Your guide to moving to a new city

So, after much deliberation, you’ve made a decision – you’re up and leaving your hometown and moving to a new city. As if the decision process wasn’t hard enough, now you’re faced with having to get everything in order before your big move. While the experience is stressful (to say the least), the more prepared you are, the less daunting it will be. Here is your guide to moving to new a city.

1. Research moving companies

Don't just settle on any moving company – do your research! Call multiple movers, read the reviews online and be sure to get a quote in writing. This should be one of the very first steps you take. Moving companies can get busy (especially in the summer months), so make sure you secure a date as soon as possible. When calling different companies, make sure you ask about storage, insurance and guarantee for the delivery date.

On moving day, offer the movers some cold beverages. Moreover, make sure you have some cash on hand to tip them. This will also ensure that they'll go the extra mile to care for your items.

2. Reserve an elevator

If you're moving to or from an apartment or condo, don't forget to reserve the elevator for the day. Be aware of the building's moving restrictions – like day and time limitations – prior to booking the moving company.

3. Notify the post office and update accounts

Obviously you’ll have a new address, and while your family and friends may be the first to know it, it’s imperative you give the post office your forwarding address. Visit your local post office or change your address online so you don’t miss out on any important mail.

In addition to notifying the post office, you'll need to update all your current accounts – banks, magazines or newspapers you subscribe to, creditors, insurance and utility companies.

3. Transfer vital information

Moving to a new city requires that you get a new family physician, dentist, and if you have children, you'll need to register them at a new school. Ask your doctors, and your children's school to transfer the records. It also doesn't hurt to get copies for yourself.

4. Unload the unnecessary

When it comes to moving to a new city, less is more. A moving company can cost an arm and a leg, so it's wise to minimize the amount of items you bring with you.

Packing is one of the most challenging aspects of moving. "Packing was the hardest thing for me — how do you bring everything you need?" says Jackie Marchildon, a former student who moved from Toronto to Aarhus, Denmark for an exchange program. "I forgot to pack a towel so my first shower abroad was rough."

5. Pack a separate bag of essentials

One way to avoid forgetting the essentials (like a bath towel), is to pack a full week's worth of clothing and supplies, this way when you arrive at your new home you won't have to scramble to locate all your clothes and items. Pack things like pajamas, toothpaste, a cell phone charger and bathing essentials like body soap, shampoo and conditioner.

6. Label... everything

It's also helpful to keep everything organized. Label boxes, marking what each box contains and if it needs delicate care. You can also use different colour garbage bags for different things so you can easily distinguish between items. For example, use black bags for trash and white bags for clothing.

Also, make sure you give yourself ample time to pack and organize your belongings. "If I could give one tip to people moving to a new city, I would tell them to be as organized as possible. Moving isn’t that hard, it just requires some planning. Don’t pack the day before (like I did). Organize all your belongings in such a way that will make unpacking easier too."

7. Take measurements

Consider the space you’re moving into. If you’re working with less square footage, you may not have room for all the furnishings you currently have. Considering the costs of moving, it's important that you not only bring what's necessary – but what fits. Measure large furniture and be absolutely certain it will fit in your new space and through the door.

8. Keep your receipts

Moving is going to cost you – from your moving truck, to gas (or even a plane ticket) and boxes. Get a binder to house all of your receipts and other important moving documents. Not only does this allow you to keep tabs on your expenditures and ensure you're keeping within your budget, but some moving expenses are tax deductible, so keep good records for tax time.

9. Meet locals

After you've settled in, get out there and meet new people. Viosa Barileva, who has had her fair share of experience in moving to new cities (she moved from Albania to Toronto, then Toronto to Kitchener, and Kitchener to Oakville), offered some advice: "Take your kids to the community centre to find activities and events to participate in. This will allow both you and your children to meet new people... be patient and keep an open mind and you’ll begin to adapt and fit into your new surroundings pretty quickly."

According to Marchildon, one way to keep an open mind is to "say yes to doing new things, all the time. Admittedly I was scared and a little shy when I first arrived, but after a week, I was constantly out and about and loving the city."

10. Immerse yourself in your new neighbourhood

In addition to meeting locals, explore your neighbourhood and find out where all the essentials are. Where is the grocery store? What cafes are in the area? What's the best running route? The sooner you become part of the community and discover your surroundings, the sooner you'll feel at home.

11. Have a checklist

Moving is stressful. With so much to do, it's easy to forget some of the finer details. Make sure you keep a checklist of all the things you need to do leading up to your big move, like the one below. A printable version is available here.