Receiving news of an upcoming relocation affects everyone differently. Some people are thrilled and can’t wait to dive into an exciting new world of possibilities. Others feel completely overwhelmed or even saddened at the thought of leaving their old lives behind. More often than not, it’s a combination of fear and excitement. Nevertheless, the first step is to get to your new destination in the first place. That process can be complicated, having to sell an existing property and secure a home in an unknown city under what is often a tight deadline. It can be challenging to keep up with the pace, but a comprehensive checklist like the one below will help you stay on track.
Create a Flexible Plan
Very few processes go exactly as intended. Your best bet for a stress-free transition is to plan for a few hiccups and be prepared for anything. Still, having a roadmap in place will alleviate much of the stress when something inevitably goes awry. Everyone has a different situation, and no two checklists can be identical.
We suggest creating an overall guideline of what you want your move to be like. You can begin by sorting out your timeline, deciding what neighbourhood you want to live in, and what type of house you want. Once you see the big picture, you can begin filling in the minor details that make your relocation a success. Here are some ideas of what you will want to take care of before, during, and after you move.
Why choose Peterborough for your relocation? Great schools, beautiful scenery, and affordable living; need we say more?
- Top Schools in Peterborough
- Why Peterborough is Perfect for Families
- All About Peterborough’s Stunning Green Spaces
Before You Move
If you rent currently, leaving is as simple as providing notice to your landlord and packing your belongings. However, if you own a home, the process is a little more complex. You’ll need to decide whether to sell your property or keep it as an investment. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but a good real estate agent can help you decide what works for your situation. Regardless of your goals, these tasks are on nearly every relocation to-do list:
Plan
- Research, interview, and select a real estate agent to guide your relocation.
- Decide what neighbourhood you want to live in. Something close to schools, parks, or transit?
- Map out your timeline.
- Prepare your home for sale (or to rent out) by cleaning thoroughly and making minor repairs.
- Declutter your home by donating and discarding unnecessary items. (This will help your house sell for more money and reduce your burden come moving day.)
- Work with your Realtor® to decide when to sell your existing property to coordinate with the purchase of your new home.
- Make a list of all correspondence that needs to be changed (doctors, dentists, taxes, etc.)
- Enroll children in their new school.
Why are residents singing the praises of Peterborough? Find out more in our complete Relocation Guide, which you can download right here.
Organize
- Select and schedule a moving company.
- Purchase bubble wrap or collect old newspapers to protect fragile items.
- Start collecting moving boxes. (Your moving company may be able to provide them.)
- Begin packing all items you will not need until moving into your new home.
- Pack a separate box for all sensitive documents and items.
- Remember to book time off work for your moving day.
- Number your boxes so you can check them off on moving day to ensure nothing gets missed.
- Label each box carefully with instructions for what rooms they will go in.
- Measure your furniture.
Prepare
- Begin cancelling all local memberships and services.
- Set up mail forwarding to your new address.
- Make arrangements for small children and pets on moving day.
- Pack and clearly label one box with everything you need in your first 24 hours in your new home.
- Begin disposing of all perishable food items.
- Fill a cooler bag with healthy, ready-to-eat snacks the day before your move.
- Look up local points of interest and attractions in your new neighbourhood to get everyone excited about the move.
Do you need a real estate agent to help with your transition? Here’s How to Find One You can Trust.
During Your Move
Your moving day will feel so busy that it passes by in a blur. Staying organized and having clear instructions for your moving crew and anyone else assisting you will ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. All your work up until this point will help this day be as productive and stress-free as possible. The following process will help it stay that way:
- Get up early and enjoy a hearty breakfast. You have a big day ahead of you!
- Charge all cell phones and ensure everyone who needs to can contact you.
- Use cardboard or other coverings to protect floors when moving heavy furniture and appliances.
- If possible, divide your moving crew into indoor and outdoor teams to save time and keep the house clean.
- Make sure everyone has the address and directions to your new home.
- Unload all boxes and furniture into the appropriate rooms. Luckily you labelled everything beforehand!
- Take breaks frequently to avoid burnout, and be sure to drink plenty of water.
- Check off each box to ensure everything has arrived and has made it off the moving truck.
- Head to the grocery store and load up on essentials.
- Explore your new house and neighbourhood! Peterborough has many fantastic parks, schools, and community centres to make your entire family feel at home!
Looking for even more things to enjoy after relocating to Peterborough or the Kawarthas? The list is neverending!
- The Joy of Cycling in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
- Here are the Lakes Near Peterborough You’ve Got to Visit!
- Discover the Best Kawartha Lakes Golf Courses
After Your Move
Once the dust settles after moving day, you can afford to sit back and relax for a day or two. Everyone has worked hard to make your relocation a success, and you all deserve a break. However, there are still some details you’ll want to iron out to make your new house feel like home as quickly as possible.
- Clean your new house thoroughly before completely unpacking.
- Install new batteries in all smoke detectors.
- Enlist your family members and friends to help you unpack and organize everything.
- Change your address on all correspondence. Having your mail forwarded will ensure you don’t miss anything important.
- Get to know any critical bylaws in your new city.
- Find out what day trash and recycling get picked up.
- Schedule a time for utility and internet hookups.
- Change the locks on all doors and have extra keys cut.
- If you rented your old home, check on the status of your security deposit refund.
- Does your new home need some finishing touches? Contact your real estate agent for some recommended contractors.
- Get out and explore your new surroundings in more detail.
- Introduce yourself to your neighbours and start making new friends!
It’s hard to believe you’ve accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. Now, your new task is to figure out how you will celebrate your new adventure with your family and newfound friends! In a city with as many amenities as Peterborough offers, you are sure to find an outlet that everyone will enjoy.
Relocating from one city to another doesn’t have to feel like a monumental project. An experienced local Realtor® can provide you with everything you need to make the process as hands-off as you want. If you have any questions about relocating to Peterborough, we are here to help! Reach out to us at team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to get started today.
