Moving to Los Angeles
Every year, people from all over the world get that twinkle in their eye and decide to pack up their lives and move out to sunny Los Angles, California. Here are some tips to making the transition to LaLa Land.
1. Moving Expenses
Moving is expensive, really, really expensive. There are plenty of ways to decrease the cost of your move, the best being – simplify. You own a lot of things that you don’t really need. Take some time to go through everything and throw things out. Really, it’s a cleansing experience, and will immediately make your life feel less complicated. The less you have to transport, the less you’ll spend. Really now, you don’t need those old magazines that you swore you’d get to, and that guitar you never play? Sell it online and get some extra moving money.
2. Job Search
Today Job Searching in Los Angeles is a lot easier than it has been in the past, thanks to one factor – the internet. Online job sites make it possible to apply for jobs in LA before you even start packing. This is also a great way to see what the job market is like before you make the move. Los Angeles is a big city, and there’s a lot of competition for jobs, so you might want to update that resume with some new skills and clever wording.
3. Driving
Los Angeles is not a pedestrian city. Everything is spread out, requiring you to use a car or bus as your main form of transportation. With gas prices at an all time high, this takes some budgeting. Also, be advised that when you move to Los Angeles, you have 30 days to register your car at the California DMV or they will fine you. Automobiles in Los Angeles are all required to pass what is called a Smog Check, where your cars emissions are tested to ensure that it won’t add any more smog to LA (trust me it doesn’t need it). Have a hybrid or electric car? All energy efficient vehicles are allowed to drive in the commuter lanes in LA, even if there is only one person in the car. There’s also a great tax break for fuel efficient cars.
4. Where to hang out?
Los Angeles has something for everyone. People from outside LA may tell you that everyone in Los Angeles is made up of fake body parts with fake personalities, but honestly, everyone can find their niche. Hollywood is great if you’re out to spot some celebrities. Be prepared to spend some money on the latest fashions before heading out there. Really high end jeans seem to be a popular choice in Hollywood, and hair product and a tan don’t hurt either. Feeling au naturale? Head on out to Venice, where the people are down to earth, made in the shade, relaxed and always ready for a beach bar, big wave, or volleyball. Just want to enjoy the beauty of Southern California? Head on out to the Santa Monica pier or Malibu, for great ocean views. Miss the mountains? Head on up to one of the taverns up at Mt. Baldy, where you’d swear you were in Portland Maine or Oregon.
Los Angeles is a great place to live, and everyone can make their mark. The best part about Los Angeles is only a small percentage of the people you’ll meet are actualy from Los Angeles, so everyone’s pretty “new in town” and ready to make new friends. Good luck with your move!
