more affordable city. If you are unhappy with your current job or feel like you could be earning more elsewhere, moving to a new city may help you advance your career.

CALCULATE MY MOVE

How do I choose a moving company?

The best way to choose a moving company is to get recommendations from friends and family. Once you have a few companies in mind, read reviews and compare prices. Also, be sure to ask the company about their insurance policy if any of your belongings are damaged during the move.

What are some tips for moving out of San Francisco?

Some tips for moving out of San Francisco include:

  • Start planning your move early. This will give you time to compare prices and find the best deal.
  • Get recommendations from friends and family when choosing a moving company.
  • Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before choosing a moving company.
  • Ask the moving company about their insurance policy in case any of your belongings are damaged during the move.
  • Be prepared for a higher cost of living in your new City. San Francisco is an expensive city, so be sure to budget accordingly.
Written by


Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.