Moving Tips in Walnut Creek

Relocating is hectic, demanding, and draining. It can make or break your yearning for change or interrupt how quickly you settle into your new place. But it doesn’t have to be with the moving tips from our experts.

Whether moving downtown for proximity to the bustling city center, seeking a vibrant community in Rossmoor as a senior, or considering Northgate for its family-friendly amenities, thorough preparation is essential. Here are things to consider when moving to Walnut Creek for a better and cost-effective experience.

In this blog post, you will get moving tips on how to:

• Time Your Move
• Research Permits
• Declutter
• Handle Utilities and Services
• Stay Organized
• Work with Professional Movers

Time Your Move

Although the best time to move to Walnut Creek depends on your priorities and preferences, choosing a date will cost you patience, time, and money.

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, moderate housing costs, and lighter traffic. Summer has warm weather but also experiences heavy traffic and increased demand for moving services. While winter has the lowest housing and moving costs, the cold weather and holiday season can pose scheduling challenges.

Aside from seasons, you also have to factor in traffic since moving companies charge per hour. Avoid relocating during rush hours, typically from 7-9 am and 4-6 pm on weekdays. The I-680 freeway may experience congestion during peak hours and weekends, so explore alternative routes like Highway 24 when feasible.

Be mindful of heavier traffic around schools during drop-off and pick-up times, and plan your commute accordingly. If you are moving to or from downtown, anticipate higher traffic and limited parking around 12th Street and Civic Park Drive.

Research Permits

Check Walnut Creek’s Moving Day Guide for city rules on parking restrictions or needed permits for large trucks. If you are using a moving truck, apply for a temporary parking permit online or in person at City Hall, typically allowing 48 hours of parking.

In areas with restricted street parking, inquire about residential parking permits for your personal vehicle from your landlord or HOA. Secure an oversized load permit for large furniture or equipment from the City’s Public Works Department to comply with Walnut Creek’s size and weight restrictions.

Declutter

Movers in Walnut Creek operate on a per-load basis, meaning the amount of belongings you have directly influences the moving cost. This pricing model emphasizes the importance of decluttering and junk removal before the moving day to reduce expenses. Decluttering also makes it easier to pack and unpack.

Tackle one room at a time months before the moving date to avoid being overwhelmed. As you rummage through stuff, adopt the “One Year Rule.” Ask yourself if you have used an item in the past year – if not, consider letting it go.

Categorize items into sell, donate, or discard piles, addressing sentimental items thoughtfully. Do not neglect paper clutter, consider a “maybe” box, and involve others for objective opinions.

Handle Utilities and Services

This is one of the most forgotten moving tips, and it can jeopardize the whole process.

Notify current service providers 2 to 3 weeks before your move, schedule disconnects, and settle outstanding bills to avoid last-minute issues. When connecting at your new place, research and compare service options, schedule connections to align with your move-in date, and prepare for any required deposits or setup fees.

Change your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to avoid missing important mail. Consider temporarily setting up mail forwarding with USPS to catch any stray mail sent to your old address. Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration with your new address to ensure legal compliance and avoid fines.

Stay Organized

Start packing early to avoid confusion during and after the move. Use sturdy boxes and secure the load with secure packing materials. Distribute weight evenly while packing to minimize damage during hauling and while in transit.

Opt for smaller boxes for heavier items and larger ones for lighter belongings. Establish a labeling system and organize boxes by room for efficient unpacking.

Prepare a “first-night” box containing essentials for immediate use. Include vital items like medication, toiletries, a change of clothes, and snacks in the box. Keep track of keys and important documents if you are utilizing movers.

Work With Professional Movers

It is crucial to verify the legitimacy of your chosen movers. Confirm their certification to operate in Walnut Creek and ensure their familiarity with local and out-of-state moving regulations. Evaluate customer reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google Customer Review to gauge their reputation.

Also, seek feedback from your social circles who may have prior experience with the moving company. Additionally, request to inspect relevant legal documents to ensure compliance with regulations and build confidence in the reliability of your chosen movers.

Joshua’s Moving: Your Go-to Movers for Your Next Move

Our crew has years of experience conducting local and out-of-state moves in Walnut Creek. We have used this knowledge to curate a list of moving tips that will make your relocation a breeze. Leverage our local expertise, professionalism, reliability, time efficiency, affordability, and workforce in your next move. Call us to request a quote today.