Your 15-Step Los Angeles Relocation Checklist

Welcome to Los Angeles! With so much to offer, the City of Angels is a great place to call home. Whether you’re a young professional, a parent, or a recent retiree, there’s no shortage of things to do. But before you can dive into the city’s thriving culture scene, hit up a family-friendly activity, or make your way to a fabulous beach, you need to settle into your new hometown.

Use this checklist for new Los Angeles residents to quickly plant your roots in California.

Becoming a California Resident

​Start with these must-do steps for new California residents.

• Change your address and set up mail forwarding to officially mark your status as a California resident. You can change your address in person or online.
  
• New residents have 10 days to get a California driver’s license and title and register vehicles. Learn more at the DMV’s webpage.
  

Register to vote in California or update your voter registration after moving. Registering to vote is easy and fast.

Securing Your New Home

​Take care of these tasks before moving your family into a new home.

• Test your new home’s smoke detectors and make sure smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are appropriately located around the home. 
  
• Changing the locks in a new house offers valuable peace of mind. You can change locks yourself but most homeowners opt to hire a locksmith.
  

Hiring Local Contractors

Even “move-in ready” homes tend to have an outstanding project or two.

• It’s a good idea to schedule a cleaning before moving furniture into your new home. Reach out to Juanita’s House Cleaning to make an appointment. 
  
• Whether you need tips on lawn care or help removing debris, a local lawn care service will get your yard in top shape. Use a platform like Thumbtack to start your search.
  

Are there repairs that need attention ASAP? Asking for handyman recommendations is a great excuse to meet the neighbors. If hiring online, check verified reviews and compare quotes. ​

Moving to Los Angeles with Kids

​Use these resources to connect with local schools and childcare providers in Los Angeles.

• Choosing a childcare provider is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. Learn how to choose the best provider for your family.

There are more than 1,000 schools across the Los Angeles area. Use the school finder search to locate the school that fits your child's needs.

Making Friends

Meeting new people doesn’t have to be difficult if you know where to look.

• If you have a pet, visiting one of the numerous dog parks here can be a great way to make friends.
  
• Try volunteering through a local agency that benefits a cause near and dear to your heart. You can offer your time, and meet like-minded folks. 
  
• Try MeetUp groups specific to your hobbies or areas of interest.
  

If you lived in Los Angeles as a teen,why not reach out to former classmates? Online platforms make it easy to connect with old friends. ​

​Getting Around Los Angeles

These are the best ways to get from A to B in Los Angeles.

• The Los Angeles Metro rail and bus system is extensive and affordable; a regular fare is $1.75
• Los Angeles is a bicycle-friendly city. Explore the city’s bike routes, and locate nearby bike share stations.
• Driving in Los Angeles is definitely a challenge. Use SigAlert to help you monitor highways and expressways to find the most 

Now that you have your bearings, you’re ready to explore all this incredible city has to offer! Learn what makes Los Angeles a great place to call home.