Taking the leap of moving to LA

Los Angeles is a magnet for dreamers, doers, and daredevils. Its vast blue skies, chill beaches, and cultural cocktails make every day a canvas for LA adventures. Whether you’re after Hollywood stardom, tech innovator glory in Silicon Beach, or just a fresh backdrop for life’s next act, this city is a launchpad.

Taking the leap to set up shop in LA is a ride of thrill and grit. Here’s a glimpse into the journey of making LA your new playground, and some tips to help smooth out the bumps along the way.

1. Planning Your Move
2. Finding Your New Abode
3. Apartment Finder Websites
4. Relocating on a Budget
5. Navigating Rental Options
6. Making the Move

1. Planning Your Move

Moving to Los Angeles is not merely a change in geography, it’s an entry into a realm of endless possibilities. However, the logistical aspect of the move calls for meticulous planning.

Here’s a roadmap to kickstart your move:

• Budgeting: Given LA’s high cost of living, budgeting is crucial. Account for rent, utilities, groceries, car ownership expenses, gas, parking, and of course a portion allotted to enjoying the LA lifestyle—whether that’s an amount toward glam expenses, cocktails, coffee, or chill weekends rollerblading down Santa Monica.
• Housing: Searching for the perfect LA pad in a competitive housing market is a quest in itself. Start your research and criteria list well in advance and explore neighborhoods to find one that resonates with both your heart and your wallet.
• Employment: Having a job offer or a solid employment plan is prudent before making the move, if possible. LA’s job market is as diverse as its populace, but securing your ideal position can be competitive and may take time or compromises.
• Packing and Logistics: Planning the nitty-gritty of your long-distance move, from packing to transportation, is critical. If needed, consider storage solutions for some of your belongings.

2. Finding Your New Abode

The quest for a home in LA begins with a deep dive into its various neighborhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere. Finding the right place to live can frame your entire your LA experience, for better or worse, so here are some insider tips to help you navigate the process:

• Neighborhood Vibe: LA’s neighborhoods are incredibly diverse. Places like Santa Monica offer a beach town vibe, while neighborhoods like Silver Lake cater to the artistic and hipster crowd.
• Proximity to Work: Traffic in LA is no joke. Choosing a location close to your workplace can save you from hours spent in traffic.
• Parking: Ensure your new place comes with a parking spot, as street parking can be a nightmare in most LA neighborhoods.
• Unit Amenities: Look for apartments or houses with air conditioning because the summers get toasty. It’s also desirable to have an outdoor pool, bbq grill, or outdoor lounge area to take advantage of the year-round sunny weather.

• Neighborhood Research: Delve into online resources to learn about different LA neighborhoods to get a feel for the amenities, character, and proximity to work, parks, hiking trails, or leisure spots.
• Street or Satellite View: Tools like Google Maps’ Street View offer a virtual walkthrough, which can help to check out what’s in the neighborhood and nearby, before you get there in person.
• Local Services: Research neighborhood features, from grocery stores to fitness centers, to coffee shops and restaurants, so that you can gauge how convenient your errand runs will be or for those impromptu evenings eating out.
• Traffic and Commute: The traffic in LA is real. It can easily take over an hour to get from one side of the city to another. Plan out what your daily drive will be to understand how long your commute will be with traffic factored in. Google Maps can provide traffic updates and can show peak times to help you plan your routes effectively.

3. Apartment Finder Websites

As you prepare to step into LA’s dynamic life, here are some platforms that can help your house-hunting. These websites can simplify your apartment hunt with filters and helpful features to refine your search:

• Realtor.com: With a variety of listings and filters, this platform simplifies the search for apartments and houses in LA.
• Zillow: A comprehensive platform offering a vast database of listings and rental market insights. It also provides tools like “Zillow Rent Zestimate” to help you gauge the rental market.
• Apartments.com: This platform offers a user-friendly interface, a variety of search filters, and detailed property listings. It’s an excellent resource for finding apartments in different neighborhoods.
• Craigslist: While Craigslist can be a mixed bag, it can still be a valuable resource for finding apartments in LA. Exercise caution and due diligence when using this platform.

4. Transitioning on a Budget? Explore Shared Living Options.

If you’re venturing into LA on a budget, shared living arrangements can be an economical and sociable choice. It can help build instant community and having roommates may help you navigate the transition and social scene with more ease and comfortability.

Platforms like Roomi and SpareRoom connect individuals who are looking for shared housing, making it easier to find a room to rent while enjoying the camaraderie of roommates.

5. Navigating Rental Options

Finally, here are some essential tips to consider during your house or apartment viewings:

• Video Recordings: Use your phone to record video tours to remember the details.
• Water Check: Test water pressure and temperature in faucets and showers.
• Pest Control: Ask about pest control measures.
• Building Condition: Ask about the building’s maintenance and assess the condition of common areas and exterior elements like windows, especially if it’s a unit with a view.
• Amenities: Verify availability and maintenance for shared amenities like gyms, pools, or bbq grills and outdoor areas.
• Lease Terms: Understand lease length, renewal policies, and potential rent increases. Many apartment buildings also charge a monthly pet rent fee.
• Noise Levels: Pay attention to noise levels from neighboring units or outside sounds, especially if you’re located off a main road or major highway.
• Neighborhood Exploration: Explore the neighborhood to scope out nearby shops, amenities, and the overall atmosphere.
• Trust Your Instincts: Follow your intuition; if something doesn’t feel right, keep searching for a better fit.

6. Making the Move

Engaging reputable movers who are familiar with LA’s bustling streets is your best bet as you begin to execute on your plans to move to LA. It’s recommended to book professionals well in advance, especially if you’re eyeing a summer move, which is the peak moving season in the city. Timing your move during off-peak traffic hours is also better to avoid getting caught in LA’s notorious traffic.

Taking the plunge to move to the West Coast is a bold and life-altering decision. Los Angeles is a realm where dreams take flight, but it also demands a dose of grit and adaptability. Meticulous planning of your move and immersing yourself in the city’s diverse lifestyle are crucial steps and active decisions that will influence your first impressions and overall experience in LA. Whether you’re on a career quest, chasing your passions, or simply in for a new adventure.

So, if the allure of living near the Pacific has ever been a dream, perhaps it’s time to get packing. When you’re ready, you can rely on Piece of Cake Moving & Storage to help you relocate into this vibrant urban sprawl. From safeguarding your belongings with our storage solutions to orchestrating the logistics of your move from start to finish, we’re committed to ensuring your transition to LA is as smooth as possible.

Your journey begins with a stress-free move, and Piece of Cake Moving & Storage is here to make sure it’s a piece of cake.