Moving Day Tips Unique to Palm Springs
Over 300 days of sunny weather and endless resorts, people move to Palm Springs for almost the same reason. But who would not leave the hustling and nine-to-five city life for panoramic views?
Moving doesn’t have to be always so stressful with the right preparation! Today, we’ll help you get started and make sure you get what you’re looking for. Here’s a complete relocation guide unique to Palm Springs.
Think Ahead Before the Big Move
Save yourself time and stress by noting all the essential information.
The Cost of Living on the Oasis
When buying a home in Palm Springs, understand first the difference between lease land and fee land. Some properties are built on leased land, meaning you own the house but not the land it occupies. This can make these homes 15–30% more affordable initially, providing a more accessible entry into the market, though you will incur monthly or annual land lease fees.
While the cost of living in Palm Springs is higher than both the US average (31.2%) and California's average (12.5%), mainly due to high housing costs, many residents find that the exceptional quality of life more than justifies the expense. The vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and relaxed atmosphere create a truly unique and desirable place to live.
Housing Market Vs. Short-Term Rental Property
A realistic move boils down to weighing your options, will it be beneficial to move to a home or take a rental setup?
A typical median listing home price in Greater Palm Springs is around $619,300. While owning a home in Palm Springs comes with high upfront costs and ongoing responsibilities like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, your mortgage payments help build equity over time. Plus, you gain complete freedom to renovate and redecorate, creating a lasting sense of comfort and belonging in your new home.
If you want to avoid the cons of owning a house, renting requires less initial funds involved. The landlords also handle most repairs and maintenance. For short-term rental rules, Palm Springs and the 9 Coachella Valley cities have strict vacation rental regulations. Check local regulations here before planning to rent out property.
Quick Review of Papers and Appointments
If you’re buying a new place, make sure the completion date is correct, your movers have the right address, and any extras like storage are booked and confirmed. A quick double-check now can save you from last-minute stress later.
Unpack and relax without worrying about lost service or billing issues. Before moving day, let your utility, internet, and phone providers know about your move, along with any other subscriptions. On the morning of your move, take your final meter readings and make sure everything’s set to switch over to your new address.
Best time to make a move
It is best to move in early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Palm Springs enjoys a desert climate, with scorching summers and pleasant winters. A car is essential for navigating Palm Springs due to limited public transportation options and infrequent SunLine Transit services.
Few Days Before the Move Reminders
As you bid farewell to your old home, make a final to-do list to make sure everything is in place and nothing has been forgotten.
Sweep or vacuum all floors, wipe down counters, and meticulously check every drawer, cupboard, and closet to ensure nothing is overlooked. This way, you’ll be sure to get your full deposit refund if you’re renting.
Gather all keys, label them clearly, and place them in an envelope for the new residents. A thoughtful gesture that provides a positive start to their new chapter.
Settle all responsibilities, including paying bills, updating your address, noting any necessary repairs, and providing a moving-out notice to landlords and friends.
Make sure nothing gets left behind by creating a packing inventory. Group your items by room, like bedroom, kitchen, or dining. This way, it’s easy to track what’s packed and what’s still on your list.
For ease of packing and transportation, try to book for a moving company near you.
Your pets and children are also top of your priorities, and this event could be really stressful for them. It’s best to have your family member or friend to keep them occupied and bring them to your new place once everything is settled.
Wake up early on moving day for possible last-minute errands, cause usually there will be one.
Getting Around and Settling In
Transportation
Local transportation in Palm Springs includes the main public transit system, SunLine Transit, which also serves routes around the Coachella Valley area. Uber, ride-sharing services, and taxis are available but somewhat limited, so it’s generally best to have your own car for convenience. Traffic can be heavy during major events, especially during the Coachella Music and Arts Festival.
Grocery, Shopping, Dining, and More
After settling in, you’ll have to do groceries first, and shopping isn’t just about food. It’s the endless list of things that make a home feel complete. It’s socks, band-aids, batteries, pet food, shoelaces, coffee filters, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and vacuum bags. Your first few shopping trips may be a bit pricey, but they’re an investment in building a comfortable, functional space you can truly call home.
Here’s a local tip to get organized before you shop. For groceries, Palm Springs offers a great mix of stores:
Ralphs and Albertsons for fresh produce and supplies.
Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods in Palm Desert for organic and specialty items.
Farmers' Market for fresh produce in Greater Palm Springs.
And for those late-night needs, CVS or Target usually has the basics.
For Dining and Bars:
Good coffee house at Cafe La Jefa
Classic Restaurants like Workshop Kitchen & Bar and The Terrace Restaurant
Dog-friendly bar and Restaurant at Boozehounds and Tac/Quila for authentic Mexican flavor
Tourism and Crowds like Coachella
Palm Springs thrives on tourism, from the internationally recognized Coachella and Stagecoach festivals to Modernism Week, which appreciates mid-century modern architecture, design, art, fashion, and culture.
Iconic for its welcoming warmth for the LGBTQ+ community, Greater Palm Springs Pride each November anchors the city’s cultural calendar, filling downtown and the Arenas District with parades, performances, and open celebration. Local venues like Oscar’s and the Palm Springs Cultural Center keep that energy alive year-round, hosting queer film screenings, cabarets, and performances.
And then there’s the magnet for film and industry folks, the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Each event brings a predictable surge of visitors, traffic, and opportunity. For new residents, that means it’s smart to time your move outside of major event months if possible. You’ll get better moving rates, less congestion, and fewer logistical headaches.
Lifestyle and Community
Family Friendliness
The kind of place where mornings start slow and afternoons are spent under swaying palms or by the pool. If you’re coming from a big city, this slower rhythm can feel like a breath of fresh air. The town’s small-scale atmosphere means limited nightlife and fewer specialized amenities, but what it lacks in big-city buzz, it makes up for in charm and connection.
The community is notably inclusive, anchored by a strong LGBTQ+ presence. Beyond that, the population is a mix of retirees, artists, adventurers, and dog lovers. Residents also take pride in their preparedness, as the region sits in an earthquake zone where minor tremors are part of life. Still, these moments are infrequent and manageable, thanks to strong infrastructure and a community that takes safety seriously.
Local Quirks & Realities
Palm Springs is a place where individuality thrives and community pride runs deep. The natural landscape is breathtaking, offering endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and outdoor exploration, but it comes with its desert realities: occasional flash floods, wildfires, and extreme heat.
The Coachella Valley is made up of 9 unique communities, each with its own flavor and flair. From the retro-cool mid-century vibe of Palm Springs to the relaxed luxury of Rancho Mirage, there’s a neighborhood to fit every lifestyle. Surrounded by mountain views and endless sunshine, this desert oasis blends creativity, comfort, and community. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly enjoy where you are.
Book Your Palm Springs Move Now
Life in Palm Springs is calling, and Desert Moving Co. is here to help you settle. Start your new chapter with us. Reach out today to plan your move.