Relocation can be equal parts exciting and stressful. While starting a life in a brand-new locale can certainly feel fun and invigorating, it’s important to remember that relocation also has its share of challenges – particularly in major metropolitan areas. Since life tends to move more quickly – and expensively – in larger cities, newer residents who are unaccustomed to this type of environment generally go through lengthy adjustment periods. Although a move to any large city comes with its own set of trials, relocating to Los Angeles can prove uniquely difficult for the poorly prepared. Soon-to-be Angelinos looking for effective ways to make life in L.A. easier would do well to heed the following pointers.
Move with Money in the Bank
Building up your savings will serve you well in any relocation situation. However, robust savings can be particularly beneficial to people relocating to major metropolitan areas. Since big cities have a higher cost of living than small towns and rural communities, a move to Los Angeles should be contingent upon having a certain amount in savings. For example, if you have a decent job lined up in advance of moving, you may be able to make the journey with as little as $5,000 in the bank. Conversely, if you don’t intend to look for work until arriving in L.A., make sure you have a minimum of $10,000 saved up, as this will enable you to settle in and get used to your new home before throwing yourself into your job hunt. Even if you have $10,000 or more put away, keep in mind that money disappears a lot faster in big cities.
Begin Your Job Search Before Moving
Having a steady job lined up by the time you arrive in Los Angeles can provide you with tremendous peace of mind and financial security. Furthermore, if the job pays well, you’re liable to have access to a lot more housing options. With this in mind, begin your job search in advance of charting a course for Los Angeles. Depending on your chosen field and the companies you’ll be applying with, getting hired sight unseen may not be a viable option. To prevent yourself from being removed from consideration prematurely, make it clear in your application that you fully intend to relocate to L.A. Many employers are wary of hiring applicants from out of town – or out of state – and assuring them that you’re willing to relocate can help ease their reservations.
Adjust Your Schedule Around L.A.’s Congested Traffic Conditions
One thing that sets Los Angeles apart from other American metropolises is its general layout. Unlike other large cities, which were designed to be traversed on foot, L.A. was quite clearly designed with cars in mind. As such, a dependable vehicle is an absolute must for any Angelino who wants to get from Point A to Point B in a timely manner. However, with so many vehicles constantly on the road, Dodger City is home to some of the worst traffic in the country. In addition to having the top two worst traffic corridors in the nation, Los Angeles is ranked as the sixth most congested city in the U.S, according to an annual study released Monday.
Needless to say, the city’s perpetually congested traffic conditions can turn your daily commute into a nightmare. To help prevent yourself from constantly being late to work and other important engagements, make sure to always leave home with ample time to spare. Depending on how far you live from work, this may mean getting up earlier than you’d prefer, but in time, you’ll adjust to your new schedule.
Live Close to Work
Living within easy driving – or walking – distance from your place of business is another great way to cut back on commute times. Just remember that depending on the area, you may have to settle for a smaller place than you’re used to. If you own a significant number of large possessions, this is liable to create space constraints, facilitating the need for outside storage solutions. To find affordable storage units, simply open your preferred browser and do a search for “storage Los Angeles”.
Relocating to Los Angeles can be an exciting experience for transplants of any age. The abundance of beautiful weather, career opportunities in creative fields and wholly unique local culture make L.A. an appealing residence for countless out-of-towners. However, like any large city, Los Angeles has its share of stressful elements. Soon-to-be Angelinos looking for effective ways to make the transition process easier should put the tips discussed above to good use.
