Leaving Toronto: 7 tips for preparing for your cross country move



    Are you planning a cross-country move from Toronto to another city? Transferring across the country is exciting but exhausting work. First of all, make sure you have a moving checklist if you are leaving Toronto. It will make you organized, and you will be sure you didn’t leave anything out. After that, declutter your home. This will make packing easier and reduce the costs associated with moving. Start packing in advance. Use good quality packing materials and clearly label your boxes. This enables you to find items easily once you get to your new home. If you are leaving Toronto, relocation companies Canada residents usually hire are there to help you. They provide for the safe and efficient movement of your property. Don’t forget to change e-mails and update the mail where the necessary documents of the domicile will be sent: driver’s license and insurance policies.

    Research your new climate before leaving Toronto

    If you’re coming from Toronto, bring a variety of clothing. The huge size of Canada makes sure you pass through all the types of climatic conditions. What follows is what to expect and what you need to prepare.

    Heading west? Then say goodbye to those Toronto winters that freeze you and say hello to the ones that just nip at your heels. Rain will be your best friend, so make sure your fashion is layered with water-proof, breathable coverings. Good rainwear and a quality dehumidifier will make things cozy for you.

    Moving east? Pack heavier winter coats and thermals. Also, be prepared to make some changes in your home: Consider buying thermal curtains and doubling the insulation to hold the cool out, and the warmth in.

    Lake between mountains and forest.

    A new climate requires new clothes so diversify your attire when leaving Toronto’s weather behind.

    Adapting to a new climate is more important when moving to another city with a more diverse climate like, for example, when you are moving from Toronto to St John’s NL. However, once you’ve settled in, you will find beauty in every season.

    Understandably, preparation is key. Whether it is a wet landscape from the rainy season that you can get on the west or an icy sheet of snow on the east, researching and preparing before you go will help you adapt faster.

    Update health records

    One of the things to do before moving from Toronto is putting everything in place for your health needs. First, get copies of all your health records. This includes a medical history of immunization for your kids and yourself. The records are very important for registration with a new healthcare provider. Secondly, establish the kind of health coverage and the nature of the services the province of destination gives. Understanding this nature will save you from surprises. Find a new healthcare provider as soon as you know your new address. Your current doctor can give some recommendations, or you may use online help. Be patient: the search for the right provider for the family may take you some time.

    A doctor with crossed arms.

    Prioritize health records to maintain care continuity when relocating.

    Preparation is crucial when moving healthcare. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your new provincial health coverage and transfer your records. A small amount of planning can make sure there is an easy move in addressing the health needs of your family. Taking care of these details is a key step for a happy and healthy start in your new home. Updating your health records will give you peace of mind especially in long-distance moves, like if you are moving from Toronto to Saskatoon.

    Address change notifications

    Updating your address with the most important agencies in the new province is another task you have to complete when leaving Toronto. You could get mail forwarding setup through Canada Post. But, as they say, the devil is in the details, which include the OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan), the driver’s license, and vehicle registration.

    First things first, tackle your health insurance. OHIP needs to know where you’re off to. A simple address update makes sure that you and your family stay covered, with no hiccups. It’s easy to update your information online or with a quick call. Next stop: your Ontario driver’s license. More than giving you the right to assume control of a steering wheel, this little card is often your major ID. But luckily, changing your address using one notification for your driver’s license and vehicle registration will help you do two things at once.

    You can knock out both with a quick visit to the Service Ontario website or in person at a local branch.

    Consider these not as added bureaucratic changes, but as those that will make your move an easy one. From healthcare down to driving, you’ve got the bases covered.

    Understand tax implications

    The other thing that you will have to realize when you move out of Toronto is the taxation. Every Canadian province has its tax rates, together with the rules. Hence, your moving will influence the situation with the income tax that you will have. This is the part of your moving plan that is related to how your finances will adjust to a new provincial tax landscape.

    Firstly, consider the income tax rates. They can vary widely from province to province. This difference will affect how much your take-home pay at the end of the day would be. This difference, as mentioned, is very important to be known. It makes you sure that at the time of tax payment, you would not come under any sudden surprise. And don’t forget the sales tax on top of it! The sum of Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), Goods and Services Tax (GST), and Provincial Sales Tax (PST) comes up to influence your daily expenses from groceries to consumption of services.

    White sign with "TAXES" written on it

    Navigating financial shifts and tax awareness is very important when leaving Toronto.

    This change might seem small at first glance but can add up over time, influencing your budgeting and spending habits. Thus, your best bet is to speak with a tax professional. They are going to advise to make sure there is no guesswork in financial planning. Tax experts will look at the specific situations of the taxpayer to point out any possible tax benefits or tax obligations that might come out of the arrival in a new province. You shouldn’t worry about taxes if you are moving from Toronto to Regina SK, based on its low sales tax.

