小蓝视频

We are presently in peak moving season, which generally runs from May through September.

According to a survey by Statistics Canada, respondents listed their top motivations for moving as 鈥渂igger or better housing鈥� (28.0%) or 鈥渁 more desirable neighbourhood鈥� (16.8%). But no matter the reason, a relocation can feel stressful and overwhelming.

If you鈥檙e one of the many Canadians planning to relocate in the coming months, this guide is for you. I鈥檝e outlined six steps to make your move easier. My hope is to alleviate some of the hassle of relocating鈥攕o you can focus on the adventure ahead!

1. CHOOSE A COMMUNITY

When planning a relocation, one of the first things you鈥檒l need to decide is where you want to live. This could be as broad as an area of town, or you might narrow it down to a specific neighbourhood.

Depending on your priorities, you may want to start with communities that are close to work, friends, family and/or your preferred schools. If you commute, map out the route and check on the availability of public transportation, if you plan to use it. Then, if possible, try out the commute during rush hour to see what it鈥檚 like.

Next, it鈥檚 crucial to consider housing prices and cost of living so you don鈥檛 set your sights on an area that you can鈥檛 realistically afford. Don鈥檛 forget to look up local crime statistics to ensure the community is safe. Finally, visit any neighborhoods you鈥檙e considering to gauge the vibe and observe characteristics, like pedestrian accessibility, retail offerings, and population density.

Researching the ins and outs of various communities can be a time-consuming and sometimes difficult process, but we鈥檙e here to help! Give me a call to discuss your needs and aspirations, and I鈥檇 be happy to provide recommendations of neighbourhoods that may be a good fit for you.

2. FIND YOUR NEW HOME

Once you鈥檝e chosen an area to settle, the next decision you鈥檒l need to make is whether you want to rent or buy a home. Renting can be a good option if you鈥檙e new to town, especially if you鈥檙e still saving up for a down payment or you鈥檙e not ready to commit to a permanent location. Benefits include flexibility, less maintenance, and lower upfront costs.

But, if you want to avoid multiple moves鈥攁nd you鈥檙e financially able鈥攖here鈥檚 no reason to delay the benefits of buying a home. Not only has homeownership been shown to increase your quality of life, but it鈥檚 also one of the best ways to protect and grow your wealth.

The value of real estate will typically appreciate over time, and owners can build equity as they pay down their mortgage. Homeowners and buyers may also be able to benefit from certain tax incentives.

But, perhaps most importantly, homeownership offers stability, as property owners aren鈥檛 subject to the mercy of their landlords each year. According to Rentals.ca, average asking rent prices in Canada rose nearly 30% between February 2021 and February 2024. In contrast, many homeowners enjoyed a fixed mortgage payment during that same period.

If you decide to purchase a home and you choose me to represent you, you can rest easy knowing that I will be there for you throughout the entire journey, working hard to make the experience as easy as possible. Or, if you鈥檙e moving to a new area, I can refer you to a local agent in my network who shares my commitment to client service.

For more information about buying a home and a timeline of the home buying process, reach out to request a free copy of my Home Buyer鈥檚 Guide.

3. SELL OR RENT OUT YOUR CURRENT HOME

If you already own a home, you鈥檒l also need to start the process of either selling it or renting it out. I can help you evaluate your options based on current market conditions.

In many cases, my clients choose to sell so that they can use the equity in their current home to make a downpayment on their next one. But selling your home while simultaneously buying a new one can feel daunting to even the most seasoned homeowner.

Here are some of the most frequent concerns we hear from clients and tips for addressing them:

What will I do if I sell my house before I can buy a new one?
Check out furnished apartments, vacation rentals, and month-to-month leases. You may even find that a short-term rental arrangement can offer you an opportunity to get to know your new neighbourhood better.

What if I get stuck with two mortgages at the same time?
Ask about conditions that can be included in your contracts. For example, it鈥檚 possible to add a condition to your purchase offer that lets you cancel the contract if you don't sell your current home. We can discuss the pros and cons of these types of tactics and what鈥檚 realistic given the current market dynamics.

What if I mess up my timing or burn out from all the stress?
Enlist support as early as possible. It's my job to guide you and advocate on your behalf, so don't be afraid to lean on me throughout the process. I'm here to ease your burden and make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible.

In addition to answering your questions, I鈥檒l give you an idea of how much equity you have in your current home so you know how much you can afford to spend on your new one. Part of that process will include a plan to maximize your current home鈥檚 sale price. I utilize a proven strategy that鈥檚 designed to achieve an efficient sale while boosting your profits.

