PHA's Tidbits - San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City: April 2012

Moving to San Francisco, CA? Three Things To Know

Parking Permits... as a major Metropolitan city, parking spots are coveted!  And, we in SF don't like large trucks blocking either our garages or driveways.  Don't even THINK about double parking....  unless you live on a street with more than one lane in each direction, double parking a truck will get you a hefty $600 ticket!!  To find out the cost and application process, call your local police precinct.  But, keep in mind that parking permits must be up and visible for a total of 72 hours prior to your move-in or move-out date.

Disposing of Packing Materials... if you're moving into a studio or small one bedroom unit, the number of boxes and packing materials can easily be disposed of using either Free Cycle or Craigslist... but, if you're moving into a larger home, using the free services becomes a major headache as most people only want 5-10 boxes, in total. The local waste management company, Recology, will gladly pick up your packing materials for recycling IF you are a residential customer and they are properly prepared...  sort flattened boxes, by size, into bundles of 4'x4' and secure using tape or string.  Flatten unprinted newspaper and sort into bundles, 4'x4' and secure.

For those in high-rise condos or commercial units, it is very important to contact your Homeowners Association and/or building management company to comply with their rules. Some buildings will actually retrieve the items directly from your unit.... that's a GOOD THING!

Timing your move is very important...  the larger the building, the earlier you need to reserve the elevator and loading dock.  Most multi-unit condo buildings have restrictions on the hours of operation of their loading dock and service elevators and also restrict how many units can move-in or out in a given day. Many building management companies also require a moving deposit fee. Again, it's very important to contact your Homeowners Association and/or the management company to comply with their rules.

While moving is stressful.... don't forget that hiring a moving organizer will reduce most of that stress. He or she can take care of all the little details that you don't have time to think about.  As a recent client just told me.... "Peggy, there were just so many little things... like making sure that the furniture being loaded on the truck was properly padded to prevent damage... to the unloading and making sure that each piece of furniture and box got into its proper room... that made this move go so smoothly.. thank you, Lisa W & Amy B, moved from SF to San Jose, April 2012"

Happy Moving!!!