Relocating to a new province is an exciting but daunting task. Before making a move, there are several important factors to consider.
Before considering moving to another province, research is key. You should look for job opportunities and investigate the area’s cost of living, including income tax rates and utilities. Calculate your estimated long-distance move costs by multiplying the total weight of your belongings by the distance to be moved.
Here’s what else you should know before relocating provinces:
Job Market and Economy
Before packing your bags, take some time to research the job market and economy of the new province. Knowing average wages and the cost of living can help you decide if it’s feasible for you to move. Additionally, it’s also helpful to understand any taxes or credits available in your chosen destination. These could save you money over time.
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Last year, the federal government enacted several new housing policies and actions in an attempt to alleviate Canada’s current housing crisis. For instance, the Housing Accelerator Fund was launched in March 2023 with the intention to build 100,000 new homes across the country. London was the first city selected to be part of the fund.
Research the Housing Market
The housing market can vary greatly between provinces, so do your research beforehand. See if prices are within your budget in the area you’re looking at, and try to understand how difficult it is to find a place that fits your needs. Understanding local rental laws and regulations ahead of time can also be helpful if you consider that a viable alternative.
Generally, smaller communities like those in the Maritime provinces, like Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, have cheaper housing options. However, prices in cities such as Vancouver or Toronto are pretty high, with few renters and house sales often going for much higher than the asking price. In contrast, Edmonton is better positioned due to its central location.
Consider the Lifestyle
Remember the lifestyle! You’ll need to get a feel for the culture in the new province and determine if it will be a good fit for you personally. Look into activities such as outdoor recreation and attractions to get an idea of what life would be like there before making your final decision.
There are usually some adjustments to anticipate when moving from one province to another. Expectations include new surroundings, new neighbours, and different work, to name a few. A cultural shock or climate difference can also result from relocating to a new province in Canada. If this is your first time moving, it will take some time.
Organize Your Essentials
The top two essentials when moving are your ID and your utilities! Register your vehicle, switch insurance, and obtain a new licence plate as soon as possible. When moving to a new province in Canada, you will be allowed to drive on your old licence for 60-90 days. After this grace period, you must apply for a new permit issued by the province. Certain provinces (e.g. Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta) can issue ID cards that resemble licences even if you don’t drive.
When moving to a new province, it’s essential to register for a new health card right away, as processing can take weeks or months. Check how long your current health coverage will last and find out the details of your new provincial health plan – it may differ from what you were used to. If a specific medication isn’t covered, ask a medical professional if there is an acceptable substitute.
When it comes to utility providers, give advance notice of cancellation and check meter readings before leaving; contact service providers in the new province for an account setup. Also, remember to coordinate appointments for technicians and furniture/appliance deliveries so that you only need to stay home for one or two days waiting for them and update your home insurance accordingly.
Relocating provinces can be both scary and exhilarating; with careful planning and preparation, however, it could make for a smooth transition! Speak to one of our agents if you have any questions about moving provinces, as they’ll be best positioned to advise you on how to make your move.
