Planning Your Big City Move

A move to a new city, such as Los Angeles, is an adventure that requires planning. Making new friends, pre-packing, budgeting for higher living costs, and even starting a business are all discussed here.

Tips for a Smooth Move

One way of packing is to stuff everything into boxes and hope for the best. However, it’s not the wisest approach. A practical move requires detailed planning and knowing what things you’ll need to get out of the way even before you begin to pack.

• Checklist. The moment you know you’re moving, create a list. It shows you all that needs doing and in what order.
• Create an inventory. Make a list of all your possessions, then categorize them. Determine how many plates, sheets, cups, and other items you have. Knowing this helps you decide which items to pack first. 
• Purge. You may be surprised by the results of your inventory. There could be plates you’ll never use, books you’ll never read, or clothes you’ll never wear. If so, get rid of them by donating them to charity or selling them online.
• Hire professional movers. Although you may be tempted to handle the move on your own, hiring professional movers like Sky Moving is best. They provide the best possible protection for your belongings, and there’s less chance of damage during the move.

How to Budget for a Higher Cost of Living

Moving to a new city may require budgeting for higher living costs. Find out how much things such as groceries, healthcare, housing, and transportation cost in Los Angeles, then prepare a budget to accommodate your new living expenses. 

If higher living costs means you can’t maintain your current quality of life, you may need to cut back on certain luxuries. Using public transport instead of driving or ride-sharing may help reduce costs.

If you’ve gotten lucky and found a higher-paying job in Los Angeles, that’s great! Check the state’s income tax rate to figure out how much you’ll receive after taxes and other deductions from your paycheck.

After you get settled, be sure to connect with local service providers such as handymen or local plumbers. Should something break or go wrong, you don’t want to be scrambling to find someone to help. You can read reviews of local pros online and see what services they offer. You’ll be able to have a company in mind should the unexpected happen.

If starting a new business is part of your move to a big city, consider forming an LLC. Not only do they offer limited liability, but you also benefit from more flexibility, less paperwork, and tax advantages, such as avoiding double taxation.

You can prevent costly lawyer fees by either filling yourself or using a formation service. Not all states adhere to the same regulations on forming an LLC. It’s important to check first.  

Making Friends in a New City

Not knowing anyone or where to go to meet people is one of the most challenging aspects of moving to a new city. You can establish new friendships in several ways.

• Volunteer in the community. There are numerous volunteering opportunities in Los Angeles.
• Join a gym. Stay in shape while making new friends.
• Join a dance class. Make friends in your class and outside bars and clubs as you practice what you’ve learned. 
• Join your local chamber of commerce. Connect with local businesses, and network over coffee.

A Smoother Transition

Moving to a big city is an adventure that can be exciting and successful if planned right. The information here helps ensure a smooth transition from packing and budgeting to making new friends and starting a business.