    Prepare for transportation changes

    Adapting to the changes in the transport system is key. Vehicle ownership will come in handy if you are moving to a city that has fewer developments in infrastructure, like if you are moving from Toronto to Thunder Bay ON. Change also entails the aspect of maintenance, insurance, and parking logistics, not only at the point of purchasing an automobile.

    On the other hand, maybe the next place of residence will be in Vancouver, which is known for an effective and efficient system of public transport. Then, most probably, daily usage of a private vehicle could be reduced. Buses in Vancouver link every section of the city with a SkyTrain and SeaBus service, giving access to an unpolluting and convenient travel mode for those not traveling with their car, hence saving big on gas, insurance, and parking.

    A traffic jam

    Adapt to new transit rhythms in your post-Toronto life.

    Whatever your destination, adaptation to the local transportation realities is paramount. A town with a good public transit framework means delving into monthly passes and smartphone apps for route planning. It will also be very valuable in other local areas when you learn, even, about local traffic laws or information about electric vehicle charging stations.

    From embracing the local culture of transport, you will get an easy time in your daily routines and even aid in getting to know your new community at a deeper level. Whether you learn the best times to travel, the most scenic routes, or just all the more etiquette of shared space with fellow commuters, integrating into the local transport ecosystem goes a step further toward making your new city feel like home.

    Cultural adjustments

    The lively multicultural setup of Toronto and the host of cultural activities it throws up would set a very high standard for any other city. But moving from Toronto to Fredericton New Brunswick doesn’t mean stepping down from cultural richness. Fredericton offers cultural enrichment in a cozy, friendly setting with its unique blend of history and modernity. Researching Fredericton’s cultural scene is a great start. The town is home to a prolific and proud artistic community, with local galleries featuring native and indigenous arts, to live music filling up the downtown core. One of the city’s evidence of its great music scene is the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, where the audience gathers with the artists from every corner.

    The community groups and social activities of Fredericton offer a much closer ambiance to cultural involvement. Engaging in local hobby groups or community events will bring about more opportunities—ideal for sharing with the local culture and people. In comparison, the culture in Toronto has even found this very diversity and has established it as a worldwide mosaic of food, arts, and festivals.

    Two people talking in a club after leaving Toronto.

    Engage in local community events to fit more easily in your new town.

    Fredericton offers visitors a very intimate cultural experience and a community so tight-knit that you’re not just a face in the crowd. You are part of the community. Well, if you are ready to embrace cultural changes, then be ready to have new experiences as well. Be sure to explore and take in the cultural offers of Fredericton; they have a world-class arts scene and local traditions that are not to be missed.

    Hire a moving company familiar with cross-country moves

    It would only be reasonable to hire a moving company with cross-country experience and all the logistics it needs if you are moving from one province to another. Look for a company that can easily understand and maneuver all the logistics of moving from province to province, which includes knowing all the regulations and restrictions on moving household items between provincial lines. Ensuring that the company will be in a position to meet your special needs, like packing for delicate items or even ensuring the shipment of vehicles, is going to be secured. Here are some of the tips:

    • Experience: Choose a company with a solid track record in long-distance relocations.
    • Equipment: Check if they have the right equipment to transport your belongings safely.
    • Services: Make sure they offer services that match your needs, including packing, storage, and vehicle transportation.
    • Insurance: Verify that they provide adequate insurance coverage for your items during the move.

    If you are looking for a reliable moving company, long distance moving companies Toronto residents trust provide everything you will need for your next move, so you can focus on more important things.

    A professional mover next to a white van ready to help you when leaving Toronto.

    Long-distance moving companies in Toronto are there for you if you are leaving Toronto.

    Practical tips if you are leaving Toronto

    Leaving Toronto across the country would be a major life transition. The person would have to be ready for lots of planning and preparing well to adjust and also cope with challenges that will come along the journey. From updating the address and health records to understanding the tax implications and cultural adjustments, every step counts for an easy move. Hiring a well-established moving company with good experience in long-distance relocation pays. Any of the long-distance moving companies in Toronto are equipped to take over the logistics and provide support. With thorough organization and preparation beforehand, you might be able to turn this dreadful task into an exciting adventure. Head out on that adventure and look forward to all the new experiences and opportunities in your new dwelling.

    Get a Free Estimate for your Moving!

    Get Quote



      Contact Us

        Our Moncton branch

        400 English Dr Unit 201, Moncton, NB E1E 3Y9, Canada

        Our Markham branch

        500 Esna Park Dr UNIT 11, Markham, ON L3R 1H5, Canada

        Our Concord branch

        582 Rivermede Rd Unit 1-3, Concord, ON L4K 2H5, Canada

        Our Calgary branch

        3352 47 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2B 2W1, Canada

        Our Surrey branch

        19130 24 Ave unit 107, Surrey, BC V3S 3S9, Canada

        Car icon Get free
        quote