Moving to Monterey, CA
Monterey Bay Coast
Thinking about moving to Monterey, California?
Monterey is one of California's most beautiful coastal cities, located on the Central Coast about 120 miles south of San Francisco. Famous for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, historic Cannery Row, and stunning Pacific Ocean views, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, marine life, and small-town charm.
This guide covers what it's like to move to Monterey—neighborhoods, cost of living, outdoor activities, and move-day tips—plus how modSTORAGE can help with storage units, moving supplies, U-Hauls and modDISPOSAL services.
World-Class Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Whale Watching
Year-round marine life
Mild Climate
50-70°F year-round
Wine Country
Carmel Valley nearby
Why People Love Living in Monterey
Stunning Scenery
Ocean views, sea otters, cypress trees, and dramatic coastlines
Outdoor Paradise
Hiking, kayaking, biking, golf, and beach activities
Historic Charm
Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, and Old Monterey
Small-Town Feel
Relaxed pace of life with close-knit community
Moving Cost & Distance Calculator
Enter your origin and destination to estimate travel distance, time, and a rough moving cost.
Origin Address
Destination Address
U-Haul Truck & Equipment Rentals
modSTORAGE is a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, ready to help you with truck and equipment rentals for moves of any size.
- Multiple truck sizes available for local and long-distance moves
- Dollies, hand trucks, and furniture pads available at select locations
- Convenient on-site pickup and drop-off
- Reservations and same-day availability at select facilities
- U-Haul near you
Professional Wrapping & Packing Services
Furniture Wrapping
Protect your furniture with shrink wrap, moving blankets, and corner protectors designed for safe transport.
Ask about this service →Mattress & Upholstery Protection
Keep your mattresses, sofas, and chairs clean with professional-grade protective covers and bags.
Ask about this service →On-Site Packing Help
Available at select locations—get assistance with difficult items and access to professional protection materials.
Ask about this service →Boxes & Moving Supplies
We stock a full lineup of moving supplies at modSTORAGE, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, labels, and more.
Boxes
Small, medium, large, and wardrobe boxes
Packing Materials
Bubble wrap, packing paper, stretch wrap
Tape & Accessories
Packing tape, tape guns, dispensers
Kits & Bundles
Pre-packaged moving supply kits
modDISPOSAL™ – Junk & Trash Removal
modDISPOSAL helps customers dispose of pallets, cardboard, packaging debris, and unwanted items related to moves, keeping your unit and facility clean.
Keep Your Move Clean
Let modDISPOSAL handle the mess so you can focus on settling in.
- Get rid of leftover boxes and packing materials
- Ask about bulk/junk removal options
- Keep your unit clean and move-out ready
modSTORAGE Moving Guide
6–8 Weeks Before Move
- • Declutter, donate, and decide what to store vs. move
- • Reserve your modSTORAGE unit and U-Haul if needed
4 Weeks Before Move
- • Start packing low-use rooms
- • Label boxes clearly by room and priority
- • Buy moving supplies (boxes, tape, wraps)
1–2 Weeks Before Move
- • Confirm move date and truck reservation
- • Wrap furniture and mattresses
- • Prepare a disposal list for items to be thrown away or recycled
Moving Day
- • Pick up truck and equipment
- • Load heavy items first, use dollies and carts at facility
- • Keep important items and documents easily accessible
After Move
- • Return truck
- • Use modDISPOSAL for leftover materials
- • Confirm unit lock and contact info for your account
Monterey Moving FAQs
Is Monterey a good place to live?
Monterey offers stunning coastal beauty, mild Mediterranean climate year-round, world-famous attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, excellent golf courses, and a relaxed California lifestyle. It's popular with retirees, remote workers, and families seeking natural beauty and outdoor activities.
How much does it cost to live in Monterey?
Monterey has a higher cost of living than the national average due to its desirable coastal location. One-bedroom apartments typically range from $1,800-$2,800/month. Homes are expensive, but the quality of life, weather, and natural environment are major draws.
What is there to do in Monterey?
Monterey offers world-class attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, whale watching, kayaking, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach golf, Big Sur day trips, wine tasting in Carmel Valley, and endless hiking and beach activities.
What's the weather like in Monterey?
Monterey enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with temperatures typically ranging from 50-70°F year-round. Summers are often foggy in the mornings with afternoon sun. It rarely gets too hot or too cold—perfect for outdoor activities year-round.
Do I need a car in Monterey?
Yes, a car is highly recommended in Monterey. While downtown and Cannery Row are walkable, you'll need a vehicle for grocery shopping, exploring Big Sur, wine country, and reaching nearby cities like Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Salinas.
Ready to Plan Your Move?
Choose a storage unit near you or talk to one of our moving specialists to get started.