So I move to California next week...

[Cam54 84]

I was wondering if anyone that's already done the move have any tips on both emotionally and physically preparing yourself for it.

For example who do I need to tell I'm leaving... The bank etc.

[ricnally 259]

Prepare to be very happy. It's paradise.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Welcome (almost) to California! You'll be in LA? I went there over a decade ago now, and wasn't much of a fan (because of their lousy public transport and smog) but I hear great things about how it's been changing and improving a lot. My husband and I were just saying yesterday we were thinking of heading down there to see what it's like now.

Mostly though - get ready to actually see some sunshine! Your body will be unacclimatised to the vitamin D but very thankful.

There's not really much notification doing to be done. You should try and get addresses changed for banks now, before you leave, as some want you to do it in-person at a branch. Remember to shut off your utilities/council tax/phone etc. as most of those will be wanting a month's notice, anyway. Same sort of stuff you'd do if you were just moving house in the UK, really.

Some folks suggest getting your medical records from your GP, probably only bother if you've had any on-going things that might be easier to explain in note form than by you in person all over again.

There's a form you can send HMRC to say you've officially left the UK, but you can send then after you've moved. P85: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/p85.pdf

There's a big UK specific thread over here on other things you might want to think about doing before you go: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/455076-things-you-need-to-do-before-leaving-the-uk/

Emotionally - well, I guess that varies for everyone. How much time did you get to spend over there already? I am only now (almost 6 months later) finding that San Francisco may possibly actually be my home now, rather than just that extended holiday feeling.

Edited January 1, 2014 by lost_at_sea

[Cam54 84]

I spent 9 months in Santa Barbara then 6 months in Ventura county so I know it's a lovely place (congestion aside) I'm just completely bewildered about it all because it's such a big thing to do

Thanks for the links

[lost_at_sea 995]

I spent 9 months in Santa Barbara then 6 months in Ventura county so I know it's a lovely place (congestion aside) I'm just completely bewildered about it all because it's such a big thing to do

Thanks for the links

That's quite a lot of time, then, so at least you know what you're getting in to. Imagine the people who move to the US having only visited maybe once for a few days, or even never. That's probably shell-shock inducing, especially if you're a non-native English speaker. I can't even imagine. I feel like the UK -> US move is a pretty "safe" one, all in all. Same-ish language, similar food, similar way of doing most things (although we'll skip the healthcare debate).

I think the trick is just to really try and enjoy it like it's a novel adventure. Remember that nothing is permanent, either, and these days it's not like you go off to live in another continent and are never heard of again - we're lucky to live in the age that we do now where everyone we know and love is just a skype away and people can send frequent care-parcels of anything you miss back home, probably bar the rain. I lived in London for 8 years before I moved, but I'm from Cornwall and my family is still there - I visited in November and my mum said the main thing was that she missed my immediacy. She was used to not seeing me much - London is a 6 hour train ride from my parent's - but when she emailed me when I was in the UK, I'd generally reply right away, where as now she has to wait the 8 hour time delay at least to get anything from me, which could often be overnight. So, I suppose I'd suggest making a concerted effort at first to let people know how you're doing who are used to hearing from you.

Anything you forget to do before you move - paperwork or whatever - all easily correctable from abroad. I don't think there's anything you can neglect to do that'll really bite you in the ####### later. I wouldn't stress too much about that aspect. If you can get your mail redirected or collected, that might save some bother.

I found moving all our stuff the worst bit - having to sort everything, recycle, give-away, blah... and then having it all packed and shipped to then not see it all for 2 months. Turns out a lot of stuff I brought I didn't miss for that 2 months that I thought I might.

Edited January 1, 2014 by lost_at_sea

[Cam54 84]

That's quite a lot of time, then, so at least you know what you're getting in to. Imagine the people who move to the US having only visited maybe once for a few days, or even never. That's probably shell-shock inducing, especially if you're a non-native English speaker. I can't even imagine. I feel like the UK -> US move is a pretty "safe" one, all in all. Same-ish language, similar food, similar way of doing most things (although we'll skip the healthcare debate).

I think the trick is just to really try and enjoy it like it's a novel adventure. Remember that nothing is permanent, either, and these days it's not like you go off to live in another continent and are never heard of again - we're lucky to live in the age that we do now where everyone we know and love is just a skype away and people can send frequent care-parcels of anything you miss back home, probably bar the rain. I lived in London for 8 years before I moved, but I'm from Cornwall and my family is still there - I visited in November and my mum said the main thing was that she missed my immediacy. She was used to not seeing me much - London is a 6 hour train ride from my parent's - but when she emailed me when I was in the UK, I'd generally reply right away, where as now she has to wait the 8 hour time delay at least to get anything from me, which could often be overnight. So, I suppose I'd suggest making a concerted effort at first to let people know how you're doing who are used to hearing from you.

