Moving From San Diego to San Antonio: A Comprehensive Guide
Mar 25, 2024

Moving from one city to another can bring a mix of excitement and apprehension, especially when relocating to a new state. If you are planning a move from San Diego to San Antonio (a city known for its vibrancy), you’re embarking on a journey filled with new opportunities and adventures.
But, as with any journey, there are roadblocks along the way. One of these is ensuring your belongings are transferred safely. To ensure a smooth and successful transition, it is essential to plan your move carefully and stay organized every step of the way.
In this guide, we will explain how to clear this roadblock and successfully move from San Diego to San Antonio.

Tips for Moving From San Diego to San Antonio
1. Research your new city and neighborhood
A successful move starts with thorough research on your new city, San Antonio, and its neighborhoods.
San Antonio is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, amenities, and atmosphere. By researching the different neighborhoods, you can find the one that best fits your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.
Whether you are looking for a bustling urban environment, a family-friendly suburb, or a peaceful rural setting, understanding the city’s neighborhoods will help you make an informed decision about where to live.
How can you learn about these neighborhoods? Take your search online, and don’t forget to go through the city’s official website to find out what the city has to offer.
Here are a few resources to help you out:
San Antonio Welcoming Plan: https://www.sa.gov/files/assets/main/v/2/dhs/documents/strategicplan.pdf
Real estate agents: https://www.zillow.com/san-antonio-tx/
Seattle nonprofit organizations: https://greatnonprofits.org/city/san-antonio/TX
Financial and emergency assistance: https://311.sanantonio.gov/kb/docs/articles/health-and-social-services/financial-and-emergency-assistance
Seattle Department of Transportation: https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/Transportation
Newspaper: https://www.expressnews.com/

2. Prepare a moving checklist
Preparing a moving checklist is an essential step in ensuring a smooth transition to San Antonio. A comprehensive moving checklist helps you stay on track, manage tasks efficiently, and minimize stress leading up to moving day.
A moving checklist should include everything from researching the neighborhood where you plan to move to unpacking your belongings at your new San Antonio home and everything in between. It is important not to skip any task, even if it seems small. Need some help getting started? Here is a checklist you can use for reference.
3. Declutter and downsize
Over time, most households tend to accumulate stuff that may or may not be useful in a new location. While decluttering may have crossed your mind several times in the past, now is a good time to get it done. Obviously, not all of your belongings are suitable for transporting to your new home. After all, a new beginning is the perfect chance to start over with only the possessions you really want and need.
Here is a brief look at how to go about decluttering:
- Set aside time: Decluttering takes time and effort. Schedule dedicated time slots over several weeks in order to tackle each area effectively.
- The room-by-room approach: Focus on one room at a time. Take everything out from where you store them and segment items into three different piles: keep, throw away, and donate/sell.
- Be ruthless: Ask yourself honest questions: Have I used this in the past year? Does it bring me joy? Could I easily replace it? If the answer is no, consider letting it go.
- Utilize different decluttering methods: For sentimental items, consider taking photos or creating a memory box. For clothes, the “one-year rule” (haven’t worn it in a year?) can be helpful.
- Make the disposal process easy: Schedule a donation pick-up or research local donation centers. For items you are selling, utilize online marketplaces or have a garage sale.
Not only will decluttering leave you with fewer items to move, but you may also be able to make a little money by selling unused items.

4. Pack things in advance
More often than not, people wait until the last few days to pack for their move. Waiting, however, is likely to lead to a lot of stress and less organized packing.
Instead, start packing at least a week before departure. Here are some tips to help you pack your belongings:
- To kick off your packing process, make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. Gather sturdy boxes in different sizes, packing paper, markers, bubble wrap, labels, packing tape, and any special materials needed to safeguard fragile or valuable items.
- Organize your packing process by tackling one room at a time. Begin with rooms that are used less frequently, such as spare bedrooms or storage areas, and gradually work your way through the rest of the house.
- Pack similar items together and use sturdy boxes or containers to protect your belongings during transit.
- Ensure each box is clearly labeled with its contents, destination room, and any specific handling instructions.
- Use packing tape to seal boxes securely, ensuring that the top and bottom flaps are firmly sealed.
- Wrap fragile items carefully, ideally individually, in bubble wrap or foam padding and pack them snugly in sturdy boxes. This step will likely be taken care of by your moving company.
5. Calculate the cost-of-living differences
Moving from San Diego to San Antonio will bring a significant shift in living costs. The good news is that San Antonio is considerably cheaper than San Diego.
A 2-bedroom apartment in San Diego costs around $3,212, whereas San Antonio offers a similar space for $1,496, according to NerdWallet [NerdWallet cost of living calculator]. That’s a difference of more than $1,700 per month right there!
The cost of living in San Diego is around $4,885 for a family of four, while the same is around $3,939. So, overall, you can expect to save around $1,000 every month after your move.
Things like utilities, automobiles, and specialty in-demand services can be pricier than those in San Diego. Of course, this depends on the neighborhood you choose.
So, calculate the differences in your cost of living and adjust your budget accordingly.

