Moving in Modesto
Modesto sits in the San Joaquin Valley. Local moves can mean anything from a town apartment to a house on a rural lot with a shop, barn or sheds. The valley's weather shapes moving day in both seasons: fog in winter, heat and dust in summer.
Foggy mornings
Modesto is in the part of the valley where winter tule fog forms on calm nights after rain and is usually thickest just before dawn. Fog can delay an early start and slow a loaded truck on the road. If fog is forecast, build some slack into your plans for the morning, and don't pressure the crew to hurry on the road. Fog usually thins as the day warms.
Dust and fine particles
Stanislaus County is part of the San Joaquin Valley area that the EPA has designated nonattainment for federal fine-particle (PM2.5) air quality standards. During a move, doors stay open for hours, and dust settles on furniture, mattresses and anything unwrapped. Ask the mover to wrap upholstered furniture and mattresses in pads or mattress bags, and keep packed boxes closed. On days with poor air quality, keep doors closed between loads where you can, and plan to wipe surfaces after unloading.
Summer heat
Valley summers are hot. Crews working in heat need water and breaks, which can stretch an hourly move. Start as early as the mover allows. Keep heat-sensitive belongings, such as candles, records, photographs, medications and electronics, out of a parked truck, and move them in your own air-conditioned car if you can.
Rural properties
Moves from rural properties often include shops, barns and sheds full of tools, equipment and supplies. Show the mover every outbuilding during the walk-through. Some items, such as fuel, fertilizers, pesticides and propane, generally can't go on a moving truck at all. Heavy equipment may need a different kind of hauler. Long gravel driveways, gates and soft ground can limit where a truck can go; tell the mover in advance.
Garages
Garages collect a lot. Sort before the move, empty fuel from mowers and small engines, and decide what's coming before the walk-through.
Peak dates
Weekends, month-end and summer are the busiest times. Book early for those dates.
Moving within town or out to the country
A move from a town apartment to a rural property, or the other way round, changes what you need. Rural homes may have no nearby parking problems but a long carry from where a truck can safely stop; town apartments may have elevators, move windows and tight parking. Tell the mover about both ends, and ask whether they need a smaller truck for a narrow lane or soft ground.
Farm and shop equipment
Workbenches, tool chests, welders, generators and compressors are heavy and often greasy. Drain fuel and oil where needed, secure loose parts, and ask whether the mover will carry them or whether they need an equipment hauler.
Choosing a mover
Ask for a walk-through, a written estimate and an explanation of how the price is calculated. Ask, in writing, what the mover is responsible for if something is damaged.