Moving to California’s southern half is a big step, whether you have just arrived in the state or you are relocating from the Bay Area, Sacramento or another part of California. Southern California is large, and the area you choose shapes your commute, your rent and your daily life.
JFK Moving is a Southern California moving company, and we move within California only. This guide covers how to choose an area, how to hire a licensed mover, how in-state long-distance and local moves work and what to take care of in your first weeks.
Choosing where to live in Southern California
Southern California is not one city. It is several counties, each with dozens of cities and neighborhoods. Visit at the times you would actually commute before you sign a lease, and check the drive to work, school and family.
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County has everything from beach cities to the valleys, with very different neighborhoods only a few miles apart. Living close to where you work matters a lot here. See our Los Angeles movers page for the cities we serve.
Orange County
Orange County sits between Los Angeles and San Diego, with coastal cities, inland suburbs and many planned communities with HOAs. Our Orange County movers page lists the cities we cover.
The Inland Empire
East of Los Angeles and Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties are where many people look for larger homes and yards. Our headquarters is in Moreno Valley. See Riverside County movers and San Bernardino County movers.
San Diego County
San Diego County runs from North County down to the border, with coastal towns and inland communities. We have an office in Escondido. Visit our San Diego movers page.
Hire a licensed California mover
Companies that move household goods for hire in California need a Household Movers Permit, shown as a CAL-T number. Before you book any mover:
- Ask for its CAL-T number and check that the permit is active with the state.
- Get the price in writing and read what it includes.
- Ask what coverage is included and what more coverage would cost.
- Read recent reviews on more than one site.
Our permit is CAL-T 0191935 and our US DOT number is 3079794. Since 2017 we have completed more than 10,000 moves and hold a 4.7 rating from more than 1,600 reviews.
Moving to Southern California from elsewhere in the state
If you are coming from the Bay Area, Sacramento or another part of California, your move is an in-state long-distance move. Here is how ours work:
- Dedicated truck. Your belongings are the only load on the truck.
- Flat written price. You get the price in writing before the move.
- Within California only. Both addresses must be in the state.
Book early, especially around the end of the month. We do not take same-day moves, so leave yourself time to get an estimate and confirm a date.
Local moves once you are here
Many people rent a short-term place first and move again once they know the area. A move within Southern California is a local move, billed by the hour plus double drive time, which means the drive between your two addresses is billed twice. Weekday rates are $119 an hour for 2 movers, $159 for 3, $199 for 4 and $239 for 5. There are no stair or long-carry fees.
Released Value coverage at $0.60 per pound per item is included free, and more coverage is available on request.
Coming from another state?
We do not move across state lines. If you are moving to California from another state, your interstate carrier handles that part of the trip. Once your belongings are in Southern California, we can help with the local part of your move, including a later move within the area when you find your permanent home.
Your first weeks in California
A few tasks are easier to handle early:
- DMV: update your address, and if you came from another state, check the California DMV website for what you need to do about your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
- Utilities: electricity, gas, water and trash providers depend on your city, so ask your landlord or check with the city. Set them up before moving day if you can.
- Internet: schedule installation early, because appointments can take time.
- Mail: set up mail forwarding and update your address with your bank, employer and insurance.
Plan your move with JFK Moving
Whether you are moving from Northern California or across town, we can give you a clear price. Request a free estimate or call (877) 671-3535, every day from 8am to 7pm.
Let's Make Your Move Effortless.
Get a free, no-obligation quote from our certified moving specialists. We'll match you with the right team and plan for a seamless long-distance move.
