What you need to know so the big move won’t cost you big money:
The NY to LA pipeline has been around a long time. Both cities are major hubs for entertainment, fashion, and tech and those industries employ hundreds of thousands of people. Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and a slough of other new companies are pulling in a huge amount of talent from NY. And when one of the perks of the new job is the promise of eternal sunshine and a break from cold winters; that’s a persuasive reason to make the move. Whether you’re moving for a job or just for a change of scenery, one thing is absolute- moving your life across the country is no small task.
These tips should make it a little less painful and save you a lot of money.
1. Prep
You have to do some homework before you move. There are many moving parts to relocating and you will save yourself a huge amount of stress, time, and worry by putting together a clear and simple “To-Do” list. Be Specific. Try making a digital list where you can copy and paste important phone numbers, addresses, dates, etc. This way you always know where your tasks and information is located. You could even make a Google Doc to share with yourself across devices or with someone you may be making the trek with such as a spouse or housemate. Divide and conquer. Remember to check off any completed tasks. Research shows the efficacy of list-making here.
If you are relocating for work, ask your new company (or new office) if they have resources available to you. Some companies offer more than a stipend for relocation services. The HR department or manager may be able to put you in touch with local employees or real estate companies that can take a lot of the pain out of the moving process.
2. Housing
As mentioned above, some companies offer robust relocation services and could even put you up in a nice temporary rental. However, you will eventually need to find your forever home. Whether you’re renting or taking out a mortgage to buy a home it would be a great idea to explore neighborhoods before you settle down. One of the most popular words in LA is “vibe.” You have to find the area that vibes with you. You usually get a bit more in LA than NY in terms of space and amenities as outlined here, but some areas such as Downtown and West Hollywood are very much on par with NY prices. Explore. Find what works for you and hire a real estate company that knows the neighborhood you want to land in very well.
3. Moving Costs and Budgeting
Costs can vary depending on how much stuff you’re taking with you. If you are packing up your entire apartment and hiring a moving company to ship it, you are looking at a big price tag. Alternatively, if you are opting to drive, a moving truck could cost considerably less. Regardless of your choice, it is always a good idea to pare down your belongings when starting new. A small yard sale or a few for sale posts on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace could earn you some extra bucks to add to your moving budget and clear up some space at the same time.
Just remember that there are options and it is suggested that you shop around for the best deals when it comes to costs associated with moving. Searching online, pay attention to which links are Ads, and which are organic.
4. Credit Cards
Many people resort to credit cards when moving if they don’t have enough cash on hand. If you aren’t bringing a lot with you, furnishing a house or apartment can get pricey. Just make sure to be realistic with your credit card usage. Make sure that you will be able to pay off any charges in due time so that your credit score won’t be affected and you don’t get charged too much interest. A lowered credit score can affect your ability to qualify for a lease or home loan!
5. If You Move without a Job
If you move without a job you probably have one thing on your mind: “I need a job.” While you can go the tried and true way of LinkedIn and Indeed, you may soon find that LA tends to be a very social place, (outside of any stay-at-home-orders of course). Many people have found their jobs by striking up conversations with strangers. Many LA residents use programs like MeetUp.com and various recreational groups like Varsity Gay League to meet people who might be able to help you get a job!
If you are moving without a job in place, it is highly suggested that you form a spending budget and stick to it. You don’t want to use up savings unnecessarily.
6. Settling In
Settling into a new city, new life, and a new culture can be hard. If you find it too overwhelming, you might take interest in trying herbal calming agents such as CBD or chamomile tea. On the other hand, many people resort to comfort spending and basking in the new glow of a new experience. It may be wise to be conscious of how much you’re spending on fashion, dining/drinking out during your first few months. New food, shops, and experiences can be enticing but remember that you’re now a resident and you will have time to do all the things you want to do.
There are plenty of ways to experience the city without spending much money. And by simply exploring you will be able to see all the different cultural landscapes LA has to offer. It’s a big, big city. Take your time. Enjoy it. Remember, the beach is always free and right next door.
Author Bio
Todd Pivetti works with the Shelhamer Group to make sure every client receives world-class service. You can find him on Instagram at @sellingeatside