4. PLAN YOUR DEPARTURE

Preparing for a move can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Fortunately, you don鈥檛 have to do everything in a day. You don鈥檛 have to do it all alone, either. When you work with me, I鈥檒l be there every step of the way to help you navigate this process with ease. To that end, here are some tips to help you plan for your departure.

If you have children, we typically advise that you start by sharing news about the move in an age-appropriate way. If possible, take them on a tour of your new home and neighbourhood. This can alleviate some of the mystery and apprehension around the move. Don鈥檛 forget to contact their current and future schools, as well, to arrange for transfer and enrollment.

Next, you鈥檒l want to start packing. To maintain order and make unpacking easier, we recommend packing one room at a time. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. And remember, there鈥檚 no use taking extraneous items with you. Use this opportunity to purge or donate possessions that you no longer need.

If you will be using a moving company, start researching and pricing your options. Make sure you鈥檙e working with a reputable service, and try to avoid paying a large deposit before your belongings are delivered. Once you have a moving date scheduled, you should arrange to have your utilities turned off or, if possible, transferred into the new homeowner鈥檚 name.

Finally, if you will be leaving friends or family behind, schedule get-togethers before your departure. The last days before moving can be incredibly hectic, so make sure you block off some time in advance for proper goodbyes.

Parting with a home and community you love can be hard, so try to stay focused on the exciting opportunities ahead. Feel free to reach out for referrals to moving companies, packing services, cleaner, or any other resources that will make your move easier. I鈥檇 love to help.

5. PREPARE FOR YOUR ARRIVAL

While it鈥檚 tempting to get wrapped up in the departure details, don鈥檛 forget to plan ahead for your arrival at your new home. To make your transition go smoothly, you should start preparing well before moving day. Here are a few pro tips to help you get started.

First, think about the utilities that will need to be turned on, especially essentials like water, electricity, and gas. Be sure to notify any relevant parties鈥攂anks, credit cards, subscriptions, etc.鈥攁bout your change of address so you don鈥檛 miss any important bills, notices, or deliveries. You鈥檒l also want to notify the postal service and submit a mail forwarding request.

If you plan to remodel, paint, or install new flooring, it鈥檚 often easier to have it done before you bring in all of your belongings. You may also want to have the house professionally cleaned before moving in.

Don鈥檛 forget about the items you鈥檒l need (think toothbrush, towels, bedsheets) to make it through the first night in your new home. Designate some boxes with 鈥淥pen Me First!鈥� labels. (Pro tip: Keep a tool kit front and center for all that reassembling.)

Finally, create a list of all the restaurants you want to try and places you want to visit around your newly purchased home. Having a to-explore list keeps everyone鈥檚 spirits high and gives you starting points to settle into the neighbourhood.

If you鈥檙e relocating to my area, I can help! I offer 鈥淰IP Relocation Assistance鈥� to all my clients. Contact me for a list of favourite restaurants, retailers, cleaning services, contractors, and more!

6. GET SETTLED IN YOUR NEW SPACE

Studies show that moving can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. However, there are ways to combat these negative effects. Here are a few strategies to help you and your family get settled in the new space.

If you have children, start by unpacking their rooms first. Seeing familiar items will help ease their transition and establish a 鈥渟afe zone鈥� where they can hang out away from the chaos of moving day. If possible, let them have a say in how their room is decorated.

Pets can also get overwhelmed by a new, unfamiliar space. Let them adjust to a single room first, which should include their favourite toys, treats, food and water bowl, and a litter box for cats. Once they seem comfortable, you can gradually introduce them to other rooms in the home.

Don鈥檛 forget to take care of yourself, too. Try to schedule breaks to get out of the house and investigate your new area. If you travel by foot or bicycle, you鈥檒l gain the mood-boosting advantages of fresh air and exercise.

You can combat feelings of isolation by making an effort to meet people in your new community. Find a local interest group, take a class, join a place of worship, or volunteer for a cause. Don鈥檛 wait for friends to come knocking on your door. Instead, go out and find them.

To that end, make an effort to introduce yourself to your new neighbours, invite them over for coffee or dinner, and offer assistance when they need it. Once you鈥檝e developed friendships and a support system within your new neighbourhood, it will truly start to feel like home.

LET鈥橲 GET MOVING

While moving is never easy, these steps offer an action plan to get you started on your new adventure. With a little preparation鈥攁nd the right team of professionals to assist you鈥攊t is possible to have a positive relocation experience.

I specialize in assisting home buyers and sellers with a seamless and 鈥渓ess-stress鈥� relocation. Along with a referral network of moving companies, contractors, cleaning services, and other home service providers, I can help take the hassle and headache out of your upcoming move. Give me a call or message me to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation!

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.