Is your family getting ready to put down roots in Los Gatos? You want great schools, easy routines, and a move that feels organized instead of overwhelming. This checklist gives you practical, local steps so you can handle schools, utilities, permits, and parks with confidence. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do and when to do it. Let’s dive in.

Why Los Gatos works for families

Los Gatos sits along the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains with quick access to Silicon Valley job centers via Highway 17 and State Route 85. VTA’s Route 27 connects the town to nearby transit options and San Jose for added flexibility in your commute and after-school logistics (VTA Route 27). For healthcare, you have a local hospital and emergency department at El Camino Hospital Los Gatos. When it is time to play, families love Vasona Lake County Park, Oak Meadow Park, and the Los Gatos Creek Trail for year-round trails and picnics (Vasona and Los Gatos Creek parks).

Your Los Gatos relocation checklist

Pre-move planning

• Confirm school district by address and review enrollment timelines for Los Gatos Union School District (K–8) and Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District. Start gathering proof of residency, immunization records, and transcripts (LGUSD).
• Submit USPS mail forwarding and update your DMV records after you move.
• Confirm homeowners or renters insurance effective dates. If you are moving into a wooded or hillside area, review wildfire coverage and backup power options.
• Transfer medical records and choose local providers near your new home. Keep a list of nearby urgent care and the local ER.

Home and neighborhood fit

• Get clarity on commute patterns from your specific address at typical peak hours.
• If buying in hillside or semi-rural areas, confirm water source, fire access, and evacuation routes. Larger lots may use mutual water companies with different billing and service procedures (San Jose Water service context).
• Budget for ongoing costs. California property taxes are typically around 1 percent of assessed value plus local assessments. Some parcels include school parcel taxes. Verify details during escrow or with the county.

School enrollment and childcare

• Start enrollment early. Gather all required documents before you move so you can register quickly once you have proof of residency (LGUSD).
• Ask about transfer or open-enrollment procedures if you have a specific campus in mind.
• Explore childcare, preschools, and after-school programs. Demand can be high, so get on lists early.

Utilities and essential services

• Electricity and gas: Set up or transfer service with PG&E. Parts of Los Gatos can experience Public Safety Power Shutoffs during high-risk weather. Register for alerts and build a basic backup plan with chargers, battery packs, and copies of key documents (Town PSPS guidance).
• Water: Many in-town addresses are served by San Jose Water. Some hillside neighborhoods use mutual water companies. Call ahead to confirm the correct provider and arrange meter turn-on (San Jose Water service context).
• Trash, recycling, and organics: Los Gatos follows mandatory organics rules. Check your pickup day and schedule bulky-item service for move-out or move-in needs (organics program update).
• Hazardous and e-waste: Review local guidance for safe disposal and special collection events so packing day is smooth (Town sustainability and disposal resources).

Moving day logistics

• Streets in the hills can be narrow or steep. Ask your mover to scout the route and plan for shuttle vans if needed.
• Condos and some HOAs require elevator reservations, proof of insurance, or specific move windows. Notify your property manager early to avoid fines.
• For extended curb use or lane blocking, contact the Town for temporary parking guidance and permits as needed (Town permit info example).

Settle in and connect

• Visit Vasona and Oak Meadow to let kids explore and burn off moving-day energy (Vasona and Los Gatos Creek parks).
• Check Town recreation schedules for classes, camps, and seasonal programs that fill quickly (Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation).
• Sign up for local alerts and prepare a family emergency plan that covers wildfire season and power shutoffs (Town PSPS guidance).

Six-week timeline to stay on track

6 to 8 weeks out

• Confirm school placement and begin enrollment paperwork if you have your new address (LGUSD).
• If buying, complete inspections and review disclosures. If renting, confirm lease dates and move-in rules.
• Create a moving budget that includes utilities, deposits, and potential HOA fees.

3 to 4 weeks out

• Start or transfer PG&E service and enroll in outage alerts (Town PSPS guidance).
• Call your water provider to schedule meter turn-on and confirm any conservation rules (San Jose Water service context).
• Arrange trash, recycling, and bulky pickup with the local hauler. Review organics rules so you sort correctly from day one (organics program update).
• If needed, request a temporary parking or oversized-vehicle permit for moving day (Town permit info example).

1 to 2 weeks out

• Confirm mover arrival window, building access, and HOA requirements.
• Set up internet service at the new address. Keep modem and routers handy for quick install.
• Pack a labeled “first 48 hours” bin with meds, chargers, snacks, toys, and important documents.

Moving week and first month

• File your USPS change of address and update DMV records.
• Visit nearby parks and downtown to learn the main streets, shops, and services.
• Build your family emergency plan and stock a basic home kit with flashlights, batteries, water, and shelf-stable food (Town PSPS guidance).

Practical safety and preparedness

• Register for local alerts and weather notifications. Create a contact card that lists pediatricians, the nearest ER, and after-hours pharmacies (El Camino Hospital Los Gatos).
• Keep a small go-bag for each family member during fire season. Include copies of IDs, medication lists, and comfort items for kids.
• Review evacuation routes if you live in hillside neighborhoods and ensure pets are part of your plan.

A thoughtful plan can turn a complex move into a calm one. If you want a local partner who can help you compare neighborhoods, align the timing of your sale and purchase, and coordinate financing, reach out to Danielle Cashen. Our team’s local roots and integrated lending support make your Los Gatos move simpler from start to finish.

FAQs

How does public school enrollment work in Los Gatos?

• Los Gatos Union School District serves most K–8 students and Los Gatos-Saratoga Union serves high school. Confirm your address, gather residency and immunization documents, and follow published registration windows at the district site (LGUSD).

Who provides water service at my new address?

• Many in-town homes use San Jose Water, while some hillside areas use mutual water companies. Call to confirm the provider and schedule a meter turn-on before move-in (San Jose Water service context).

Do I need a permit to park a moving truck?

• Short, routine stops usually do not require a permit, but extended curb use or lane blocking may. Contact the Town for temporary parking guidance and permits if needed (Town permit info example).

What should I know about power shutoffs and wildfire season?

• Parts of town can experience Public Safety Power Shutoffs during high-risk weather. Register for alerts and prepare a simple backup plan with power, water, and key documents (Town PSPS guidance).

Where can my family find parks and activities right away?

• Start with Vasona Lake County Park, Oak Meadow Park, and the Los Gatos Creek Trail for playgrounds and paths, and check the Town’s recreation calendar for classes and camps (Vasona and Los Gatos Creek parks, Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation).