Relocating is one of those tasks that, at first glance, may seem to be simple. You may think you only need to pack everything you own, put it into your car (or a hired truck if you want to do it all at once), drive to your new location, and unload and unpack. Simple, right? Everyone who has ever attempted a relocation knows this is far from the truth. Planning and preparation may help you overcome this challenge and save time and energy when you move.

To buy a property in Marina del Rey real estate, familiarize yourself with the area and understand what the market offers. Here are some tips to make your move as smooth as possible:

Hire a real estate agent

If you decide to move to Marina del Rey, understand that the real estate market here is relatively competitive. Deciding to do it alone may not get you your dream house. Despite the excitement of a possible home purchase and the temptation to manage everything on your own, it’s wise to enlist the services of a real estate agent to look out for your best interests. These agents know the Marina del Rey neighborhoods much better than you, so their advice can be invaluable when moving. They can give you a list of Marina del Rey homes that suit you.

Don’t move it if you don’t have to

Attachment to one’s possessions is a real thing. You might find items you’d given up hope of ever finding again or forgot you had until it came time to move. That’s why packing up your house is sometimes called “the ultimate chance to declutter both your residence and your lifestyle.”

If you haven’t used an item in over two years, it’s time to eliminate it. Leave that extra weight behind. Recycle it if you can. Donate them to a worthy cause, give them away to friends, or take them to a scrap dealer if they’re made of metal (like your old bed frames). Put it up for auction on eBay or give it away on Freecycle. When moving to Marina del Rey, leaving everything unnecessary behind only simplifies the process.

Understand how to get around in Marina del Rey

The things that improve or degrade one’s quality of life are often personal and contextual. While some homebuyers may choose a walkable metropolis with plenty of nearby amenities, others may prefer the suburbs for their quieter streets, more privacy, and access to greenery. While being car-reliant is unthinkable to some, others would give everything for a short commute to their weekend hangout.

Considering this, it would be helpful to know the conveniences accessible nearby and whether or not you can get by on foot. Unfortunately, you need a vehicle for most errands.

On the other hand, LADOT Transit Services (bus) operates as the primary mode of public transportation in Marina del Rey, California. There are also ten bus stops in Marina del Rey, serviced by LADOT Transit Services. CA-90 is the closest freeway to Marina del Rey.

There are electric vehicle charging stations in the area, so it might be a good match if you drive an EV and are searching for a place to live close to one. Marina del Rey is home to 13 different charging stations for EVs, including 41 level-2 chargers and 1 DC fast charger.

Expect a sunny outlook

The average annual sunlight hours in Los Angeles are 3,254, almost double that of London or Paris and an entire 700 hours higher than New York or Rome. The Marina del Rey area facing south and west along the city’s coast is ideal for basking in the sun. Rooftop patios are a common feature of townhouses and are ideal for enjoying the sunset while sipping wine.

Before you decide to move, ensure you are well-prepared to avoid unnecessary surprises. Gather as much information about the Marina Del Rey area and gather all that you need. Remember, every real estate market has challenges, but what matters most is how prepared you are to navigate it.