Congratulations on your move! All of your stuff has arrived at your new place, now what?
Anyone who’s survived a move knows that there’s still hard work that comes in the days that follow the moving truck leaving. There’s unpacking, cleaning, assembling furniture, finding grocery stores and other essentials, even finding the best takeout food in the neighborhood.
And if you’re moving to Oakland, this can be difficult. Known as the largest city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland is considered a major west coast port city and the third-largest city in the entire San Francisco Bay Area.
So, how do you find the local favorites in Oakland, CA? Check out Yelp Oakland!
To help make your move less overwhelming, we pulled together some of our top resources in Oakland for after your move, using the best reviews from Yelp with an emphasis on locally-owned and operated small businesses. While finding your own favorite places around the neighborhood will take time, these locally-loved small businesses are great resources to get your first few days in Oakland of to a great start:
Best Oakland Move-In Cleaning Service: Lotus Cleaning
Neighborhood: Dimond District
Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
Review Highlight: “I hired Lotus to do a deep clean of my apartment. They confirmed, showed up on time, did a great job (cleaned some things I hadn’t actually thought of) and have reasonable rates. Efficient, pleasant, and thorough.”
Making sure your new home is clean upon your arrival is probably the last thing on your mind, but it’s a valuable step in settling into a new space! Consider hiring a local Oakland cleaning company to take care of your move-in cleaning so you can focus your energy on the more exciting aspects of moving. Lotus Cleaning Services specializes in residential cleaning services. Their 13 years of industry experience and professionalism has made them a local favorite.
Best Oakland Hardware Store for Quick Fixes: Montclair Village Hardware
Neighborhood: South Hills
Yelp Rating: 4 stars
Review Highlight: “Just moved to the area. Been in here a few times and the staff (all of them) are super helpful. Always able to find what I need.”
Always conduct a walk-through of your new home prior to moving in furniture. By noting issues like loose tiles or missing fixtures, you’ll be able to have them fixed well before they’re hidden by your possessions.
When it comes to specific items to fix, identify small issues that can be addressed easily. If you don’t already have the needed tools in your repair arsenal, you will need to find an Oakland hardware store. Montclair Village Hardware has everything an avid DIYer or tradesman needs to get the job done. Whether you are painting, retiling the shower, or simply trying to unclog a drain, they have what you need.
Best Oakland Pizza for Your First Friday Night In: The Star On Grand
Neighborhood: Grand Lake
Yelp Rating: 4 stars
Review Highlight: “This is my favorite deep dish pizza spot in Oakland! Never disappoints, I’ve ordered delivery and recently did pickup through Uber eats. Happy this spot is still as popular and delicious as ever. My favorite hands down is the meatball deep dish pizza. Topped with ricotta cheese and stuffed with tomato-y, onion goodness, I can never get enough! So yummy I highly recommend to anyone, even thin crust lovers, it’s that good.”
If it’s one thing we know for certain, pizza is universal comfort food. The best life milestones are celebrated with pizza, and your first Friday night at your new home should also be. The Star on Grand is not only a neighborhood favorite, it’s also Nixxit’s Owner’s top choice for pizza in Oakland (they order from there at least once a month). Best known for their Chicago-style pizza with cornmeal crust, their deep-dish and thin-crust pizza won’t disappoint.
Best Oakland Dine-In For Your First Night Out: Wood Tavern
Neighborhood: Rockridge
Yelp Rating: 4.5
Review Highlight: “What can I say, there’s a reason this spot is so loved. Whenever family or friends are in town and wanting a good bite to eat, Wood Tavern has never disappointed. NOT ONCE! That’s how much I love this place. At this point, the amount of money I spent here could have covered several month’s rent, but alas I live with no regrets! I highly encourage you to come to this neighborhood gem.”
One of the best ways to make a new place feel like home is to go out and explore so that you can start appreciating all the wonderful new things that your area has to offer. The Wood Tavern in Oakland is a contemporary, rustic neighborhood restaurant serving an American brasserie experience.
Before the Spring of 2020, Wood Tavern was a multi-award-winning Michelin Bib Gourmand establishment. With over 1,900 reviews on Yelp, this establishment is definitely an Oakland fan favorite.
Best Oakland Spot to Stock Up Groceries and Other Essentials: Community Foods Market
Neighborhood: West Oakland
Yelp Rating: 4.5
Review Highlight: “So, do you think you have to go to the big box grocery stores? Think again. You have options now. Tucked away on San Pablo, is a brand new community nonprofit grocery store that happens to be mission-driven and locally owned. It’s a great place to shop during the pandemic because the lines are short. The cashiers are super friendly and live in the community.”
You probably used up or tossed many basic food and pantry items to make your move easier and more affordable. This means you must now visit the grocery store to stock up on essentials for your kitchen. Community Foods Market is an independent and locally-owned food market supporting West Oakland. Community Foods offers fresh produce, staple groceries, delicious prepared foods, and a full meat and seafood selection at affordable prices.
Best Oakland Outdoor Activities To Relax After Moving Day: Jack London Square
Neighborhood: Jack London Square
Yelp Rating: 4 stars
Review Highlight: “You can’t beat great weather, beautiful views, Farmers Market and dog-friendly environment for a nice Sunday stroll. Jack London is really a gem of a place for Oakland! So many different restaurants to chose from.”
Moving can be exhausting. Sometimes, the best way to recharge is by simply taking a day off. Jack London Square is an entertainment and business destination on the waterfront of Oakland. This historic neighborhood has a cool and trendy dining and shopping scene overlooking the marina. There is even a farmers market that is hosted on Sundays near the water. If you feel like going out on the Bay, rent a kayak or paddleboard from California Canoe and Kayak located on the dock.
Best Oakland Furniture Store: Dimensional Outlet Furniture
Neighborhood: West Oakland
Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars
Review Highlight: “Don’t let the outside and location fool you! This store is great with lots of options & great service. I just moved to the Bay Area & desperately needed a couch and it was delivered/assembled for $40 the next day! Definitely worth it.”
When moving to a new place, it’s natural to want new things. From the curtains to the furniture, you’ll want items to fit perfectly, bring comfort and functionality, and reflect your personal style. Dimensional Outlet Furniture is a locally owned and operated home furnishing and mattress retailer in Oakland. They offer living room furniture, dining room furniture, bedroom furniture, mattresses, and more. It’s a great first stop for all of your Oakland furniture needs.
Best Oakland Junk Removal Service: Nixxit
Area: Oakland and Entire SF Bay Area
Yelp Rating: 5 stars
Review Highlight: “So glad I found Nixxit, needed some junk removed and they made it happen and fast! The guys are super nice and super professional.
I totally recommend them and you won’t be disappointed! The process is simple, you book an appointment, they come out and give you an estimate. If you agree you pay them and they haul your junk away and if you don’t they’ll leave…simple.”
It’s not uncommon for people who recently moved to accumulate junk. From cardboard boxes and packaging material to old furniture that may not fit in the new space. For all your Oakland junk removal needs, Nixxit has you covered.
Nixxit is a locally owned business based in Oakland that has over 10 years of experience in the junk removal industry. They have one of the largest trucks in the industry and are competitive with rates in the Bay Area. That’s not all! Nixxit is one of only a few junk removal companies that is a Certified California Green Business.
There’s a lot to know and see when living in Oakland, especially if you’re new and just moved to Oakland. But with these move-in resources, the first few days after moving can be easier, setting you up for a great start in Oakland.
