Hey, it’s me. I heard you’re making the big move to California. First off, that’s amazing! Second… you’re probably freaking out a little. Or a lot. I get it. I moved here from Texas five years ago, and I remember the feeling well.

Let me tell you what nobody prepares you for.

The Sticker Shock is REAL

You think you know it’s expensive. But knowing and living it are two different things. I’ll never forget my first trip to the grocery store here. Back home, I could get a week’s groceries for $100. Here? That got me like, three bags. I actually called my mom from the parking lot in a panic.

Here’s what’s going to hurt your wallet:

• The “move-in costs” – first month, last month, AND security deposit all at once.
• Car registration (my 4-year-old car was $380!).
• Just… eating. A basic lunch out is $15-20 now.

My advice? Bring way more cash than you think you need. Seriously. Pad your budget by like 30%.

Your Stuff Won’t Fit

California apartments are… creative with space. My first place looked huge in the photos online. In person? Let’s just say my king-sized bed from Texas wasn’t going to happen. I ended up sleeping on a mattress on the floor for a month while I figured it out.

This is where most people have their breakdown moment. You’re surrounded by boxes, nothing fits, and you’re wondering why you ever thought this was a good idea.

Let me give you the best advice I got too late: Just get a storage unit.

I’m not saying this because it’s our business. I’m saying this as someone who cried in a hallway full of boxes. I finally broke down and got one of our small units for $65 a month. I put my winter clothes (you won’t need that heavy coat), my camping gear, my books, and all the “I’ll deal with this later” boxes in there.

The difference was insane. Suddenly, I could actually LIVE in my apartment. I could have people over without being embarrassed. I could find my toothbrush. It gave me the breathing room to actually make my place feel like home instead of a storage facility.

The Apartment Hunt is Brutal

I thought I was prepared. I had my paperwork ready. I was NOT prepared for what happened when I found a place I liked in Echo Park. There were literally 15 other people at the viewing. The landlord basically held an auction.

Here’s how to survive:

• Have everything ready on your phone – ID, pay stubs, everything.
• Be ready to say YES on the spot.
• If you hate it, don’t take it just because you’re desperate (I learned this the hard way).

Your Car and the DMV

You’ll need a car. The whole “you don’t need one in California” thing is mostly BS unless you’re in a very specific part of SF.

Make a DMV appointment ONLINE. If you don’t, you’ll waste your whole day. Also, get a smog check before you go – it’ll save you a trip.

And when you’re looking at places? Ask SPECIFIC questions about parking. “Street parking” can mean “you’ll be walking three blocks at 2 AM.”

The Bottom Line

Moving here was the best decision I ever made, but the actual moving process was one of the most stressful things I’ve done. The people who make it work are the ones who give themselves some grace – and some extra space, literally.

Having that storage unit saved my sanity. It let me actually enjoy setting up my new life instead of drowning in my own stuff.

You can do this. It’s going to be crazy and messy and totally worth it. Just maybe buy your groceries at Trader Joe’s – it’s the only place that doesn’t make me cry when I check out.

Welcome to California! Text me when you get here, and we’ll get coffee. I know a great spot that’s only slightly overpriced.