Moving to Los Angeles is exciting — and logistically demanding. The city’s scale, traffic, and bureaucratic complexity can catch new residents off guard. This checklist covers the essentials: what to do before you arrive, during your first week, and throughout your first year as an LA homeowner.
Before You Move: Research and Planning
- Secure your home: Sign your lease or close escrow well in advance of your move date. LA’s rental and purchase markets move fast.
- Hire a licensed mover: California requires movers to be licensed with the CPUC. Verify your mover’s license number before signing a contract.
- Research your neighborhood: Understand your commute, school options, and access to services. Our neighborhood guide is a good starting point.
- Budget for costs: LA moving costs are higher than national averages. Budget for truck rental or professional movers, first/last month rent or down payment, and unexpected expenses.
Utilities Setup
Setting up utilities in LA involves multiple providers, and some require advance notice:
- Electricity and water: Most of LA is served by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Call to transfer service at least 5 business days before your move date. If you’re in Burbank, Glendale, or Pasadena, those cities have their own municipal utilities.
- Natural gas: SoCalGas serves most of Southern California. Arrange transfer or new service before move-in.
- Internet: Spectrum and AT&T are the dominant providers in most LA neighborhoods. Schedule installation 2–3 weeks ahead — installation appointments can book up quickly.
- Trash and recycling: Most homeowners are automatically enrolled in city waste services. Verify pickup days with your local sanitation department.
Home Inspection Basics for New LA Homeowners
If you’re buying rather than renting, a thorough home inspection is non-negotiable in LA. The city’s housing stock includes many homes built before 1960, which come with specific risks:
- Galvanized plumbing: Common in pre-1970 homes, it corrodes from the inside and reduces water pressure over time
- Older electrical panels: Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels are fire hazards still found in many LA homes
- Soft-story buildings: Multi-unit buildings built before 1980 may require seismic retrofitting
- Foundation issues: Hillside properties can be susceptible to settlement and movement
For a comprehensive home inspection checklist tailored to LA buyers, see our Home Maintenance Checklist.
DMV and Licensing
California requires new residents to get a California driver’s license within 10 days of establishing residency. The DMV is notoriously backed up — book your appointment online as soon as you know your move date. You’ll also need to register any vehicles within 20 days.
Voter Registration
California has same-day voter registration, but registering in advance ensures smooth access to local elections, which matter enormously for local park funding, neighborhood services, and housing policy.
First-Year Maintenance
LA homes require specific attention in their first year of ownership:
- Check the water heater — older units often fail within a year of a home purchase
- Inspect irrigation systems before and after summer
- Review your homeowner’s insurance for fire and earthquake coverage
For more on maintaining a home in LA’s climate, explore our seasonal home maintenance checklist.