The Lazy Man’s Guide to Relocating to Ontario, CA

The Lazy Man’s Guide to Relocating to Ontario, CA

Jun 03, 2025

So, you’re thinking about relocating to Ontario, California? You want sunshine, convenience, and just the right balance of suburban ease without the usual moving drama. But, maybe you’re not into hauling boxes, assembling furniture, or navigating endless bureaucratic checklists. You’re not alone.

Welcome to the Lazy Man’s Guide to Relocating to Ontario, CA. Ontario is a city that practically rolls out the red carpet for those who want to move without losing their minds (or their Saturdays). Whether you’re coming from nearby or across the country, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your move as painless as possible.

Why Ontario, CA, is the Effortless Mover’s Dream

Ontario is known as the “Gateway to Southern California,” and it lives up to the title. Strategically nestled in San Bernardino County, it provides quick access to major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, Riverside, and Orange County, without the steep costs and congestion that often come with them.

With a population of approximately 178,000, Ontario offers a unique mix of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. The city boasts a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, meaning you can enjoy more than 280 days of sunshine a year. Think warm, dry summers and mild winters, ideal for those looking to ditch the snow shovel and embrace year-round outdoor living.

Add to that a robust infrastructure with access to I-10, I-15, and Route 60, as well as the easy-to-navigate Ontario International Airport, and you have a city tailor-made for stress-free living. Ontario Mills, one of the largest outlet malls on the West Coast, further sweetens the deal by putting shopping, dining, and entertainment options all under one roof.

Ontario, CA, Relocation Snapshot

Step 1: Pre-Move Prep Without the Panic

Even if you’re the type who avoids to-do lists like the plague, a little organization can go a long way. Luckily, Ontario makes things easy for newcomers.

Essential Paperwork (Yes, You Have to Do This):

• Health insurance: California residents use Covered California to shop for health plans. If you’re relocating from out of state, this should be one of your top priorities.
• Driver’s license and vehicle registration: Visit the California DMV website to start your application. Many services can be completed online or via their mobile app, allowing you to skip the long lines.
• Change of address: Use the USPS website to submit a change of address. This simple step will forward your mail and notify key institutions of your move.

Packing Tips for the Lazy but Smart:

• Declutter: Go through your belongings and divide them into essentials, maybes, and donate-or-discard piles. If you haven’t used something in over a year, you probably don’t need it.
• Label Simply: Instead of listing every item in a box, just write the destination room. For example, “Kitchen,” “Bedroom 1,” or “Garage.”
• Hire Ontario movers: Many moving companies like Oakley Relocation offer full-service options where they handle everything from packing to transportation. It’s the ultimate lazy-mover hack.
• To move or replace? Ask yourself if it’s worth hauling that old couch across state lines when you could snag a brand-new one at Ontario Mills at a discount. Large, bulky items like furniture, outdated appliances, and home gym equipment often cost more to move than to replace.

Consider temporary storage if you’re unsure. Ontario has a wide selection of affordable and secure storage facilities where you can stash items until you decide what to do with them.

Step 2: Find a Home You Don’t Have to Work For

Finding the right home doesn’t have to involve endless driving or exhausting decision-making. Ontario offers a variety of housing options designed with ease and accessibility in mind.

Types of Housing in Ontario

• Apartments and condos: Perfect for low-maintenance living. Many come with built-in amenities like pools, gyms, and even concierge services.
• Townhomes: A middle ground between apartments and single-family homes, townhomes offer more space without the maintenance burden of a full yard.
• Master-planned communities: These are the holy grail for lazy movers. Communities like Mariposa at Park Place offer resort-style living with amenities like a fitness center, dog parks, private movie theaters, and social lounges. Everything is move-in ready, and HOA fees often cover maintenance and utilities.

Virtual House Hunting Tips

1. Ditch the Car, Embrace the Couch: Modern house hunting is all about convenience. Most listings in Ontario now include virtual tours, detailed floor plans, and high-resolution photos you can browse from your sofa.
2. Use the Right Platforms: Websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com let you filter by price, layout, neighborhood, and even commute time. These platforms also offer features like 3D walkthroughs and neighborhood insights, giving you the full picture before stepping foot outside.
3. Find a Relocation-Savvy Agent: Partner with a real estate agent who specializes in out-of-town buyers. These pros often offer personalized video tours, neighborhood rundowns, and remote paperwork options to save you time and travel.
4. Location, Location, Laziness: Focus on listings close to major roads, Ontario Mills, grocery stores, and the airport. The less time you spend in traffic or running errands, the more time you spend enjoying your new home.

