Surefire Tips for a Successful Moving Day
A great move comes down to preparation. Below is the step-by-step process our award-winning San Diego team follows on every job — plus the room-by-room packing guides and post-move checklists we share with our customers, all in one place.
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Your Move, Step by Step
Oakley Relocation's team is committed to perfecting the move process. Our team provides high-quality, top notch service at every stage of your relocation.
- 1
Customer Service Representative (CSR) will schedule an in-home or virtual survey appointment and answer any preliminary questions.
- 2
Relocation Consultant will consult with you toinventory your belongings. They will also discuss various packing options and/or third party services that you may require.
- 3
Relocation Consultant will provide an estimate of cost for your upcoming move. They will review the estimate with you and answer any questions.
- 4
If you decide to move forward, the move date will be secured in our system and a CSR will follow-up with paperwork to be signed. If needed, we will reserve any additional third party services.
- 5
We will prcess the estimated cost of all moving services on your credit card 72-hours prior to your move date.
- 6
Set aside items that you do not wish to be packed or loaded onto the truck in a closet/area that is clearly marked. Make one more trip to your favorite charity with items for donation.
- 7
A CSR will call you the day before the packing and/or loading date to confirm arrival time of your moving Crew and/or Driver.
- 8
Move day! When the moving Crew and Driver arrive, they will take time to prepare your home and large furniture items. The hours will speed by as they pack and load your belongings. Ensure that your little ones (whether they have 2 legs or 4) are safe and sound during move day.
- 9
Driver will provide updates while in transit and will confirm the expected delivery date. On the day of delivery, the moving Crew and Driver will unload your belongings in your new home. You made it!
Room-by-Room Packing Guides
Packing is where most of the work happens. Use our room-by-room guides for the right materials, techniques and shortcuts — straight from our professional packers.
Bedroom, Nursery, Bathroom
Wrap your most prized possessions in tissue. Also, linens and bedding are good for cushioning or padding many other items.
Full packing guideLiving, Family, Great Room
On compact and digital video disc players, secure the laser with transport screws located on the bottom or back of the unit.
Full packing guideKitchen, Laundry Room
A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware.
Full packing guideDining Room
Cushion all china and glassware with a generous amount of paper padding.
Full packing guideOffice, Den
Disconnect and mark all wires and cables for easy assembly
Full packing guideAfter You Arrive
The move isn't over when the boxes are inside. Work through this checklist to get settled into your new home quickly and safely.
Set Up Utilities and Services
- Electricity, Gas, Water: Confirm activation and billing details.
- Internet & Cable: Schedule installation if not already set up.
- Trash & Recycling: Verify collection schedules and bins.
Update Your Address
- Postal Services: Forward mail to your new address.
- Financial Institutions: Update billing and contact information.
- Subscriptions: Redirect magazines, newspapers, and other deliveries.
Clean and Organize
- Floors & Carpets: Vacuum and mop all areas.
- Kitchen & Bathrooms: Wipe down surfaces and sanitize.
- Windows & Blinds: Dust and clean to let in natural light.
Unpack Strategically
- Bedroom: Set up beds and unpack linens.
- Bathroom: Ensure toiletries and towels are accessible.
- Kitchen: Arrange cookware and utensils for easy meal preparation.
Check Safety Features
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test and replace batteries if needed.
- Locks & Deadbolts: Change or rekey for added security.
- First Aid Kit: Stock with necessary supplies.
Register Local Services
- Healthcare Providers: Find nearby doctors, dentists, and pharmacies.
- Schools: If applicable, register children and familiarize with school policies.
- Emergency Services: Note the locations of the nearest hospital and police station.
Explore Your Neighborhood
- Grocery Stores & Restaurants: Locate convenient options for daily needs.
- Parks & Recreation: Discover local parks, gyms, and recreational facilities.
- Community Centers: Learn about local events and activities.
Settle In Emotionally
- Establish Routines: Create daily schedules to bring structure.
