Getting ready for a long distance move to or from the bay area? Let’s do it the San Francisco way: efficient, eco-minded and a little bit bougie. If your next chapter is in another state, this 60-day plan is your golden ticket for a smooth ride. Think of it as your Clipper card for long-distance logistics, tap in for quotes, building rules, parking plans and packing wins. With over 30+ years of experience our long distance movers in San Francisco have all of the steps covered. We’ll start two months before the move, but you can skip ahead if you’re on a tighter clock; scan earlier weeks for tasks you may have missed. Here’s how to stay ahead on your long distance move planning week by week.
Long distance movers San Francisco Moving Checklist
Eight Weeks Before Your Long Distance Move:
- Choose your move date, with 1–2 backup dates. If possible mid-week or mid-month moving dates, for lower rates.
- Create a room-by-room inventory, make note of specialty items that you will need to inform the movers about such as: artwork, large TVs, marble/glass, pianos/safes.
- Decide what kind of moving service you’ll need. Are you packing yourself? Do you need help packing some items or rooms? Do you want the movers to do all of the packing for you?
- If you are being relocated by your company, verify what your company relocation policy covers and what you will be responsible for.
Seven Weeks Before Your Long Distance Move:
- If you live in a high rise or apartment building, ask your property manager about elevator reservations and COI requirements.
- Take note of your curb conditions, do you have narrow streets, bus stops or red zones? Start to plan. Reach out to the city if you need parking permits. (This is where choosing a moving company with 30+years of experience comes in handy).
Six Weeks Before Your Long Distance Move:
- Start the process of comparing movers. Verify movers are licensed and insured, have a great reputation, lots of five star reviews, awards and 30+ years of experience. Learn how to choose a mover with this easy checklist to help you qualify movers.
- Schedule virtual or in-person estimates.
- Begin a list of all the places you’ll need to change your address (postal, banks, insurance, subscriptions).
- Draw a floor plan to determine your furniture layout and make sure what furniture you’ll be keeping.
Five Weeks Before Your Long distance Move:
- Choose your long distance San Francisco movers; They should confirm in writing the dates, arrival window, services and any storage needs.
- Consider your moving insurance options. Movers can only provide valuation ( This is based on weight and not value, it’s $0.60/lb). For full insurance coverage, ask your movers which third-party policies they recommend and what documentation those insurers require.
- Start to declutter items you don’t want to move. Separate items into three piles: donate/sell/recycle. Schedule pickups for bulky items.
Four Weeks Before Your Long Distance Move:
- Send your building’s rules to your mover; They should work with your property manager on Certificate of Insurance (COI) details and schedule elevator time.
- Inform your utility companies about stop/start dates for power, gas, water and internet.
- If you’re moving your belongings into storage, whether at your old location or new destination, reserve the unit and note hours/access constraints. (This is where choosing long distance movers with storage options is a real plus).
- If your movers are doing the packing for you, confirm the packing days, otherwise order packing materials (dish packs, wardrobes, tape, paper, eco-bubble, mattress boxes, etc).
3 Weeks Before Your Long Distance Move:
- Arrange to transfer children’s school records and medical records.
- Check your homeowner’s insurance policies, make sure your new home is protected.
- Book cleaners for your new place.
- If you live in a house or large apartment, start packing.
2 Weeks Before Your Long Distance Move:
- Line up pet care and transport and clarify plant policy with your mover, as moving plants across state lines can get tricky.
- Start to disassemble any shelving, closet systems, etc. that you plan to take.
Photograph high-value items and record serial numbers. - Refill all prescriptions.
- If you live in a small apartment, start to pack.
1 Week Before Your Long Distance Move:
- Confirm your property manager has provided the COI details and building access rules to your movers.
- Pack first-night essential kits. These should include medications, toiletries, linens, basic cookware, kid/pet essentials, tools and chargers.
- Create a clearly marked “Do Not Pack” zone for items that travel with you (IDs, jewelry, documents, small electronics).
- Use up perishable food and set aside a donation box for unopened food.
- Photograph furniture and the home’s condition for your records.
- Label all of your moving boxes with contents and which room it belongs in.
- Defrost and dry refrigerators/freezers if they are moving 24 hours before your move.
- Finalize change-of-address (postal, banks, insurance, subscriptions).
1 Day Before Your Long Distance Move:
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Confirm care for your kids or pets for the day of the move.
- Have drinking water available for everyone on hand.
- Finalize placing items in your essential kit.
- Arrange to be on hand on moving day for last minute details and to give directions to movers.
- Leave the whole day for your move. Don’t plan to go back to work.
- Have payment for movers on hand. Avoid having to run to the bank, ATM, etc. Have tips ready for movers, doorman, nanny, etc.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
Day of Your Long Distance Move:
- Review and sign the bill of lading and inventory; keep copies/photos.
- Verify destination address, access instructions, elevator reservations and delivery window.
- Before leaving, check each room and closet, attic, basement and garage.
- When you leave, turn off lights, close windows and lock doors.
Why do San Francisco Long Distance Movers use Delivery Windows Rather than Exact Dates?
Variables like weather, road conditions and consolidated/shared shipment timing are unpredictable. Long distance movers provide delivery windows that account for those “what-ifs”. This is why your essential kits should have enough clothing, medicine and anything you might need for at least a week.
Delivery Day(s)
- Keep your phone charged and available.
- Check off the inventory as items arrive; direct boxes to labeled rooms.
- Check for damages. Inspect large items; look for boxes that are crushed or open. Inform the moving team leader and review the claims procedure with him.
- Go back to the truck. Make sure nothing was left behind. Check all the compartments where fragile items are often kept for their protection.
After Your Long Distance Move Delivery:
- Unpack by priority: bedrooms, bath, kitchen, office space. Start with your bedroom so you can get a good night’s sleep in your new home.
- Complete address changes and local registrations.
- Review the mover’s claims timeline and submit promptly if needed.
Long Distance Movers San Francisco: Choosing the Right Team
Save this checklist for your timeline. For hands-on prep, browse the Packing Tips & Videos on our website and the Moving Calendar for a general plan. Solid preparation eliminates surprises but an experienced San Francisco long distance mover like NorthStar Moving can make it easier by double-checking COIs, elevator windows and curb staging before they become headaches. When in doubt, run your plan past a pro and keep your move calm, clear and on schedule.