Moving in Sacramento
Summer is the busiest moving season almost everywhere, and in Sacramento it's also the hottest. National Weather Service climate records for Sacramento include stretches of nine or more consecutive days at or above 100°F, with only one- or two-day breaks between some triple-digit days. That changes how a moving day should be planned.
Heat and the crew
Carrying furniture and boxes in triple-digit heat is exhausting and can be dangerous. Professional crews pace themselves, drink water and take breaks. On an hourly move, that time is part of the price. The most effective way to keep a summer move efficient is to start early. Ask the mover for the earliest start they offer, and try to finish loading before the afternoon peak.
Heat and your belongings
The inside of a parked moving truck in a Sacramento heat wave gets far hotter than the air outside. Some things don't handle that well:
- candles, crayons, wax and cosmetics;
- vinyl records, photographs and film;
- electronics and batteries;
- medications;
- wine, food and anything perishable;
- houseplants.
Move those in your own air-conditioned car if you can. Ask the mover to load heat-sensitive pieces last and unload them first, and avoid leaving a loaded truck parked overnight in summer.
Keep the house cool
Doors stand open for hours during a move, and the house heats up fast. Run the air conditioning, and set up a cool room with water for everyone. At the new home, have the power on and the air conditioning working before move day.
Winter fog
In winter, tule fog forms across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys on calm nights after rain, and it's usually thickest just before dawn. Fog can slow an early start and make driving a loaded truck slower. If fog is forecast, expect the crew to drive carefully, and don't rush them. A winter move has its advantages: easier booking and a cooler working day.
Peak dates
Weekends, month-end and summer are the busiest times. Book early for those dates. A mid-month weekday move can be easier to schedule and sometimes costs less.
Apartments and parking
In apartment complexes, check the move rules, reserve any elevator, and find out where the truck can park. In older neighborhoods with narrow streets, ask whether a large truck can get close to the door.
Plan the first day
In summer, plan to arrive at the new home with water, snacks and a working fridge. Unpack heat-sensitive items and medications first.
Moving out of a rental
If you're moving between rentals, lease dates rarely line up perfectly. If you have a gap between move-out and move-in, ask whether the mover offers short-term storage, or whether they can hold a loaded truck overnight. In summer, a loaded truck sitting in the heat isn't ideal, so storage indoors is better for sensitive items.
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.