7 Steps to a Seamless Relocation

Whatever your reasons for relocating, the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you’ll be changing more than your address. Besides a new house, you may also be searching for new jobs, schools, doctors, restaurants, stores, service providers, and more.

Of course, you’ll need to pack, make moving arrangements, and possibly sell your old home. With so much to do, you may be wondering: Where do I start?

We will guide you through seven steps to help you get prepared, get organized, and get settled
in your new community. Our hope is to alleviate the hassle of relocating—so you can focus on
the exciting adventure ahead!

1. Gather Information

If you’re relocating for a job, find out if your new employer offers any relocation assistance. Some employers will also cover all or a portion of your relocation and moving costs.

By gathering this information up front, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions down the road.

2. Identify Your Ideal Neighbourhoods

We will give you the low down on market trends in Regina and help you identify your ideal neighbourhoods.

Consider factors such as budget; commute time; quality of schools; crime rate; walkability; access to public transportation; proximity to restaurants, shopping, and neighbourhood vibe. Prioritize what is most important to you. Then, we will help you narrow down your options based on our experience of the local market.

3. Find Your New Home (and Sell Your Old One)

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of preferred neighbourhoods, it’s time to start looking for a home. Together we’ll create another list of “needs” and “wants,” but this time for your new home. This will include basic requirements for square footage, bedrooms, and bathrooms, but also other factors that are important to you and your family. An updated kitchen? A large
backyard? Double sinks in the master bathroom? Is a garage important? Organizing these items in order of importance will help us prioritize listings correctly.

Unless you have an unlimited budget, don’t expect to find a home with everything on your list.

If you already own a home, you’ll also need to start the process of selling it or renting it out. If you don’t already have an agent in your current location we can help find one that can also give you an idea of how much equity you have in your current home so you know how much you can afford to spend on your new one.

We can also advise you on how to time your sale and purchase. While some buyers are able to qualify for and cover the costs of two concurrent mortgages, many are not. There are a number of options available, and we can help you determine the best course given your circumstances.

We will walk you through the entire buying process, helping you every step of the way and ensure you are getting the best quality home that fits both your budget and your needs.

4. Prepare for Your Departure

Allow yourself plenty of time to pack up your belongings. Begin with non-essentials—such as off-season clothes or holiday decorations—and sort items into four categories: take, trash, sell and donate/give away.

To make the unpacking process easier, label the top and sides of boxes with helpful information, including the contents of the room it belongs.

If you will be using a moving company, start researching and pricing your options. To ensure an accurate estimate of your final cost, it’s best to have them conduct an in-person walkthrough.

5. Prepare for Your Arrival

We coordinate with the lawyers and once we have a release of the keys we will arrange a time to meet at the property. Make sure you’ve met with your lawyer a week or two prior to the closing date and that you have your insurance in place.

Arrange for your utilities to be turned on – we will provide you with a list of companies to contact.

Arrange to have your mail forwarded.

6. Get Settled In Your New Home

While staring at an endless pile of boxes can feel daunting, take advantage of this opportunity to make a fresh start.

7. Get Involved In Your New Community

Get out and explore. In a 2016 study, recent movers were shown to spend less time on physical activities and more time on their computers, getting out of your house and investigating your new area. And if you travel on foot, you’ll gain the advantages of fresh air and exercise.

Once you’ve developed friendships and a support system within your new neighbourhood, it will truly start to feel like home.

While moving is never easy, these seven steps offer an action plan to get you started on your new adventure and we are here to help you every step of the way.

Moving has been ranked one of the top stressors, above divorce and starting a new job. We look forward to making your relocation experience a positive one.