Are the Maritimes calling your name? Are you dreaming of making the move to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia or PEI? With skyrocketing house prices across Ontario and indeed many parts of Canada, home owners and renters alike are increasingly looking east to start a new life. With affordable housing, low density, a beautiful coastal environment and a slower pace of life, it’s no surprise more and more people are flocking to the Maritimes.
But moving is not something to be taken lightly, and the process requires good planning and preparation. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home so you can move to a new province, our team is here to help. The Gould Team has roots in the Maritime provinces and can connect you to the professionals you need out east to help ensure your big move goes smoothly.
Checklist for Moving to a New Province
Do Your Research – Take time to compare the different cost of living in different provinces. You’ll need to know how much you can afford and what kind of salary you can expect to make. Think about what amenities you want to have access to, and which areas have good schools if you have a family. Research things like safety and crime so you can choose a good neighbourhood to settle down in.
Get your home ready for sale – If you’re selling your house in order to move to the Maritimes, be sure to read our comprehensive guide on preparing your home for sale and many other helpful tips for sellers on our blog.
Give Notice to Service Providers – Make a list of all of the service providers who will need to know that you’re moving, such as utilities, cable, internet and your mobile phone. Inform your bank, credit card and insurance companies and, if possible, ask them to set up an account for you in your new province. If you receive benefits such as pensions or EI, notify them about your move. Once you have a new address, don’t forget to contact Elections Canada.
Shipping your stuff – Declutter as much as you can and pack up the rest for shipping. The Gould Team can connect you with reputable movers to ship your stuff to the Maritimes, and can organize temporary storage if you have not yet found a new place to live. If you don’t have a lot of stuff, you can rent a U-Haul and drive to the Maritimes yourself.
Enrol in Healthcare – Each province in Canada has its own healthcare, and when you move you’ll need to enrol in your new provincial system. Some provinces require you to be resident for three months before you are covered, but your previous province will cover your medical expenses if any arise. Before you leave, contact your doctor and ask about transferring medical records.
Convert your Driver’s License – Like your health card, you’ll also need to convert your current driver’s license in your new province, typically within 30-90 days. Don’t forget you’ll also need new license plates for your car (if you are taking your vehicle with you).
Adapt to the New Culture – Moving is an exciting adventure full of promise. But on the flip side, it takes time to adapt to a different culture and demographics. Moving from a big city to a small town can be a hard adjustment (and vice versa). Try to learn about the local customs and give yourself time to settle in. The Maritimes is known for its friendly and welcoming people so we hope the transition won’t be difficult.
Prepare for a Different Climate – Depending on where you go, you may have to adapt to new weather and a climate that you are not accustomed to. For example, if you’ve always lived in the mild winters of the GTA, you’ll have a lot more snow to deal with in a place like St. Johns, Newfoundland, for example. Read and learn as much as you can before you go so you’ll know what to expect and be ready for it.
Contact us today if you’re planning your move to the Maritimes. We can help you with the successful sale of your home, and connect you with professionals out east to assist you in your move.
