May is “Moving Month,” as designated by the Better Business Bureau and Canadian Association of Movers.¹ It’s also the kick off to the peak moving season, which generally runs from May through September.² 

According to a survey by Statistics Canada, respondents listed their top motivations for moving as “bigger or better housing” (28.0%) or “a more desirable neighbourhood” (16.8%).³ But no matter the reason, a relocation can feel stressful and overwhelming.

If you’re one of the many Canadians planning to relocate in the coming months, this guide is for you. I’ve outlined six steps to make your move easier, to alleviate some of the hassle of relocating – so you can focus on the adventure ahead!

1. CHOOSE A COMMUNITY

When planning a relocation, one of the first things you’ll 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’s like.
• Next, it’s crucial to consider housing prices and cost of living so you don’t set your sights on an area that you can’t realistically afford.
  • Don’t forget to look up local crime statistics to ensure the community is safe.
  • Visit any neighborhoods you’re considering, to gauge the vibe and observe characteristics, like surrounding noise, 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 I’m here to help! Reach out to discuss your needs and aspirations, and I’d be happy to provide recommendations of neighbourhoods that may be a good fit for you.

2. FIND YOUR NEW HOME

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

• To avoid multiple moves – and if you’re financially able – there’s no reason to delay the benefits of buying a home. Not only has homeownership been shown to increase your quality of life, but it’s also one of the best ways to protect and grow your wealth.⁴ 
• 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.⁵
• Most importantly, homeownership offers stability, as property owners aren’t 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 2024.⁶ 

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

3. SELL OR RENT OUT YOUR CURRENT HOME

If you already own a home, you’ll 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, clients choose to sell, so that they can use the equity in their current home to make a down payment on their next one. However, 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 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 me about conditions that can be included in your contracts. For example, it’s possible to add a condition to your purchase offer that lets you cancel the contract if you haven’t sold your previous home. We can discuss the pros and cons of these types of tactics and what’s 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. I will guide you, advocate on your behalf, and strive to make your move as seamless and stress-free as possible throughout the entire process.

In addition, we’ll determine 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 marketing plan to maximize your current home’s sale price.
• We’ll determine the best strategy to sell your unique home, in your current market conditions, designed to achieve an efficient sale, while boosting your profits. This is something I excel at, and I’d be happy to share examples of my past sales and the strategies used.

4. PLAN YOUR DEPARTURE

Preparing for a move can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Most importantly, you don’t have to do everything in a day, and you don’t have to do it all alone. I will help you to navigate this process with ease. To that end, here are some top tips to help you plan for your departure.

• If you have children, I suggest 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’t forget to contact their current and future schools, as well, to arrange for transfer and enrollment.
• Next, start packing. To maintain order and make unpacking easier, I recommend packing one room at a time.
  • Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to.
  • 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’re 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’s 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. I can provide referrals for moving companies, packing services, cleaners, or any other resources – reach out if you need help.

5. PREPARE FOR YOUR ARRIVAL

While it’s tempting to get wrapped up in the departure, don’t forget to plan ahead for your arrival at your new home. For a smooth transition, start preparing well before moving day. Here are a few pro tips to help you get started.

• First, set up all utilities that will need to be turned on, especially essentials like water, electricity, and gas.
  • Notify any relevant parties like banks, credit cards, subscriptions, etc. for your change of address, so you don’t miss any important bills, notices, or deliveries.
  • Notify Canada Post to submit a mail forwarding request.
• If possible, schedule to paint, remodel, or install new flooring before you bring in all of your belongings.
  • You may also want to have the house professionally cleaned before moving in. 
• Pack a special bag for essential “First Night in Your New Home” items you’ll need (think toothbrush, towels, bedsheets) and keep this handy. 
  • Designate some boxes with “Open Me First!” 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. Preparing a “To-Explore” list keeps everyone’s spirits high and gives you starting points to settle into the neighbourhood.

6. GET SETTLED IN YOUR NEW SPACE

Studies show that moving can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression.⁷ 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, unpack their rooms first. Seeing familiar items will help ease their transition and establish a “safe zone” 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 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’t forget to take care of yourself too. Try to schedule breaks to get out of the house and investigate your new area. A walk or bike ride will boost your mood with some lovely fresh air and exercise. 
• 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’t wait for friends to come knocking on your door. Instead, go out and find them!
• Introduce yourself to your new neighbours, invite them over for coffee or dinner, and offer assistance when they need it. Once you’ve developed friendships and a support system within your new neighbourhood, it will truly start to feel like home.

LET’S GET MOVING

While moving is never easy, these steps offer an action plan to get you started on your new adventure. With good preparation and a professional team to assist you, you can enjoy a positive relocation experience. Along with my referral network of moving companies, contractors, cleaning services, interior designers, and other home service providers, I can help take the hassle and headache out of your upcoming move. Reach out  anytime. 

The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, insurance, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

1. Canadian Association of Movers – https://www.mover.net/may-is-moving-month
2. United International Removals – https://www.unitedremovals.com/canada/best-time-to-move-to-canada/
3. Statistics Canada – https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/3333-canadians-move
4. Canadian Association of Realtors – https://www.realtor.ca/blog/health-and-happiness-the-societal-benefits-of-homeownership/20531/1361
5. Turbo Tax – https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tips/tax-deductions-canadian-homeowners-need-to-know-about-15718
6. Rentals.ca – https://rentals.ca/national-rent-report
7. Psychology Today – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/is-where-you-belong/201607/why-youre-miserable-after-move