February 20, 2019

Are you planning on relocating to Toronto in the near future?

A new city represents a fresh start—and an opportunity for adventure. If Toronto is the place you’re about to call home, you have an almost infinite number of reasons to get excited. That said, moving can be a frustrating process–even if your new locale is one of the most exciting cities in North America. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to simplify your move and get to know your surroundings quickly.

If you’re moving to Toronto—whether it’s for work, family, or a change of scenery—you can streamline the process with my relocation guide….

Do your homework

First thing’s first: make sure you choose the right neighbourhood. There are many incredible communities in Toronto, which is why making a decision can seem so daunting. You’ll probably want to start by selecting a few areas that will provide you with a convenient commute. Once you’ve done that, you can further narrow down your list based on the vibe you’re looking for. Lively and central? Quiet and family-friendly? Somewhere hip with a village feel? Do some digging to find out the character of the neighbourhoods you’re considering, as well average home prices and local TTC routes. Your agent will be invaluable to you at this stage!

Budget for upcoming expenses

Let’s be honest: even the most organized among us tend to get stressed during the first month after a move. To make things easier on yourself, set aside enough money for your first thirty days in Toronto. Once you’ve settled on a home, estimating your expenses shouldn’t be too difficult. Simply make a list of any deposits, bills, and living costs you’ll have to pay. To get an idea of what you should put aside for utilities, ask the current owner of you new home what they typically pay. When it comes to cost-of-living questions, talk to Toronto friends or acquaintances—better yet, ask your real estate agent!

Figure out the details of your move

The actual logistics of moving can be incredibly annoying. Should you hire a mover, or rent a truck? And is paying a professional to help you pack worth the cost? In Toronto, you can generally expect to pay anywhere between $2000 and $3000 for a high-quality mover. To get professional assistance during the packing stage, it’s closer to $2000. Of course, it all depends on the specifics—like how much stuff you own. Whatever decisions you make about how you’ll get your stuff from point a to point b, just ensure that you make them well in advance of your moving date!

Pack strategically

If you’ve ever moved before, you probably know how headache-inducing the process can be. Luckily, taking a bit of extra care when you’re packing up your belongings can dramatically improve those first few days in your new home. My advice? Pack items from the same room together. You’ll want all of your kitchen stuff in one set of boxes and your bathroom stuff in another. You should also label everything to ensure that the unpacking stage is orderly. I can’t stress this point enough! Lastly, when moving day is right around the corner, you’ll want to pack a bag of essentials (like toothbrushes and towels) to get you through your first couple of mornings and nights.

Take care of the logistics

Whether you’re relocating to Toronto or another city entirely, you’ll want to take care of the little details as far ahead of time as possible. Make a list of everything you need to do—from transferring your utilities to having your mail forwarded. Notify your family doctor, your bank, and every other relevant person and institution you can think of about your move. By helping you update your information and connecting you with new local services, these professionals can make the transition easier—which means you’ll be ready to start off your new life on the right foot!

Want to learn more about relocating to Toronto? From getting to know the market to closing on your dream home, I can help make sure that the process is seamless. Get in touch—I’d love to hear about what you’re looking for!