Moving in Sacramento: Traffic, Permits & Parking Tips

If you are going to relocate to your new house in Sacramento then there will be a lot of exciting opportunities with the move. Knowing local traffic flow is essential, and working out when a permit will be necessary. A good moving day starts with good planning, so let’s unpack all that you need.

Navigating Sacramento Traffic

The streets of Sacramento have everything from traffic-clogged highways to downtown congestion to quiet neighborhood streets. Even I-5, Hwy 99, and I-80 are slowly shut down during rush hours, especially the 7 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 6 pm. So if you’d prefer as little wait time as possible, just try and schedule your move during the hours without this rush.

These areas, which include Midtown and Downtown, can feature narrow streets and lots of foot traffic, making it difficult for large moving trucks to maneuver. The early morning or late evening is the ideal time to move in these regions.

Our friendly movers know the Sacramento area, so we won’t let you book your move at a time that will cause traffic issues. Here are the moving services we offer if you need help orchestrating your move.

Understanding Moving Permits

If you need to close a lane or reserve a parking space for your moving truck, you’ll also have to secure permits in certain parts of Sacramento. Temporary parking permits secure a spot in the Downtown and Midtown areas for loading and unloading with no ticket (or towing).

Temporary parking permits usually cost the city $25 to $50, depending on location and number of days. Applications must be submitted a couple of days ahead, so plan accordingly. With your new apartment building, be sure to ask management about the policy for loading zones. In some cases, apartment buildings will have a place where you are supposed to go to move. Often, the property needs notice before it will allow that.

Choosing a Good Parking Spot

On street parking. Although we do not recommend trying to park a 20-footer in the city of Sacramento, challenging and hard to find is an understatement. It is usually easy to park on the street in residential areas, though there are some streets where oversized vehicles may not be parked. Metered street parking is everywhere in Downtown and Midtown, and you can get a fine for blocking driveways or sidewalks.

For apartment buildings, be sure to check whether your building has a loading dock or parking space for movers. Some buildings have limitations where movers cannot park, or where they can only use service elevators. That way, you’re ahead of the move — with no surprises.

Conclusion

The first step in the Sacramento moving process is perceiving the traffic, permits, and parking. To keep it simple, work around peak traffic hours, secure all necessary permits ahead of time, and plan for parking. But with some forethought, moving day can run like a well-oiled machine.

When it comes to professional assistance with your packing, moving needs, A2B Moving and Storage is at your service. Make your move in Sacramento simple and easy by contacting us today.