1. **State the problem:** Solve the inequality $$-6 \leq x - 5 < 1$$. 2. **Understand the inequality:** This is a compound inequality involving $x$. We want to find all values of $x$ that satisfy both parts simultaneously. 3. **Isolate $x$:** Add 5 to all parts of the inequality to isolate $x$: $$-6 + 5 \leq x - 5 + 5 < 1 + 5$$ which simplifies to $$-1 \leq x < 6$$. 4. **Interpret the solution:** The solution set includes all $x$ such that $x$ is greater than or equal to $-1$ and less than $6$. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{-1 \leq x < 6}$$