Thinking of Moving? Key Steps to Prepare for a Big Change

From 2019 to 2021, 2.1 million Canadian households packed up and moved. That’s a lot of boxes! Maybe you’re thinking it’s time for a change too—a new neighbourhood, more space, or even a different city. But let’s be real—change can be downright intimidating.

It’s not just about hiring a moving truck. You might be feeling anxious about how your kids will adapt to a new school, or how hard it’ll be to leave behind friends, neighbours, and all those special memories. Then, of course, there’s the logistics: the cost, the effort, the stress… the list goes on.

So, Where Do You Even Start?

Taking that first step can feel huge, but breaking things down into manageable pieces can make the process way less stressful. Here are a few tips to get started:

• Get Everyone on the Same Page: Whether it’s you and your spouse, partner, or the whole family, make sure everyone’s aligned. Are we moving for better schools? More space? A quieter neighbourhood? Whatever the reason, talk it through so everyone understands the ‘why.’ It helps to have buy-in from all sides—trust me, it’ll make the journey smoother.
• Check Out Commute Times: Picture this: you’ve found the perfect house with the huge backyard, but your commute to work is suddenly 45 minutes longer each way. Not so perfect anymore, right? Before you get too attached to a place, test out the drive times to work, school, and even your favorite coffee shop. My friend Sarah moved closer to her kid’s school but didn’t check the new traffic route for work—she now spends an extra 20 minutes in the car every morning and regrets not doing the research.
• Get a Feel for the Community: Don’t just look at houses—get a sense of what it’s like to actually live in the area. Jump into local Facebook groups, visit the community centre, or even grab coffee at a neighbourhood café. Talk to people who already live there. It’s a great way to pick up on the local vibe—like if that cute street really is as peaceful as it seems on a Sunday afternoon.
• School Districts Matter: If you’ve got kiddos, research the local school districts. We’ve all heard that the right school can make a huge difference, not just academically, but socially too. Ask around, read reviews, and get a sense of whether it’ll be a good fit for your family.
• Do Your Homework: Moving has a lot of moving parts (pun intended). There’s financing, inspections, appraisals, closing costs… the list goes on. Don’t get blindsided—arm yourself with as much info as possible. Talk to a real estate agent (hello, we’re here for that!) and map out what to expect, step by step.

Embrace the Change

Moving is a big deal—there’s no sugar-coating that. But with some planning and a positive mindset, you’ll find that it’s not as daunting as it seems. Before long, you’ll be sitting in your new living room, making new memories, and wondering why you didn’t make the leap sooner.

The road to your new home might feel a little bumpy at first, but trust me—it’s worth the journey.

If you’re ready to explore your options, let’s chat! Whether you’re just starting to think about it or you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to help guide you through the process and make it as smooth as possible. Contact us today to discuss how we can find the perfect home for your next chapter.