Market Snapshot:

Ontario’s median home value hovers around $692,000, while average rents sit at about $2,521 per month. While it’s more expensive than the national average, Ontario is still significantly more affordable than many surrounding SoCal cities. The city’s diverse housing options make it a great fit for families, retirees, and first-time buyers alike.

Step 3: Settle In With Minimal Effort

You’re in your new home. Now what? Here’s how to make the transition smooth and stress-free.

Set Up Utilities Without Losing Your Mind

Don’t waste your time juggling five different customer service calls. Services like Updater and MovingWaldo allow you to set up your power, water, gas, trash collection, and internet in one place. Many master-planned communities even have utilities pre-arranged or bundled with HOA fees. For the internet, choose providers like Spectrum or AT&T, both of which offer self-installation kits that take under an hour to set up. If even that feels like too much, book a professional to come install everything while you enjoy your first Ontario sunset.

Banking and Essentials

Open or transfer your bank account online with any of the major national or local banks operating in Ontario. Set up direct deposit, mobile banking, and text alerts to avoid unnecessary branch visits.

Grocery delivery platforms like Instacart or Amazon Fresh can stock your kitchen before you even unpack. For city essentials like trash collection, recycling, or water billing, Ontario’s city website makes it easy to get set up without stepping foot in a municipal building.

Don’t Forget These Registrations

Make sure your California driver’s license and voter registration are updated. It’s easier than it sounds with the DMV’s online portal. Choose a local primary care doctor and update your insurance provider. And don’t forget to update your addresses on streaming platforms, food delivery apps, and online retailers. A couple hours of online updates can save you days of future headaches.

Step 4: Get Around Without Getting Lost

Ontario’s infrastructure is a breath of fresh air compared to other Southern California cities.

Driving Made Easy

Thanks to Ontario’s central location, driving here is a lot more tolerable than in many parts of SoCal. Major highways like I-10, I-15, and Route 60 intersect right in the city, which means you’re never too far from wherever you’re going—whether that’s LA, the mountains, or a weekend trip to Vegas. Most neighborhoods are just minutes from freeway entrances, and free parking is easy to find across the city.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Say goodbye to LAX. Ontario International is clean, easy to navigate, and typically crowd-free. You can reach most gates in minutes, and parking is simple and affordable. The airport offers nonstop flights to major cities like Dallas, Denver, and Seattle, as well as select international destinations. For frequent travelers, it’s a game-changer.

Public and Alternative Transportation

If you’re not keen on driving every day, Ontario still has you covered. The Metrolink commuter train can get you to Downtown Los Angeles in under an hour, and Omnitrans buses connect the city’s neighborhoods to local shopping and work hubs. Real-time bus tracking apps make it easy to avoid long waits. And with Uber and Lyft readily available, you’re never more than a few taps away from a ride.

Step 5: Live the Good Life (With Zero Stress)

Now that you’re settled, it’s time to enjoy what Ontario has to offer. The city is designed for convenient, comfortable living.

Dining and Entertainment

Ontario isn’t short on things to do. Ontario Mills, a massive outlet mall, has everything from designer outlets to a movie theater and food court. Toyota Arena hosts concerts, sporting events, and family-friendly shows throughout the year. For fresh air and weekend vibes, head to Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park where you can fish, picnic, or just relax under the sun.

Lazy-Day Favorites

Some days, you just don’t want to leave the house and that’s okay. Ontario has plenty of local takeout spots that deliver, including Alina’s Lebanese Cuisine and Don Won’s Corner Deli. Farmers markets and food truck rallies on weekends let you soak in local culture with minimal effort. And if you’re in a master-planned community, take advantage of in-house events, fitness classes, and seasonal gatherings—all planned for you, no RSVP stress required.

Health and Wellness

Feeling good is part of living well. Ontario is home to several fitness centers, yoga studios, and outdoor walking trails. Healthcare is easily accessible with major providers like Kaiser Permanente and San Antonio Regional Hospital located nearby. Whether you need a routine check-up or specialist care, it’s all within easy reach.

Move to Ontario, CA, with Oakley Relocation

If reading this guide has you dreaming of a stress-free move to Ontario, CA, Oakley Relocation is your perfect partner. From packing up your old place to relocating it to your new home, our moving team handles every detail, so you can focus on settling in, not stressing out. Whether you’re moving from across the state or across the country, Oakley makes sure your relocation is smooth, simple, and (dare we say) kind of enjoyable.

Start your move the lazy-smart way: get a free quote from Oakley Relocation today.

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