Eight Tips for Moving to Canada
Moving to a new country can be an incredible experience. New places to explore, new people, to meet, and new adventures to be had. While it is exciting, there is also a lot to consider when moving to a new country, and it is important to be up to date on all you need to know. At TransCanada Movers, we have compiled some of our favourite tips if you are considering an international move.
Research Your New Country
When moving somewhere new, it is important to do as much thorough research as you can on the country and its laws and customs. For example, when moving to Canada, you will want to consider that there are two official languages, and move to a region where you are most comfortable.
You will also want to spend time looking at homes and exploring where you may want to move. Looking at average home prices or costs of rent as well as costs of living can help you budget prior to leaving. This will help make sure that you have enough in your budget to cover the costs of moving and the costs of living for the first few months in your new home.
The more research you do around documentation requirements, potential homes and schools, vaccination requirements and the culture of where you are going, the more exciting and the less daunting the move will be.
Simplify Your Possessions
Moving to a new country is an excellent time to take stock of your possessions and get rid of what you do not need. Eliminating extras will not only reduce the amount that you have to bring with you across the border but can also help you save on moving costs. Many long distance moving quotes are based on the weight of items as well as the distance you are travelling.
Clearly Label & Sort Items
It will help you, your movers, and government officials at the border if your items are sorted and labelled properly. Put your essentials in the moving truck last so that they are the first things you can access in your new home. Label each box with the items that are inside of it, the room it belongs to, and the words “FRAGILE” and “HANDLE WITH CARE” if you are worried about moving expensive items or they are breakable. The more effort you put into packing the easier it will be for you, your movers, and at the border.
International moves require more awareness, preparedness, and knowledge to execute without hiccups. Make sure your items are packed correctly and can withstand the difficulties that come with international moving. Not sure? Ask us for help.
Organize Visas & Relevant Documents
First and foremost, make sure that you have your passport – you won’t get very far without identification. It is also worth it to investigate if you have to switch over your driver’s licence. When moving to Canada, all provinces have their own driver licensing system, and not all provinces will accept international driver’s licenses.
Many countries require that documentation is certified before you arrive. If this is applicable to you, ensure that you have completed this before the move, as trying to do it upon arrival will be more difficult and time-consuming.
Health Care
Find out if you or your family need to have any vaccinations prior to your arrival and make arrangements to get them done. Ensure that you have records of all medical care for yourselves and any dependants. Not only will this help prove you have been vaccinated, but also can be handy in case of emergency.
In addition, it can be important to find out the local names for prescriptions you and your family are on. This way, you can ensure that any necessary medications are available when you are in the middle of your cross-border move, and if not, then you can arrange in advance to have a supply with you (along with documentation).
Forward Your Mail & Change Your Address
Let your friends, family, and any important institutions know about your impending change of address. This includes your local post-office, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, and government agencies in your home country. Give them the new address as well as the estimated date of relocation, and then get your mail forwarded to you. The US Postal Service provides a range of services that can be found here.
Make Arrangements For Pets & Children
Children will need to be removed from school, and transcripts should be retained so that they can be placed in classrooms in Canada.
Depending on where you are coming from, your pets may need to be quarantined prior to arrival. Make sure you get a full itemised list of their treatments and medicine from your vet and arrange for their relocation well in advance.
Stay Organized
Lists are going to be your very best friend when moving across borders. Make lists of what every member of the family should have with them, as well as the items you are packing. Make lists of what is staying behind, and what needs to be cancelled. Arrange for all the documentation that you need to sort out and make lists of who needs to be contacted and what government agencies on both sides of the border need to be aware of.
Above all, savour the moment. You may only make an international move like this across borders once in your life. Remember that TransCanada Movers is here for you every step of the way.
Give us a call at 1-888-433-1335 or Contact Us.