California Moving Guide: What to Really Expect (2025)

So, you’re moving to California. That’s awesome. And honestly, a little nuts. But the good kind of nuts.

I remember when my cousin Jake decided to make the leap from Ohio. He had this vision of rolling up to a beachside bungalow in his U-Haul, Bob Marley playing, and just… starting his new life. The reality was a 26-foot truck stuck in traffic on the 405, sweating through his shirt, realizing his “charming” bungalow was about 2 million dollars out of his price range.

We helped him out of that jam (more on that later), and I’ve seen a hundred versions of his story since. So consider this your friendly, slightly blunt chat from someone who’s been there. This is the stuff beyond the glossy brochures.

First, Let’s Talk About the “Sticker Shock”

Everyone warns you it’s expensive. But you don’t really get it until you’re here. It’s not just the rent. It’s the $7 gallon of milk, the car registration fee that feels like a second mortgage, and the fact that a simple lunch out can set you back $20 without even trying.

My best advice? Before you commit to a city, go on a virtual tour. Not just Zillow for rent, but check the prices on Von’s or Safeway’s website for groceries. Look up the average PG&E bill for that area. It’s a boring homework assignment, but it will save you from a full-blown panic attack when you get your first round of bills.

Picking Your California (Because There’s More Than One)

People say “California” like it’s one thing. It’s not. It’s basically several small countries masquerading as a state.

• SoCal (LA, San Diego, etc.): Life is about the car. Your commute will be a major part of your day. Embrace podcasts. The vibe is sunnier, more spread out. It’s flip-flops and avocados year-round.
• NorCal (Bay Area, Sacramento, etc.): It’s a different energy. More techie, a bit faster-paced in the cities. And the weather… man, the weather in San Francisco is its own beast. Mark Twain never actually said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco,” but he should have. Bring a jacket. Always.
• The Central Coast & Other Gems: Don’t sleep on places like San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara. Slower pace, stunning beauty, but fewer jobs depending on your field.

The real insider scoop? Visit in the offseason. Don’t come in perfect July. Come in March when it’s rainy or in September when it’s foggy. See if you still love it. That’s the true test.

The Move Itself: Trucks, Sweat, and Tears

You basically have three choices, and I’ve seen them all play out in our parking lot.

• The DIY Hero: You rent the truck, you recruit your friends with the promise of pizza and beer, and you drive cross-country. It’s an adventure. It’s also exhausting, and if you underestimate the size of the truck, you’ll be making hard choices about your favorite armchair in a Kansas parking lot.
• The Pro Movers: You pay a company to do it all. This is the luxury option. It’s expensive, but if you can swing it, it saves your sanity. Just read the reviews like your life depends on it. Some of these companies can be… unpredictable.
• The “Smart & Flexible” Move (This is where we come in): Here’s a trick so many smart newcomers use. Instead of trying to coordinate the moving truck with your new lease start date (a nightmare), you use a storage unit as your landing pad.

I can’t tell you how many people have told us this was their saving grace. They pack up their life, drive it to our facility, and unload it into a clean, secure unit. Then, they can house-hunt without pressure, or stay in a short-term rental while they get their bearings. There’s no 3-hour time limit to unload a massive truck. You just take a carload over to your new place when you’re ready. It turns a high-pressure sprint into a manageable stroll. We see the relief on people’s faces every day.

You’re Here! Now What?

Okay, you’ve arrived. A few quick, real-world tips.

• The DMV: Make. An. Appointment. Online. Right now. If you walk in, you might as well bring a sleeping bag. It’s a rite of passage, but a miserable one.
• Layers, Not Coats: Forget the big winter parka. California dressing is all about layers. A t-shirt, a flannel, a light jacket. You’ll be taking them on and off all day as you go from a cool coast to a warm inland spot.
• Get Your Bearings: The freeways have names. “The 5,” “The 101,” “The 405.” It’s a small thing, but it’ll make you sound less like a newcomer.
• Explore: On your first weekend, don’t unpack. Go for a hike. Drive to the beach. Watch the fog roll over the hills. Remember why you wanted to come here in the first place. The cardboard boxes can wait.

Moving here is a beast. But it’s also an incredible adventure. It’s okay if it’s messy and stressful at first. That’s normal. Just plan ahead, give yourself some grace, and know that there are local resources (like us!) to help you make the transition a whole lot smoother.

Welcome. You’ve got this.