Ontario is Canada’s most populated province, an economic powerhouse that also offers a wealth of recreation and outstanding education and career opportunities. In recent years, some residents have packed their bags and headed out-of-province for new experiences.

However, a recent trend is seeing many Canadians relocating to – or returning to – Ontario, also known as the “Heartland Province.” It seems that Dorothy may have been right all along – there really is no place like home!

Whether you’re arriving for the first time or after a long time, there is no shortage of things to do and remember. That’s why we’ve put together this detailed checklist to help streamline and remove the stress and uncertainty from your transition.

Do your relocation plans include a move to Peterborough, Ontario? Our comprehensive relocation guide can help you settle in. Download your copy for free right here.

Declutter Your Home and Your Life

Decluttering is nearly always the first step to any move, whether you’re relocating to the next block or across the country. Simplifying your life in this way means you have less stuff to move and keep track of. You’ll be surprised at how much easier it is to manage your transition once you’ve cleared away everything you no longer need or use. As with all projects of this magnitude, getting an early start will help to prevent a last-minute rush and stress meltdown.

• Begin sorting through your belongings and identifying your most cherished items that you will not part with. Try to remain objective and neutral during this process. Those must-have items may be more rare than you realize.
• Consider that some things are easier and less expensive to replace after you’ve settled in rather than going through the time and expense to move them. However, some sentimental items are irreplaceable. Set those aside and be merciless with the rest.
• Put any items you’re not yet sure of in a box out of sight and out of mind. If you never miss them, chances are it’s safe to leave them behind.

During the sorting and decluttering phase, gather up all important documents into one folder. These include any bank or investment statements, utility bills, driver’s licenses, health cards, and passports. Next, keep that folder in a place that is easy to find.

The right real estate agent can make your entire transition far more streamlined and stress-free. The posts below will give you something to think about:

• How to Find a Real Estate Agent in Peterborough You Can Trust
• What a Concierge Realtor® Can Do to Sell Your Home
• Why Work With Jeff & Katie to Buy Your Next Home?

Choose a Real Estate Agent

If you own property in your existing province, you may want to consider selling it before relocating. Those funds from your sale will go a long way in helping you settle into your new home, whether you plan to buy right away or rent for the time being.

Coordinating multiple transactions can be complicated, even more so by the long-distance move. Fortunately, the right real estate agent can help you through it all, even if you decide to rent. Your Realtor® can even put you in touch with other professionals to streamline your transition, such as moving services, contractors, and storage providers. Once you decide on a real estate agent, you’ll have one touchpoint for everything else you need.

• You can choose to work with a local expert to sell your existing property before finding an agent in your new city.
• If your chosen Realtor® is experienced with handling remote transactions, you can have one point of contact for all aspects of your move, which can simplify the process even further.

Relocating often means you need to act fast. If that’s the case, the posts below will help you speed up the process:

• How to Sell a House Fast
• Can You Sell Your Peterborough Home Remotely?
• Should You Renovate or Sell Your House As-Is?

Choose Your New Neighbourhood

If you’ve decided to relocate, you probably already have an idea of what city you’d like to settle in. From here, it’s time to narrow it down to a specific neighbourhood or community before choosing your new house. Think of your desired lifestyle, and you can begin forming a clearer picture.

• Do you prefer a busy city or a more picturesque, rural setting?
• How close do you want to be to your place of employment?
• What neighbourhood amenities are important to you? Parks and schools or shopping and entertainment – or both?
• Do you need access to public transit?

Once you have an idea of your ideal neighbourhood, you can think about your new house. The trick is to be specific yet flexible, which will help you find exactly what you’re looking for while keeping your options open.

• Will you buy right away or rent until you get a better feel for your new city?
• Do you prefer a condo or detached home?
• How much outdoor living space do you want?
• How much square footage does your family need to live comfortably?
• Are you willing to make some repairs and upgrades, or do you prefer a house that is ready to move in?

Why consider Peterborough for your new home? You’ll find plenty to love in the posts below:

• Why Peterborough is Perfect for Families
• Top Activities for Kids in Peterborough
• Our Favourite Small Businesses in Peterborough

Start Thinking About Logistics

A clear picture and plan of action are half the battle when it comes to a successful relocation to Ontario. However, the list of small details can seem endless, especially once things are in motion. The checklist below can help ensure you don’t forget anything important. In addition, be sure to lean on your real estate agent for support.

• Now is the time to beg, borrow, and steal boxes for moving. Start bugging your friends for all their appropriately-sized Amazon boxes that they’d otherwise discard.
• Call some moving companies for some across-province quotes.
• Decide on your own travel arrangements, such as whether you will drive with your car loaded up as much as possible or fly.
• Schedule mail forwarding so no important correspondence gets missed.
• Cancel your utilities and internet services for your old address.
• Notify any service providers, such as your doctor, dentist, and veterinarian of your move.

Pack one or two boxes of essentials that you will need for your first few days in your new home. This valuable tip will help to prevent last-minute frantic searches through countless boxes you’ve yet to unpack.

Once you arrive at your destination, be sure to:

• Find new banking locations.
• Set up utilities for your new home.
• Apply for OHIP coverage.
• Apply for a new driver’s license and health card.
• Get familiar with the services in your new neighbourhood.
• Look for clubs and organizations to meet new people and enjoy your hobbies.

Do you want to know more about the lifestyle and housing opportunities in Peterborough or Kawartha Lakes? Our friendly and knowledgeable Peterborough real estate agents are happy to guide you. Reach out to team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to start a conversation today.

Let Us Guide Your Journey

Curious about your real estate options? Relocating to the Peterborough area? Our experts are ready to help.

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