Moving in El Cajon, CA

El Cajon sits in an inland valley, and its August average high of 88.6°F runs more than 11 degrees above the coast. Most households rent, about half of homes are in multi-unit buildings, and a dumpster in the street needs a $135 encroachment permit.

Facts checked November 6, 2026. Independent guide; not a moving company.

At a glance

Population (2025 est.): 101,755
Owner-occupied homes: 41.5% (2020–2024)
Multi-unit buildings: About 49% of structures (2023)
August average high: 88.6°F (1991–2020 normal)
Colleges: Grossmont College, Cuyamaca College

How much do movers cost in El Cajon?

San Diego-area data from HireAHelper (October 2026) shows two movers at about $150 an hour and a median labor-only booking around $504. El Cajon's median gross rent of $1,856 and its many apartments mean a large share of local moves are one- and two-bedroom jobs near those medians.

Summer heat slows crews down. An early start isn't only about comfort; fewer breaks in the afternoon heat can mean fewer billable hours.

How hot is El Cajon on moving day?

NOAA's 1991–2020 normals put El Cajon's average high at 86.1°F in July, 88.6°F in August and 87.3°F in September, against 77.3°F at San Diego's Lindbergh Field in August. During a 1963 heat wave, El Cajon hit 112°F while Coronado reached 96°F.

From June through September, plan to start loading at 7 or 8 a.m., keep pets and plants out of the truck, and have water on hand for the crew.

Do you need a permit for a dumpster on an El Cajon street?

Yes. A Level One Encroachment Permit covers dumpsters in the right-of-way and staging equipment or vehicles there. The fee is $135, and you'll need a scaled drawing, insurance under City Policy D-3, and an El Cajon business license; some placements also need a traffic control plan. Engineering is at 200 Civic Center Way, 619-441-1742.

Can a moving truck park overnight in El Cajon?

Barely. Commercial vehicles with a rated capacity over 10,000 pounds can't park on any street or alley for more than one hour total between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. For a trailer or RV, El Cajon issues free one-day permits online, with up to three active at once.

Trucks over 5 tons gross must stay on truck routes except for pickups and deliveries, and loads over 13 feet wide, 16 feet high or 100 feet long need a transportation permit.

Which colleges and routes matter for El Cajon moves?

Grossmont College sits at 8800 Grossmont College Drive and Cuyamaca College at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway. Students and staff moving near Grossmont use I-8, SR-125 and SR-52, while Cuyamaca is reached by SR-94 and SR-125.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a dumpster permit in El Cajon?

A Level One Encroachment Permit costs $135.

Can I park a moving truck on my El Cajon street overnight?

Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds rated capacity are limited to one hour total between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Can I get a trailer permit in El Cajon for moving?

Yes. El Cajon issues free one-day RV and trailer permits online, up to three active at a time.