If you are lucky enough to have an opportunity to move to L.A., you should definitely go for it. This amazing melting pot is attracting newcomers from all over the world, making this place ethnically and culturally diverse. Once you move to Los Angeles, your neighbours might be from a neighbouring state or from half-way around the world.
But in order to save your money and nerves and accomplish what you wish for, you need some serious preparation. The city of stars offers you a lot, but also takes much in return. Follow these steps when moving to LA, you won’t regret it!
First, make a budget
Your moving budget mostly depends on where you are moving from and, of course, how much stuff you are bringing with you. You should also have in mind that living in L.A. is not cheap, although it is a bit cheaper than Northern California. It would be very wise to arrive with money to live off for, let’s say, six months. Also, if you are moving from another country, make sure to find the best way to move your money and avoid high conversion fees.
Keep in mind that between the moving and packing costs, application fees, the deposit and perhaps having to get some basic household necessities, money goes quickly. And these are just transition costs. Once you move to L.A., you’ll see it’s all about the groceries and the gas, while also paying for things like your cellphone, change of car registration, updating license and car insurance.
Take nothing for granted
Certain things seem like a given when renting a place, such as a parking spot, a dishwasher, an in-unit washer and dryer and a fridge. Well, when moving to Los Angeles you really shouldn’t take them for granted. Because here, they are called ‘amenities,’ and they are far from standard.
Pick a reliable moving company
This is an extremely important task, and it will affect your moving experience drastically. Just as decent movers can make everything go smoothly, bad ones can make it even harder than it is. Start by asking around for referrals, and then do some online research as well. It would be good to learn more about moving reviews since you should take them with a pinch of salt. Once you learn to separate the fake ones from the real ones, you are ready to make a list of potential movers.
Collect several moving estimates and compare them
Most moving companies offer a free moving quote, so you can collect several and compare the prices. But make sure you have accurate offers and that there will be no hidden fees. The best way to check that is to simply ask or to request a binding estimate. And don’t forget the moving insurance that will cover any possible damage in transit. Once you are sure you have all the information and accurate estimates, choose the one that suits you best.
Don’t get distracted by all the shiny things
Once you arrive in the city of dreams, everything will appear shiny and new, and you will experience the temptation to spend. For this reason, try to give yourself as big of a cash cushion as possible so you can focus on what actually brought you out here, whether it is a professional or personal plan. The good news is there are always plenty of free activities in this magic city, so you can always find ways to entertain yourself for less.
Health is in!
Are you a Yoga enthusiast? Well, even if you are not, you will probably become one when moving to L.A. If you just swing your yoga mat in any direction you will hit a yogi or yoga studio. Because they are everywhere around you! And generally, whatever is healthy or trendy, you will find it in Los Angeles. Whether you are vegan, eating organic food, or doing CrossFit, L.A. won’t disappoint you. Here, people just love being green and enjoy their healthy lifestyle.
As soon as you feel that atmosphere L.A. has, you will see that this place encourages anything new and healthy. Most noteworthy, one thing everyone can agree upon is the value of a good local farmer’s market. And, this city has so many of them, that it has created a searchable database. Hence, one of the advantages of moving to Los Angeles is definitely enjoying fresh and tasty food.
Looking for a job in L.A.
When you think of L.A., show business is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But in fact, the city is economically diverse just like its people. Aside from Hollywood, this is the place where technology and fashion entrepreneurs grow their businesses from scratch into global brands. Big brands you know and love like Tesla, Honda, Nestle and Dole Foods have deep roots and are headquartered right here. If you are looking for a job, here are the main industries that blossom in LA:
- The Entertainment business
- Information Technology
- Aerospace and defense
- Fashion
- Bio-science
- Marketing, design and publishing
- Hospitality and tourism
- Trade
People often forget that theme parks and motion picture studios have all the regular big-company departments like accounting, human resources, facilities management, fleet management and many others. Hence, whatever you are looking for, it is hard not to find here.
Moving to LA will change your life
This city is more than Hollywood and Santa Monica Beach. What makes it so special are the people. They have arrived from all around the world to make that vibe that makes L.A. what it is today. Start to plan your move to L.A. and become a part of it! Contact Crown Relocations for a FREE no obligation quote on: 0508 227 696, submit a quote form online or email us: [email protected]
