Everything you need to do before, during, and after your San Diego move. Week by week tasks so nothing falls through the cracks. 28 years of moving experience condensed into one checklist.
By Discount Movers · Updated May 2025 · 6 min read
8 Weeks Out
Call (858) 490-0155 or request a quote online. Confirm your move date, home size, and any specialty items like pianos, safes, or large appliances. Get a written estimate.
Go room by room and sort everything into keep, donate, sell, and trash. The less you move, the less it costs. This is the single biggest thing you can do to reduce your final bill.
Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, and labels. Discount Movers includes 25 free moving boxes with every booking when arranged prior to move day. Ask about this when you call.
6 Weeks Out
If renting, provide written notice per your lease. If selling, coordinate move-out timing with closing. Get all dates in writing.
Go to USPS.com and submit a change of address request. Takes 5 minutes and ensures all mail is forwarded to your new address starting on your move date.
Notify your bank, credit cards, investment accounts, and any automatic payment services. Do this early as some institutions require mailed verification.
4 Weeks Out
Schedule disconnection at your current address and connection at the new one. San Diego utilities to notify: SDG&E, Water Authority, internet provider, and trash service.
California DMV (dmv.ca.gov), voter registration, employer HR, health insurance, doctors, dentist, schools, and subscriptions. The DMV requires update within 10 days of moving.
Begin with items you rarely use: seasonal decorations, books, extra linens, art, and items in storage. Label every box with room and contents.
2 Weeks Out
Clean rooms as you empty them. This is much easier before furniture is moved. Take photos of walls and floors for your security deposit records.
Beds, large shelving units, and desks are easier to move disassembled. Keep all hardware in labeled zip-lock bags taped to the furniture. Discount Movers handles this on move day at no extra charge.
Plan meals around what is in your fridge and pantry. Movers cannot transport open food containers or perishables. Donate unopened non-perishables to a San Diego food bank.
Move Day
Have everything packed and ready when the crew arrives. An 8am start means the bulk of loading is done before San Diego heat peaks. Every minute of crew time counts.
Stay on site or easily reachable. The crew will have questions about placement, priority items, and handling instructions. Being present speeds up the move significantly.
Before the truck leaves, check every room, closet, cabinet, attic, garage, and outdoor space. Check that all utilities are off. Take final photos for your records.
After the Move
Beds, bathroom essentials, and the kitchen are the priority. Get sleeping and eating sorted before unpacking everything else. The rest can wait a few days.
Rekey or replace all exterior locks at your new home. You don't know who has copies of the previous keys. A locksmith visit costs $50-100 and gives complete peace of mind.
If your movers did a great job, a Google review takes 2 minutes and helps other San Diego families find trustworthy movers. Discount Movers has 525 reviews and counting.
Common Questions
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