Are you thinking about moving to California? You’re not alone! Many people dream of living in the Golden State, with its sunny beaches, vibrant cities, and diverse landscapes. But moving to a new state can be overwhelming. There’s so much to think about and do. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate checklist for moving to California. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know and do to make your move smooth and stress-free. Let’s get started!
Pre-Move Planning
Before you start packing boxes, there’s some important groundwork to lay. First, take some time to research different parts of California. The state is huge and varied. The climate, cost of living, job markets, and culture can be very different depending on where you go.
For example, San Francisco is known for its tech industry and foggy summers, while Los Angeles is famous for its entertainment industry and year-round sunshine. San Diego offers beautiful beaches and a relaxed vibe, while Sacramento provides a more affordable option with easy access to both the mountains and the coast.
Think about what’s important to you in a place to live. Do you want warm weather all year? Are you looking for a bustling city or a quieter town? How important is access to nature? Make a list of your must-haves and use it to narrow down your options.
Next, it’s time to crunch some numbers. Moving can be expensive, especially to a state like California where the cost of living is often higher than other parts of the country. Start by estimating your moving expenses. This includes things like hiring movers (or renting a truck if you’re doing it yourself), packing supplies, and travel costs.
Then, research housing costs in the areas you’re considering. Look at both rent and home prices. Don’t forget to factor in other daily living expenses like food, transportation, and utilities. These can vary quite a bit depending on where in California you settle.
If you don’t already have a job lined up in California, now’s the time to start looking. Update your resume and start applying. If you’re transferring with your current company, make sure all the arrangements are in place. Having a job (or at least some solid prospects) before you move will make the transition much easier.
With your destination and budget in mind, you can start planning your moving timeline. Give yourself plenty of time – at least a few months if possible. This will allow you to take care of all the necessary tasks without feeling rushed.
Finally, decide how you’re going to move your stuff. If you have a lot of furniture or are moving a long distance, hiring professional movers might be worth the cost. They can handle all the heavy lifting and logistics. If you’re on a tight budget or don’t have much to move, you might prefer to do it yourself. Just be sure to factor in the time and effort required.
Housing
Finding a place to live is one of the biggest tasks when moving to a new state. In California, you’ll need to decide whether you want to rent or buy. Renting can be a good option if you’re not sure where you want to settle long-term or if you’re moving to an expensive area. Buying might make more sense if you’re planning to stay put for a while and have the financial means.
Once you’ve made that decision, it’s time to start researching neighborhoods. Look for areas that fit your budget and lifestyle. Consider factors like commute times, school quality (if you have kids), safety, and access to amenities like parks, restaurants, and shopping.
If you’re planning to rent, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with California’s rental laws. They can be quite different from other states. For example, California has strict rules about security deposits and tenant rights.
When you’ve narrowed down your options, start scheduling property viewings. If you can’t visit in person, ask for virtual tours. Many landlords and real estate agents now offer these due to the pandemic.
If you can’t find a permanent place right away, consider securing temporary housing. This could be an extended stay hotel, a short-term rental, or staying with friends or family if you know anyone in the area. This can take some of the pressure off and give you time to find the perfect permanent home once you’re in California.
Legal and Administrative Tasks
Moving to a new state involves a lot of paperwork and administrative tasks. One of the first things you’ll need to do is update your driver’s license. In California, you have 10 days after establishing residency to get a California driver’s license. You’ll need to visit a DMV office in person, so it’s a good idea to make an appointment ahead of time.
While you’re at it, you should also register to vote in your new state. You can usually do this at the same time you get your new driver’s license.
Next, you’ll need to update your address for all your important accounts. This includes your bank accounts, credit cards, insurance policies, and any subscriptions you have. Make a list of all these accounts so you don’t forget any.
If you’re bringing a car with you, you’ll need to transfer your car registration to California. You have 20 days to do this after establishing residency. You’ll also need to get your car smog-checked within 20 days of registration.
Depending on where you’re moving, you might need to get some new permits. For example, many cities in California require parking permits for street parking. Research what’s required in your new neighborhood and city.
Healthcare
When you move to a new state, you’ll need to think about your healthcare situation. Start by researching health insurance options. If you have insurance through your employer, talk to your HR department about how your move will affect your coverage.
