Are you considering moving to a different province? The adventure of a lifetime may be just around the corner. Life in a new area, however, comes with several adjustments. Be thorough in your research and planning to ensure your move is a success. Here are 6 things to consider....

Cost of living

The cost of living can vary in a big way from coast to coast.  For starters, if you're not already moving for an employment opportunity, make sure one exists that will support your new lifestyle. Make sure when you’re looking into your move you consider the cost of your essentials and things included in your day-to-day life. Food, shelter, clothing, footwear, and recreation, to name a few. Click here for a table showing the inflation rate in each province in each category for the last few years. You can edit this to only show your province and the province you’re looking to move to.

Moving Costs

You’re probably already familiar with moving between towns or even just across town. These types of moves are typically charged by the hour and are most likely accomplished in a day or two. Moving to a different province, however, can cost a whole lot more…. but it may not have to. Here are three ways to do it: 1. Rent a truck and do it yourself. 2. Use a moving container that you pack, and the moving company moves 3. Hire a full-scale moving company to handle everything for you so you can focus on other aspects of your life-changing event. If you’re moving for work ask about relocation expenses, some places will take care of this for you! It’s always worth inquiring about, these moves can number in the $1000’s.

Home Services and Utilities

You’ll need to make sure the province and area you are moving to are serviced by the companies you are currently with. Usually, you can perform a port and have cable and internet services disconnected and re-connected in your new home. However, if you’re outside of your service provider’s coverage area, then you’ll need to give your 30-day cancellation notice and start your research. As for your cell, you’ll need to get that number changed and update your database.

Driver’s License and Plate Registration

Driver's licenses are issued by each province independently. As soon as you get to your new province, it's important to update it. For most provinces, you have 60-90 days to change your license, but times vary, so make sure you check the grace period for the province you're moving to. You should also consider your car insurance. In some provinces, such as Saskatchewan or British Columbia, there is government insurance, but others, such as Quebec, don't.  This means private insurance is required. Furthermore, if you do not drive, many provinces, such as Ontario or Alberta, will issue you a Photo Card that you can use as identification.

Healthcare

Socialized healthcare is standard in Canada. However, each province has its own public system. Register as soon as you can after arrival, as the process can vary from a couple of weeks to a couple of months depending on the province you’re in. Also, double-check your current coverage to make sure you will still be covered in the meantime. Protip – if your new coverage excludes something you take, ask a medical professional if there is an appropriate substitute.

Provincial Resources

Lastly, you live in one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world and each province has something to offer as a place to call home. Check out the list of resources below for more on where you hope to call home.

Alberta – Moving to Alberta

British Columbia - Start Your Life In BC

Ontario – Getting Settled in Ontario

Saskatchewan - Moving to Saskatchewan

Manitoba - Moving to Manitoba

New Brunswick - Moving to New Brunswick

Quebec - Moving to Quebec

 The Agent Gordon Team has access to a number of trusted realtors across Canada. If you are considering an out-of-province move, email us at info@agentgordon.com and we will refer you to an agent in your desired city.