So what are the necessary steps for moving to another city?

Of course it is easier if you know someone in the area, so that you could crash at their place.
I would think you would want to get the job before you move to the area, because employment isn’t a breeze for everyone.

Step 1 that often gets forgotten is to go through all your stuff and identify what you no longer use as well as things that are getting unserviceable and you should really replace. The usable stuff you just no longer need should go to some charity like Goodwill Industries. The worn out just goes to recycling or the dumpster. Replace it when you get to the new location. It lightens the load.

If you’re going to hire a mover, prepack and count the number and size of boxes. You can get a much more accurate quote form a mover, and you really don’t want to pay them to crate everything.

Definitely find a job first, and if possible, a place. If you can’t buy or rent in advance, then find a month by month short-term stay place and plan to move there till you can find a permanent spot.

Best of luck on the move. San Francisco isn’t cheap living, but it’s a vibrant, exciting city. You should enjoy it.

It’ll be easiest if you find a job, first. Looking is harder from a distance, but it can be done. Find a job, then move. Unless you are currently unemployed. In that case, you might as well be in SF instead of SD. It’ll make it easier to look for a job in SF. But you will give up your social capial in SD.

I too would find a job first. Depending on the sort of work you are going for you may be able to do interviews by video conferencing. If that’s not possible, could you travel there alone and do interviews and then go back to where you live now?

When I was younger I moved countries with no job, but I would not have done that once I had children relying on me.

Make sure you have references sorted out and if you have any contacts in SF, use them. I can’t speak for how things work in the US but here, it’s often not what you know but who you know. Don’t be too fussy at first. Just get a job that pays enough to pay the rent/food etc. You can be more selective once you’re settled.

With a family to support, finding a job first would be my priority. Besides, some companies have relocation bonuses, and will help you find a home and/or put you in a furnished apartment until you find your own place. Do you or your partner work for a company that has locations there? You could request a transfer.

It is easier to look for a job on site. So first you check the want ads and se if there are plenty of positions in your field. Then, you save money for a few months expenses while you are looking ( San Francisco has a high cost of living).

If you are currently employed, stay put. The unemployment rate in San Francisco is higher than San Diego. The cost of living is also higher. If you are already on unemployment or have other income, look online at the areas you want to live to see the prices.

If you are looking in the entire Bay Area, that would be easier, but still very chancy. I would take a couple of weeks vacation and check out the area first. Do a lot of research before you make such a move.

Another reason to find a job first is to be sure you can afford to make the move at all. Once you know what your income will be and can make a budget, you’ll know how much/little rent you can afford.