Whether you’re moving for a new job, a significant other, or just chasing your dream home, moving is stressful. However, smart, careful planning will lighten your mental load and streamline the process. Ideally, you should begin planning about eight weeks before you intend to move to give yourself time to pack, explore the area, and travel to your new home. Explore our top tips for making the move to your new home as easy as possible!

Before You Move

Research the Area

Perhaps the most essential step in the planning process is researching the area you plan to live in. You may wish to enlist the help of a real estate agent, who can help you narrow your home search and suggest neighbourhoods that suit your lifestyle. Be sure to research considerations such as safety, the distance to work or school, access to public transit, and neighbourhood amenities that are important to you, like parks or nightlife.

Create a Moving Budget

Moving can be costly, so it’s important to set a realistic budget for your move. Compile a list of all required expenses, such as move-out cleaning costs for your current home, the cost of hiring an estate agent and movers, and the cost of shipping your belongings (especially if you’re planning a long-distance move). Preparing yourself financially will significantly reduce moving stress and help you avoid unpleasant surprises and sticker shock.

Hire a Reliable Team

To make your transition as easy as possible, you’ll need to hire a reliable moving team to help protect your belongings from damage and speed up the moving process. Look for a moving company with great reviews or ask friends for recommendations. Be sure to look into specialty teams for fragile or oversized items, like fine art or pianos.

How to Pack Efficiently

Declutter Your Space

Over the years, we all accumulate excess “stuff” that we simply don’t use or need. Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter your home by selling, donating, or throwing away your old or unused belongings. In the end, you’ll feel lighter, and packing will seem less daunting when you only bring what you truly need.

Organize and Label Belongings

Conquer the packing process with organization! Pack room-by-room and label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to. Your future self will thank you as you begin unpacking and find everything you need with relative ease.

Set Aside Essential Items

Create an essentials box that contains items you’ll need immediately once you move in, such as toiletries, clothing, dishes, and bedding. That way, you won’t be caught hunting for your toothbrush in a dozen boxes after an exhausting day of moving!

After You Move

Update Your Information

Any time you move to a new address, you’ll need to change important documents like your driver’s licence, credit cards, medical records, and tax records. Be sure to also change your mailing address for the post office, banks, insurance, and online retailers. Do this as soon as possible to avoid potential fines or other penalties.

Register to Vote

Voter registration requires you to have an up-to-date address, both for identification purposes and to ensure that you receive your voting card in the mail. Visit the Elections Canada website to register your new address via their online portal. Alternatively, you may register by mail.

Register for School

If you have school-aged children, registering them for school is a top priority once you move. Contact the local school board to make sure that your child is properly registered at a school in your new area so that there are no surprises when the school year begins.

Get to Know People

The best way to start feeling at home is to get to know the people in your new area! Whether it’s offering to join your new coworker for coffee or saying hello to your new neighbours, be sure to engage with the people around you and build new relationships.

Give Yourself Time

Change is tough for everyone, even when it’s a change that we’ve planned for. Be kind to yourself during this time of transition; it will take some time before your new city begins to feel like home. Meeting new people and exploring your new home will help you adjust more quickly, but ultimately, you may need to simply allow yourself time to get familiar with your new setting and settle in.

Discover Your New Home at The Grand Trios

Moving is easier when you know your new home offers unparalleled luxury living! Located in Guelph’s Grange Hill East neighbourhood, you’ll find ample amenities, lush nature trails, and easy access to shops, restaurants, and more. With 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites, a comfortable lounge and dining room, a beautiful rooftop terrace, full fitness centre, yoga studio, and spin room, you’ll have everything you need to make the most of your new home.

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Settling into a New City: Your Comprehensive Relocation Guide