Where the truck parks decides how far every box and every piece of furniture has to travel. A truck right outside the door can save hours compared with one parked down the block. In neighborhoods like Belmont Shore, Naples, Alamitos Beach and Downtown, planning the spot is part of planning the move.
Check the street-sweeping signs
Long Beach streets have posted street-sweeping days and times. If your move falls on a sweeping day, the best spot in front of your building may be off-limits for part of the morning. Check the signs on your block a few days before and plan the start time around them.
Use the alley if you have one
Many Long Beach neighborhoods, especially near the beach, have alleys behind homes and small apartment buildings. An alley can be the best loading spot: close to the back door and out of traffic. But an alley also needs to stay passable for neighbors and garbage trucks. Let neighbors know ahead of time, and ask your mover whether the alley works for the size of truck.
Tight neighborhoods need extra planning
- Belmont Shore: Parking near 2nd Street fills up, especially on weekends and in summer. Weekday mornings are usually easiest.
- Naples: Narrow streets and canal-front homes. Many homes face the canal walkways, so the truck loads from the nearest street, and the carry is longer.
- Downtown: Busy, metered streets. Find out whether your building has a loading dock before moving day.
- Hillside streets in Signal Hill and San Pedro: the grade affects where a truck can safely stop and load.
Saving a spot
If you have a driveway, keep it clear on moving day. If you're relying on the street, one common approach is to park your own cars in front of the building the night before and move them out when the truck arrives. If you're considering temporary no-parking signs, check with the City of Long Beach about what's allowed and how far in advance it needs to be arranged.
Tell your mover about parking
When you request an estimate, describe the parking at both addresses: driveway, alley, street, dock, and how far from the door. That's what lets the estimate account for carry distance, and it lets the crew show up with a plan instead of circling the block.
See how we handle it in tight areas: Belmont Shore, Naples and Downtown Long Beach.