Anything you forget to do before you move - paperwork or whatever - all easily correctable from abroad. I don't think there's anything you can neglect to do that'll really bite you in the ####### later. I wouldn't stress too much about that aspect. If you can get your mail redirected or collected, that might save some bother.

I found moving all our stuff the worst bit - having to sort everything, recycle, give-away, blah... and then having it all packed and shipped to then not see it all for 2 months. Turns out a lot of stuff I brought I didn't miss for that 2 months that I thought I might.

Thanks for the reply, I suppose I won't really know what needs doing until iv moved there for a lot of things, I'm not loving giving all my stuff away because I can't sell it, shame it not boot fair season

[Cam54 84]

Eek so nervous about moving , 5 days to go

[CCMZ 1]

Hey don't worry ,you ll be fine here . I moved here without visiting previously ,it's pretty crazy idea but I'm kinda glad I did it that way . I ve met my husband in my country but i couldn't visit him because they denied my tourist visa twice . Luckily I was approved for he k1in 35 days only . I live in sillicon valley and it's very nice,diverse place . Everyone can fit in California ,you ve already been here so you know what to expect . Weather is the best in the world and yes it is very far from UK but video skype helps a lot . I'm here for 3,5 months and I'm still adjusting but It's not that hard as I was expecting . We always expect it to be worse that it is in reality . I lived in big ,crowded ,loud city and now here I'm in very quite area,it feels isolated sometimes hehe ,but SF is less than an hour ride so I often go there when I miss city atmosphere . I wish you good luck and all that you feel now is normal .

[elle13 15]

You'll be fine. I moved from the UK to Los Angeles in May 2013 without informing my bank or HMRC. I completed a P85 and sent it by post to HMRC a few months after I arrived. Got a surprise cheque in the post last month, a small tax refund! Unfortunately, I have no idea how to cash the cheque as it's in ££! A friend told me I can just present it at my US bank branch and they will convert it to USD.

California's great, I can't get over how wonderful the weather is. I felt incredibly homesick after the novelty died down, and especially over Christmas. On the whole though, I'm loving my new life here with my newly wedded husband No more long distance!

[Jaz&Bry 9]

hello and welcome to Cali!

I´ve been here for 4 months now and I love it! Adjusting has been fairly easy, I have yet to miss home, but I am sure it will hit me sooner or later.

What I was not prepared for is how cold it actually gets in the afternoons and at night in the winter time, especially if your fiance´s house/flat does not have central heating! I donated or threw away most of my (in Germany very much needed) winter gear and actually had to buy some warm clothes. So make sure you bring something warm in addition to all the shorts and sandals :-)

Good luck with everything!

[markonline1 11]

Whereabouts in California you moving to? Anything south of San Luis Obisbo I wouldn't bother. Just miles and miles of the same stuff. Now central California, that's a different story

In all seriousness, I love it out here. Just be prepared for some down days, everyone gets them, they are perfectly natural. The great thing about California is it's chilled out, the majority are friendly and life out here is relaxed. You'll love it

Oh, and yes, tell the bank. It's worth keeping your account and if your bank is anything like mine, they will continue to send you stuff to your new US address.

Edited January 9, 2014 by markonline1

[Cam54 84]

Whereabouts in California you moving to? Anything south of San Luis Obisbo I wouldn't bother. Just miles and miles of the same stuff. Now central California, that's a different story

In all seriousness, I love it out here. Just be prepared for some down days, everyone gets them, they are perfectly natural. The great thing about California is it's chilled out, the majority are friendly and life out here is relaxed. You'll love it

Oh, and yes, tell the bank. It's worth keeping your account and if your bank is anything like mine, they will continue to send you stuff to your new US address.

Ojai in ventura county its gorgeous.

So im here now, trying to battle the jetlag but so happy!!

weather is beautiful and dans parents have really made me feel welcome.

we spent our first night in venice beach and went rollerblading the next day and although I know my everyday life wont be rollerblading on venice beach I think it was a great idea cos rather than focusing on the fact id just left my family and friends 5000 miles away I was having an amazing time!

I just keep smiling remembering we're back together now, its amazing