As of 2021, almost three out of four Canadians reside in one of the country’s large metropolitan areas. Most of Canada’s population growth (+5.2%) from 2016 to 2021 was accounted for by its major urban areas with a population of 100,000 or more people, known as census metropolitan areas (CMAs).
In recent years, Canada has experienced Urbanization as citizens have been moving to CMAs.
The constant moving of people has caused an increase in the demand for moving services.
Our ultimate moving checklist will provide all the information you need about moving around Canada, whether you are moving within the same province or across the country. We will cover topics such as hiring a moving company, packing and unpacking tips, and how to make sure your move goes smoothly for every family member.
Hiring a Moving Company
There are many things to consider when hiring professional movers, such as cost, the distance of the move, and the type of services you require.
The first step is to research moving companies and get quotes. Make sure to get at least three quotes so you can compare prices.
When getting a quote, be sure to ask about the following:
The cost of the move
The distance of the move
The type of services you require
If there are any additional charges for packing materials
Once you have found a few companies you are interested in, you can start narrowing down your choices by researching their reputation. You can also double check with government agencies to see if they comply with permits and have a good insurance provider for the moving process.
Check online reviews and see if the company is a Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) member. You should also ask the company for references and contact those references to ask about their experience with the mover.
How to Prepare for a Move
You could be moving for school, a new career, or a fresh start for yourself and your family. Canada offers many opportunities for locals and newcomers alike, and there’s no time like the present to start your new adventure.
You can do a few key things to help make your move as smooth as possible.
Get organized early
Start packing non-essentials a few weeks in advance, and figure out what you need to take with you versus what you can leave behind.
Purge your possessions
Have a garage sale, donate to charity, or give items to friends and family. This is an excellent opportunity to start fresh and eliminate anything you don’t need.
Pack smart
Label everything, keep an inventory, and pack heavier items in smaller boxes to make them easier to carry. If you can’t handle the packing yourself, don’t stress. You can hire movers to do the packing and unpacking for you, which will help you relocate much faster and with much less work.
Arrange your travel
If you’re driving to your new home, ensure your car is in good condition and have a solid plan for the route you’ll take. Book your tickets well in advance and pack light to avoid excess baggage fees if you’re flying. Leave the moving of large and heavy items to the professionals. Do a final walk-through before moving to a new place and see if you’ll need anything else.
Get your finances and moving expenses in order.
Start by getting your credit score in shape to get the best rate on a new place. Then, start saving up for things like a down payment, movers, and other associated costs. If your move is covered by a company relocation package, good for you, and you won’t have to bear the brunt of the costs yourself.
Change your address
Once you have your new address, change your mailing address with the post office and update your contact information with everyone from your doctor to your insurance company.
You must notify essential people and companies of your move, and this includes your employer, the IRS, your bank, and your friends and family.
How to Make Life Simpler During the Move
Moving in and around British Columbia does not have to be a nightmare. If you have prepared well, you won’t have to endure the stress that comes along with it. Here are a few tips on how you can make your life simpler during the move:
Hire professional movers and get moving boxes
A professional moving company will take care of all the heavy lifting and transportation. This will give you more time to focus on other important aspects of your move.
Make a list of things to do
Making a list of things to do will help you to stay organized and on track. Be sure to include both big and small tasks.
Pack an essentials bag
Pack a bag with everything you need for your new home for the first few days. This should include items such as toiletries, clothes and bedding.
Bring all the important documents with you.
Make sure you have all your important documents, such as your passport, birth certificate and driver’s license. This is especially helpful if you are moving to a new city or moving long-distance. Make sure you have important personal items within reach as you travel.
Have food ready for the first-day
Prepare some food you can easily cook or reheat on your first day in the new place. This will save you from having to go out and buy food immediately. This will also help you and your family to transition into the new space more easily and move in stress free.
Set up utilities before you move in with the moving company
Set up your utilities, such as water, electricity and gas, before you move in. This will save you from going without these essential services while settling into your new home.
Take your time when unpacking.
Don’t rush the process of unpacking. Take your time and do it gradually. This will help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the task.
Following these tips can make your life simpler during the move. With a little preparation, you can minimize the stress of moving and make it a more enjoyable experience.
How to Settle in After Moving
You can make the best out of moving to a new place by taking some time to settle in and get to know the area. You might feel like you’re on vacation at first, but it’s important to get into a routine as soon as possible.
Here are some tips for settling in after moving to a new location:
Get to know your new neighborhood.
Once you’ve unpacked, take some time to explore your new surroundings. If you’re not familiar with the area, it can be helpful to look up a map online or ask your neighbors for recommendations on places to go.
Become familiar with the local customs and culture.
Do some research on the customs and culture of your new community. This will help you feel more comfortable and avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Make new friends.
If you don’t know anyone in your new community, joining a club or organization can be helpful. This is a great way to meet people with similar interests. You can also try attending local events or reaching out to your neighbors.
Establish a routine.
Daily routines can help you feel more settled and less stressed. Try to stick to your usual routine as much as possible, or establish new routines if necessary. This will help you get settled into your new home and community.
Have patience.
Settling into a new place takes time, so be patient with yourself. Feeling a bit overwhelmed at first is normal, but things will eventually become more familiar. Give yourself time to adjust and you’ll be settled in no time.
Get involved in your community.
Volunteering is a great way to meet people and give back to your community. You can also attend local events or participate in activities that interest you.
Get the kids into sports.
The best way to get kids acclimated to a new environment is to sign them up for sports teams or other extracurricular activities. This will help them make friends and become familiar with their new surroundings. Talk to your family and friends about your move. Remember that family and friends are great resources for settling into your new community. They can help you with everything from finding a new home to getting acclimated to your new surroundings.
Find new favorite spots.
One of the best parts of moving to a new place is exploring all the new places it offers. Take some time to discover your new favorite restaurants, shops, and parks. You might even find some hidden gems you would never have discovered otherwise.
Settling into a new place can be both exciting and challenging, and following these tips can make the transition smoother and less stressful. With a little time and effort, you’ll be settled into your new home in Canada in no time.
Do you have any tips for settling into a new place? Share them in the comments below!