Relocating Your Residence in Oakland, CA
Relocating to a new home is not a straightforward undertaking. If you have secured a new residence to relocate to and successfully sold your previous one, then you've accomplished a significant milestone towards your objective. However, the process of physically moving and discovering reliable moving companies in Oakland, California can sometimes be perplexing. There are numerous moving companies available, offering various types of services at different price points, and it can be challenging to determine the most suitable option for your needs. Whether you require a local mover or an interstate or long-distance moving company, Shiply offers a wide range of companies ready to provide you with personalized quotes, often up to 75% more affordable than standard rates. To obtain the most cost-effective and precise quotes, you first need to provide them with some details about your move.
Oakland, California is a sought-after city for individuals to relocate to and from. Situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland boasts a rich culture, thriving arts scene, and ample employment prospects. Many people opt to move to Oakland due to its affordability compared to other cities in the Bay Area, as well as its close proximity to San Francisco and other major metropolitan areas. Others may be relocating away from Oakland for job-related reasons, family considerations, or a desire for a change of environment. Regardless of the motivation, relocating to or from Oakland necessitates meticulous planning and the assistance of a dependable moving company.
What is the Cost of Moving Companies?
While it is challenging to provide an accurate estimate of the cost of relocating, the average price for a small, local move ranges from $300 to $500, while larger moves, interstate or longer distances, can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. However, there are several factors that can influence this, and we have listed the primary ones below:
- Moving Company Service Type - The primary factor affecting the cost of your move is the type of service you select. There are three main types of moving company services. The first is a self-service move, which is the most economical option and involves the moving company only providing a vehicle to transport your belongings. You are responsible for all packing, loading, and unloading. If you have a large family or friends who can assist you, this can be a cost-effective choice. A loading service move is the most frequently quoted type of service by moving companies and involves them assisting with loading, unloading, and transporting your possessions to your new home. It is generally more expensive than a self-service move. A white-glove moving service is the most costly option for relocating, but it significantly reduces stress. A white-glove moving service will pack and protect all of your items for you, load them, help you unload, and even assemble furniture at your new residence.
- Distance - Distance will undoubtedly impact the cost quoted by a moving company. A local move may not be overly expensive, but if the move is of a longer distance, such as an interstate move, it may require more man-hours and fuel, and you can expect this cost to be passed on to you.
- House Size - The number of possessions you have will also affect the price, as it determines the size of the vehicle needed to transport your items and the duration of loading and unloading on both ends.
- Time Of Year - The time of year can also impact the cost of relocating, as adverse weather conditions such as wind, ice, and snow can often block available routes, resulting in a longer journey than usual.
How Can Shiply Assist in Finding Moving Companies?
As you can see, there are several factors to consider when selecting a moving company that suits your needs. With all the available options, it can seem like an overwhelming task to browse various websites and phone books, collecting quotes and comparing services. This is where Shiply can help you. On Shiply, all you need to do is complete a simple form indicating where you need to move your belongings to, where they need to be picked up from, and the quantity of items to be moved. Moving companies will then send you customized quotes for your move, providing you with a centralized platform to compare prices and services. Our platform features a rated feedback system that allows you to view previous reviews by users of a moving company in Oakland, giving you an idea of their reputation and overall score. You also have the ability to send them messages to inquire about specifics such as timing, insurance, and the level of service you may require.
Quotes on Shiply can often be up to 75% more affordable than usual, as drivers are typically making similar journeys and looking to fill up their empty space. Not only is this beneficial for your budget, but it also reduces unnecessary CO2 emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Preparing for the Oakland Moving Company
Once you have evaluated your options with moving companies and selected one you feel comfortable with, it's time to prepare for your move. The level of preparation required will vary based on the service you chose, but here are the most crucial steps when preparing to relocate:
- Notify People - Whether it's your friends, work, bank, or utility company, anyone who needs to know your current address will need to be updated with your new residence. While it may not be the most enjoyable step, it is undoubtedly the most critical. Try creating a list of everyone you can think of who needs to be informed and work your way through it.
- Cleaning - Cleaning before a move is similar to spring cleaning in that it provides an excellent opportunity to get rid of old clutter. Not only does this mean you are discarding old, unwanted items, but it also means that your move could potentially be more affordable due to the reduced number of items that need to be transported. In addition to discarding old possessions, cleaning allows you to sort your belongings into piles to be placed in boxes, ensuring that you are not handling dirty items when unpacking and setting up your new home.
- Materials - If the moving company you selected is not providing materials, you will need to procure them yourself. The main items you need are tape, bubble wrap or protective material, and cardboard boxes. You will likely need to purchase the tape, labels, and protective wrap, but a great tip for cardboard boxes is to inquire at local shops and supermarkets. They often have plenty of spare boxes, which is also environmentally friendly.
- Packing - One essential tip when packing for a move is to have an overnight bag ready with all the essential items you need for a night. This avoids the pressure of needing to unpack everything immediately to access what you need. The best approach to packing is to go room by room, ensuring that everything is well-protected and labeled. This allows you to easily sort which boxes need to go in which room in your new home. You should also disassemble any furniture, as this reduces the amount of space they occupy, minimizes the risk of damage during transit, and makes them easier to carry.
What to Do After the Move
Once everything has been unloaded, you'll want to conduct a quick check to ensure that everything is accounted for. It may not be feasible to inspect the condition of every item you own, but a quick once-over to identify any glaring issues is highly recommended. You should keep a record of any damages you discover as you unpack, in case you need to follow up with the moving company regarding any questions or complaints. We also request that you leave feedback for your chosen moving company in Oakland on our platform to allow future users to browse with the same level of confidence that you were able to.