- Personalize Your Space: Add personal touches to make your home feel familiar.
- Stay Connected: Keep in touch with friends and family for support.
Moving in Winter?
Cooler, drier months in San Diego & Orange County can mean better rates — with a little extra planning. Keep these essentials handy.
Read the winter-moving guide- Use heavy-duty blankets, plastic wrap, and waterproof covers to shield furniture from moisture and cold damage.
- Keep walkways clear of snow and ice, wear slip-resistant boots, and have a supply of salt or sand for traction.
- Schedule movers early to avoid weather delays, and keep essentials like gloves, flashlights, and a first-aid kit handy.
- Ensure your vehicle or moving truck is winter-ready with antifreeze, tire chains, and an emergency kit.
Moving Soon?
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Free, no-obligation in-home or virtual estimate — from San Diego's award-winning movers since 2008.
These guys were amazing. Everybody at Oakley was polite, professional, and did an excellent job for a very fair price. A few days later all our stuff arrived in Colorado in perfect condition — every last item tracked and accounted for. I couldn't recommend them more highly.
I had a great experience with the movers from Oakley Relocation. They showed up on time, installed protective coverings in my new house, then worked diligently all day to unload and unpack my belongings. Very professional.
The team was incredible and went above and beyond in moving our family — and so kind to us and our one-year-old. We live on base so we were nervous about accessibility, but the team made it happen! Every single thing was carefully wrapped and taken care of like it was their own.
Efficient, respectful of my property, friendly, and cooperative. Hector, Enrique, and Mark came to my home twice for my overseas move — first to package and second to remove. They communicated every step of the way.
Oakley Relocation was a great resource to get us moved from So Cal to Idaho. They were timely, efficient and friendly during what could be a stressful time. Mayra (office) and Juan (driver) were excellent.
Tyler, Marcus, Joey, Frank, Justin, Chase, and Joe did an excellent job packing our home. There was a clear plan to pack a 5,000+ square-foot house in one day, with clear communication among the team and great respect for our home.
Trevor Smith and his team did a fantastic job moving our belongings from San Diego to Dayton, Ohio. Trevor was excellent in analyzing our needs and his team did a super job packing our belongings. Great job!
Hands down the most impressive, top-quality moving service. We hired Oakley Relocation to pack our entire home and move us into our new one. The entire team was incredible, professional, and so thorough.
Tyler, Marcus, Joey, and Lewis were truly professional. They communicated well and ensured the proper set-up of my items throughout my house. They knew the ins and outs of the military move process, which made it easy.
Facing two moves — one local and one out of state — was overwhelming. Oakley Relocation took care of every nut and bolt, from a walk-through to building personalized crates for our bronzes and artwork. Tyler and David's teams were polished and professional. I can't recommend them more highly.
My husband and I moved from Brentwood, CA to Oceanside, CA. My experience with Oakley Relocation made the move seamless and easy. We had used them for another move two years ago and were so pleased we came right back.
The team (Tyler, Lewis, and Mark) did an outstanding job all around. They were careful with our belongings, asked how we wanted things packed, and were polite and punctual through packing and unpacking. Would recommend 100%.
Thank you Oakley Relocation for a great start to our move back to Ohio. Our crew was led by Hector Ortiz — we had Hector on a previous move and he once again did a marvelous job. He treats your home and possessions like his own.
The entire experience was as efficient and pleasant as we could have hoped — from Nick, who provided our estimate, to the crew (Hector Ortiz, Enrique, Chris and Angel) who were efficient, careful with our possessions, and very friendly. Highly recommend.
We had a great experience with Oakley Relocation packing our belongings for our move from California to Tennessee. Tyler and his crew, Joe and George, were amazing — extremely professional and courteous.
Oakley Relocation did a great job! Trevor was extremely detailed in his inventory, so we knew exactly what our move would cost. Juan, our driver, and the crews were polite, professional and experienced. Every promise was kept — including a refund because our weight came in under the estimate.