If you need to find new insurance, look into California’s health insurance marketplace. You might qualify for a special enrollment period due to your move.
Once you have insurance sorted out, it’s time to find new healthcare providers. Ask for recommendations from your new coworkers or neighbors. You can also check with your insurance company for in-network providers in your area.
Don’t forget to transfer your medical records to your new doctors. Contact your current healthcare providers and ask them to send your records to your new providers.
Lastly, make sure to refill any prescriptions before you move. It might take some time to get set up with a new doctor, so you want to make sure you have enough medication to tide you over.
Education
If you have kids, researching schools will be a big part of your move. California has many excellent school districts, but quality can vary widely. Look into the schools in the areas you’re considering. Consider factors like test scores, extracurricular activities, and special programs.
Once you’ve chosen a school district, find out about their enrollment process. You’ll usually need to provide proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate, and immunization records. Some districts might require additional documentation.
If you have older kids thinking about college, California has a great public university system, as well as many excellent private colleges. Research options and deadlines if your kids will be applying to colleges soon.
Finances
Moving to California means you’ll need to get familiar with a new tax system. California has a progressive state income tax, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3% depending on your income. The state also has a relatively high sales tax, currently at 7.25% statewide, with some local jurisdictions adding their own taxes on top of that.
If you’re buying a home, be prepared for property taxes. These vary by county but average around 1% of the home’s value annually.
Before you move, contact utility companies in your new area to set up services for your new home. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash collection. Some utilities might require a deposit if you’re a new customer.
It’s also a good idea to create a post-move budget. Living expenses in California can be higher than in other parts of the country, so you might need to adjust your spending habits.
If you’re moving from out of state, you might want to research local banks. While many national banks operate in California, a local bank or credit union might offer better rates or more personalized service.
Packing and Moving
As moving day gets closer, it’s time to start packing. Begin by creating a detailed inventory of your belongings. This will help you keep track of everything during the move and can be useful for insurance purposes.
Before you start packing, take some time to declutter. Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need or want. Consider donating items in good condition to local charities.
Next, gather your packing materials. You’ll need boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labeling. You can often find free boxes from local stores or online marketplaces.
When you start packing, go room by room. This will help you stay organized. Pack similar items together and label each box clearly with its contents and which room it belongs in.
If you have any valuable or fragile items, take extra care in packing them. You might want to move these items yourself rather than entrusting them to movers.
For large or specialty items like pianos or artwork, you might need to arrange special moving services. Research companies that specialize in moving these types of items.
California-Specific Considerations
Moving to California comes with some unique considerations. The state is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires. It’s a good idea to prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and first aid supplies. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes in your new area.
California also faces ongoing drought conditions, so water conservation is important. Learn about water-saving practices and any water use restrictions in your new community.
Many California cities have excellent public transportation systems. Research options in your area. Using public transit can save you money and is better for the environment.
California is also known for its strong environmental policies. Familiarize yourself with local recycling and waste management rules. Many cities have specific guidelines about what can be recycled and how to dispose of different types of waste.
Settling In
Once you’ve arrived in California, take some time to explore your new neighborhood. Find the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential services. This is also a great time to try out local restaurants and cafes.
Consider joining local community groups or organizations. This can be a great way to meet people and get involved in your new community. Many California cities have active neighborhood associations or community gardens.
Don’t forget to get a library card. California has excellent public library systems that offer much more than just books. Many provide free classes, events, and other resources for the community.
If you have pets, make sure to register them with your new city or county. This is also a good time to find a local veterinarian.
Post-Move Tasks
After the move, you’ll still have a few tasks to take care of. Start by unpacking and organizing your new home. This can take time, so don’t feel pressured to do it all at once.
Make sure to update your address with the post office. You can do this online or in person at your local post office.
As you settle in, make an effort to meet your neighbors. California is known for its friendly people, and your neighbors can be a great source of information about your new area.
Finally, take some time to explore local attractions and entertainment options. Whether it’s hitting the beach, hiking in the mountains, or checking out museums and cultural events, there’s always something exciting to do in California.
Moving to California is a big step, but with careful planning and preparation, it can be an exciting adventure. Use this checklist to help ensure you don’t miss any important steps. Welcome to the Golden State!