6. Update address before leaving for San Antonio
Updating your address before moving to your new home is essential to ensure that you continue to receive important mail and services.
At the bare minimum, it is important to update your address with the postal department, your bank, your utility company, and other government agencies.
In addition, many subscriptions and services, like magazines, online deliveries, or streaming services, are linked to your address. Updating your address ensures you continue to receive them at your new location.
7. Take Weather into Consideration
When moving to a new location, it’s important to consider the weather. You surely wouldn’t want to move during hailstorms, rainfall, or excessive snowfall.
San Antonio is characterized by a subtropical climate with hot summers, mild winters, and relatively high humidity throughout the year. So don’t be surprised if it rains unusually at noon or evening hours.
Winter, from December to February, is the ideal time to make the move when the weather is neither hot nor excessively cold. If not, fall (September to November) or Spring (March to May) for the move. Summer, although not ideal temperature-wise, is convenient for many families because of vacations. So the time of the year is up to you.
Here are some weather-specific packaging tips you may consider:
- Store away your extensive summer wardrobe: You won’t need as many swimsuits and light clothes in San Antonio. Pack them in labeled boxes and mark them for “summer storage” in your new home.
- Invest in some cozy layers: San Antonio can get surprisingly chilly in the winter. Pack sweaters, jackets, and warm pajamas you might not have needed much in San Diego.
- Dust off those raincoats: San Antonio experiences more rain than San Diego, so pack a raincoat and some sturdy umbrellas.
- Keep insect repellants handy: San Antonio, like many warm climates, has its fair share of bugs. So, keep items like insect repellents, lotions, caulks, and insect/rodent traps readily available.
8. Consider Moving Insurance Coverage
While moving insurance is not mandatory, there are cases when it makes sense to get the coverage. For example, if you have valuable items that you cannot afford to replace in the event of loss or damage, moving insurance may be worth it to protect your investment.
This is especially true for items such as antiques, artwork, electronics, or sentimental items with high monetary or sentimental value.
Long-distance may pose a higher risk of accidents, theft, or damage during transit, making moving insurance more valuable. The distance between San Diego and San Antonio is around 1,275 miles. So, think about getting coverage and protecting your valuable items.
9. Inform Your Close Circle About the Move
At times, people plan their move as a surprise for their friends and families. While there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s advisable to keep your closed circle in the know. You’d want them to know about your whereabouts.
So let them know about your move date and the route, the expected arrival date, and so on.
They may also have some valuable tips to share with you, which you’ll find practical and helpful.
10. Make Time to Explore the City
Step into San Antonio, and you will discover why it’s dubbed “America’s Venice,” thanks to the scenic San Antonio River winding through its core. But there’s more to this city than meets the eye.
San Antonio will pleasantly surprise you with the array of activities you can engage yourself in. You can spend a fantastic weekend exploring amusement parks like Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld. Or, if you’re in the mood for a more relaxed experience, you can take a leisurely stroll along the River Walk and explore the city’s historical museums and art galleries.
Other engaging spots that will captivate you are:
- The Alamo
- Pearl District
- Brackenridge Park
- The San Antonio Museum of Art
- The San Antonio Botanical Garden

Move Seamlessly with Us!
All in all, moving from San Diego to San Antonio requires careful planning and equally careful execution. Hiring a reputable moving company can alleviate some of the burden. Atlas Allied, an Allied Van Lines agent since 1948, is an experienced intrastate mover, whether it is house moving or senior moving. Contact us today for a free moving quote!