If you've decided to move to Palm Springs, or are seriously considering it, there are more things to prepare than you might think.

Depending on your situation—whether you have children, are a retiring senior, or work remotely—the priorities may differ, but I've compiled a list of common items to check. Following this list in order will help ensure you don't miss anything.

First is the housing selection stage. Depending on the ZIP code, school districts, taxes, and land structures vary. The first thing to check is whether the address is in a Land Lease area. Homes built on Agua Caliente tribal land within the city limits of Palm Springs require land leasing, which changes the terms of sale. Be sure to confirm this with your realtor. Check if the property is part of the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) using school designation sites (schooldigger.com, greatschools.org), and if you have children, it's a good idea to find out the assigned school in advance. If you choose a gated community, you should also include the HOA monthly fees (usually $200–$600) in your budget.

Next is checking the living infrastructure. Palm Springs is a city where living without a car is not feasible. Before moving, you should transfer your vehicle registration to California and apply for a California driver's license (DMV) within 10 days after moving. Appointments at the DMV must be made in advance at dmv.ca.gov. If you need Korean groceries, the nearest H Mart and 99 Ranch Market are located towards Riverside, about a 45–60 minute drive, so planning this as part of your regular shopping route is efficient. It's also good to check the locations of medical facilities before moving: Desert Regional Medical Center (1150 N Indian Canyon Dr, (760) 323-6511), Eisenhower Health (39000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, (760) 837-8988), and JFK Memorial Hospital (47500 Monroe St, Indio, (760) 347-6191). There are some Korean-speaking doctors and clinics throughout the Coachella Valley, so search for them and secure their contact information before your move.

Considering electricity costs is also important. If you're moving into the SCE (Southern California Edison) service area, it's advisable to apply for service (800-655-4555) before your move. Given that summer electricity rates are high, setting up a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plan or checking on solar panel installation before signing a contract can help save money. Finally, don't forget to change your mailing address. Register your address change with USPS Change of Address (moversguide.usps.com) and update your new address with the IRS, banks, car insurance, and various subscription services. It may feel like life in the desert is slow-paced, but being thorough in your moving preparations will prevent future headaches.