Why are they Leaving?
People have been moving out of California in droves for the last few years, but that trend has really accelerated in 2020. Some of this has to do with the fact that housing in California continues to be so expensive, but a lot of it has to do with everything that has happened in 2020.
First of all, wildfires made living in much of the state unsafe. Many residents have had to evacuate their homes, and even those who stuck around had to contend with smoke all but ruining the air around them. Second of all was the COVID-19 pandemic and the job crisis that went along with it. Simply put, those who ended up losing their jobs or had their hours reduced couldn’t afford the high cost of living in California.
The third factor that may have contributed to the mass exodus from California was the rise of telecommuting. A lot of people live where they live because of their jobs, and some of them would rather live someplace cheaper if they could. Telecommuting is clearly nothing new in 2020, but it became popular enough that people could live in one place while being employed elsewhere. There was no need for these people to live in California even though they technically worked there, so they’ve decided to move someplace more affordable.
When you look at how expensive housing can be in California and how much of a hassle it is to live in the state right now, it makes sense that so many people will want to leave. Unfortunately, the great 2020 California exodus has given rise to some serious problems, the worst of which is an underground market of overpriced and unlicensed Bay Area movers.
Moving Scammers
Right now, there are about two households leaving California for every new one that moves in. People are clearly desperate to leave the state for the reasons mentioned above, and that has made them vulnerable to shady Bay Area moving companies who are charging them ridiculous prices for moving vans and services. Prices for renting moving trucks are eight times higher in some cases for households leaving major California metropolitan areas than those moving in, and scammers have started their own unlicensed and uninsured moving companies to take advantage of desperate families. Moving and storage is an accident-prone business, so it is vital that any company you trust with your belongings be insured in case something goes wrong. Authorities have started cracking down on these illegitimate movers by instituting stricter licensing requirements, but this is still a serious concern for anyone who plans to relocate away from California.
Choose Your Bay Area Movers Wisely
If you are one of the many people planning to relocate to another state, make sure that any moving company you hire is legitimate. Ask to see their license and proof of liability insurance, and don’t be afraid to shop around for a company you can trust. If you’re in the Walnut Creek area, you can always begin your search with Magic Moving, a long-distance Bay Area moving and storage company that has served the community for several years. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and we will be happy to answer any of your questions. Contact us today to learn more about our moving and storage services.
