How I Used a $5,000 Relocation Stipend to Move from New York to California
As told to moveBuddha
- Christian moved from Brooklyn, New York, to San Francisco, California, in the summer of 2022 to start a new job and be closer to family, a 2,900+ mile move.
- After comparing three quotes, he hired Safeway Moving. His New York to California move was quoted at $4,300, with a final cost of $4,730.52, well under competing quotes of $8,000 or more.
- This is Christian’s story, shared as part of moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project.
This account is based on our conversation with Christian about his move from New York to California in 2022 with Safeway Moving. We’ve edited his story for length and clarity.
My partner and I moved from Brooklyn, New York, to San Francisco, California, in the summer of 2022. We were both starting new jobs and wanted to be closer to our families, and I had a $5,000 relocation stipend to make the most of.
I was looking for the best mix of service, flexibility, and affordability, and I was determined to avoid hidden fees and last-minute price increases.
I compared companies using moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator and ultimately decided to go with Safeway Moving.
My Safeway Moving experience at a glance
Here’s how I’d describe my move with Safeway Moving overall.
- Communication: Communication was generally good throughout the process, but Safeway could have done a better job keeping me updated while my items were in transit.
- Pricing accuracy: Safeway’s original estimate was accurate, and my final cost of $4,730.52 came in close to the $4,300 quote.
- Payment: The payment process was a little confusing because I had to deal with both Safeway and the partner company that actually performed the move.
- Professionalism: I was impressed with the moving crews, but Safeway’s office staff didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
- Timeliness: Safeway delivered my household goods later than originally planned, and the full cross-country journey took around 60 days.
- Loss and damage: I experienced relatively minor loss and damage, including a missing box and some items that got messed up during transit.
- Would I use Safeway again? Yes. I felt like I got a good bang for my buck and would consider using them for a future move.
rating
4.9 / 5
My move at a glance
| Moving from | Brooklyn, New York |
|---|---|
| Moving to | San Francisco, California |
| Distance | 2,900+ miles |
| Moving company | Safeway Moving |
| Moving quote | $4,300 |
| Actual cost | $4,730.52 |
| Quotes from other movers | $8,000+ |
Planning a long-distance move? Use moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator to compare what movers charge for your route before committing to anyone.
Why I chose Safeway Moving
I started researching moving companies in early March to beat the peak season moving rush. I talked with friends who had moved before, did several Google searches, and compared options on moveBuddha. After filling out an online inventory form and speaking with a helpful Safeway representative, I received a quote of $4,300.
American Van Lines and United Van Lines both came back well over $8,000. Based on Safeway’s positive reviews, professional approach, and significantly lower pricing, going with Safeway was an easy call.
How I prepared for the move
Safeway sent a moving packet early on that included links to helpful YouTube videos and contact information for a preferred packing supplies vendor. My biggest concerns going into moving day were my musical instruments, standing desk, bicycle, and Dyson vacuum cleaner.
To maximize efficiency and move as little as possible, my partner and I:
- Downsized and decluttered: We went through everything we owned and cut anything we didn’t plan to bring to San Francisco, which kept the load manageable.
- Donated unused items: Rather than throwing away usable things, we dropped off what we could at donation centers so it wouldn’t end up on the truck.
- Packed boxes gradually: We started packing well before moving day to spread out the work and avoid a last-minute scramble.
Pickup day
The crew arrived at 10:00 AM in a 22-foot Penske truck. After a brief walk-through, the driver flagged two things that would affect the contract: the truck was parked more than 100 feet from my residence, which triggered an additional long-carry charge, and the crew had some last-minute packing to handle. Once the contract was amended to reflect those changes, the team got to work packing, wrapping, and loading everything onto the truck.
The crew members were personable and efficient, and I was pleased that the driver put together a detailed inventory. My partner and I kept the energy positive by picking up donuts, playing some relaxing background music, and making sure there were clear paths in and out of the apartment. The crew finished loading by 1:30 PM.
The one thing that disappointed me was learning my items would be stored in New Jersey until a truck bound for California showed up, rather than being shipped directly.
Delivery day
My household goods were eventually transferred to a tractor-trailer and shipped to California. Getting them to my door wasn’t straightforward, though. The 18-wheeler was too large to navigate San Francisco’s notoriously tight streets, so the crew had to rent a U-Haul and shuttle everything to my new apartment.
I also needed to get a parking permit for the moving truck at least seven days before delivery, but I couldn’t get one because Safeway wasn’t able to give me a firm delivery date. This is common on long-distance moves, since movers typically deliver within multi-day or multi-week windows and generally give customers only 24 to 48 hours of notice. The situation was inconvenient, but in the end everything worked out.
The movers arrived later than expected on delivery day due to traffic, but the crew’s demeanor and professionalism put me at ease, and everything was off the truck and into my new apartment in no time. Luckily, the crew didn’t get cited for parking without a permit.
On the downside, the full cross-country journey took 60 days. I also came out of the move with a few losses:
- A missing box: One box of posters and decorative prints never showed up after the move.
- Damaged items: A bar cart, a bike rack, and some glassware all got damaged during transit.
- No post-move follow-up: Safeway never reached out after delivery to see how things went.
I decided not to file claims for any of these items.
Final thoughts
rating
4.9 / 5
All told, Safeway saved me a significant amount of money and delivered my belongings in relatively good condition. Here’s how I’d sum up the experience:
What I liked about Safeway:
- Excellent moving crews: The drivers and movers were top-notch, and their work on both pickup and delivery day consistently impressed me.
- Under-budget outcome: Even with a few unexpected expenses along the way, the move came in under my $5,000 relocation stipend.
- Minimal damage and loss: Given the scope of a 2,900+ mile move, the damage and loss I experienced were relatively minor.
What I didn’t like:
- Communication gaps: Both Safeway’s office staff and the moving crew could have done a better job keeping me informed, especially while my items were in transit.
- New Jersey storage: My household goods were stored in New Jersey rather than California, and I believe this is partly why delivery took two months.
- Overpriced packing supplies: The boxes from Safeway’s preferred vendor were more expensive and less sturdy than the ones I bought from U-Haul.
- Vague contract language: The terms of the contract could have been more explicit, especially around additional services.
My move with Safeway wasn’t perfect, but I’d consider using them again in the future.
- Related: Moving Experience: Joshua’s Move with Safeway Moving
- Related: Moving Experience: Laurel’s Move with Safeway Moving
Tips for future movers
These are the practical steps we recommend based on Christian’s experience:
- If your moving budget is tight: Safeway is worth considering for long-distance moves. Christian’s final cost of $4,730.52 came in thousands below competing quotes, and the quality of the moving crews was high throughout the move.
- If your moving dates are inflexible: Safeway may not be the right fit. Long-distance moves operate on multi-day or multi-week delivery windows, and you should plan for just 24 to 48 hours of advance notice before your items arrive.
Before you go, check out these helpful moving resources:
- Moving Cost Calculator
- Best Moving Container Companies
- How to Establish Residency in a New State
- Best Interstate Moving Companies
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