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THE ULTIMATE MOVING CHECKLIST

Moving to a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming. To make the transition smoother, start planning 8-6 weeks before the big day. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide you through the logistics, packing, and notifications, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your move.

8-6 Weeks Before Moving Day

Logistics

1. Set a Moving Budget:
Determine how much you can afford to spend on your move. Include expenses for moving services, supplies, and any unexpected costs that may arise.

2. Choose a Moving Company:
Research local moving companies. Read reviews, compare rates, and check their availability to find the best fit for your needs.

3. Book Movers and Truck:
Once you've chosen a moving company, book them well in advance. If you plan to rent a truck, reserve it at the same time.

4. Schedule Moving Day Off Work:
Take a day off work to oversee the move. If you’re enlisting friends or family to help, make sure they’re available on moving day too.

Purge and Pack

1. Declutter Ruthlessly:
Start by sorting through your belongings. Donate or sell items you no longer need or use. This will lighten your load and simplify packing.

2. Gather Packing Supplies:
Collect boxes, tape, labels, and packing materials. Check with local stores for free boxes or purchase supplies from moving companies.

3. Research Packing Hacks:
Look up efficient packing strategies to save time and space. Techniques like rolling clothes or using towels as padding can make a big difference.

4. Start Packing Non-Essentials:
Begin packing items you won’t need immediately, labeling boxes by room. This will help you stay organized and make unpacking easier.

New Place

1. Research Your New Neighborhood:
Get to know your new area. Check out local amenities, grocery stores, schools, and public transport options to help you settle in.

2. Measure Doorways and Furniture:
Ensure that your furniture will fit through doorways and into your new space. This will save you from headaches on moving day.

3. Schedule Utility and Internet Transfers:
Contact utility companies to schedule the transfer or installation of services like electricity, water, gas, and internet for your new home.

6-4 Weeks Before Moving Day

Notify of Upcoming Move

1. Change of Address:
Submit a Change of Address form to Canada Post to ensure your mail is forwarded to your new home.

2. Update Your Contact Information:
Notify work, school, family, and friends of your new address to keep communication seamless.

Utilities & Home Services

  • Electricity

  • Water

  • Gas

  • Internet, Phone & Cable

  • Garbage Removal

  • Lawn Service

  • Move-out Cleaning

Finances

  • Bank & Credit Unions

  • Credit Cards

  • Loan Agencies

Subscriptions & Memberships

  • Gym, Clubs & Organizations

  • Streaming Services

Insurances & Service Providers

  • Homeowner & Renters Insurance

  • Car Insurance

  • Health & Dental Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Doctors, Dentists & Veterinarians

  • Accountants

  • Attorneys

  • Online Shopping Accounts

Government Agencies

  • Update Your Address with ICBC

  • Canada Revenue Services

Conclusion

By following this 8-6 week moving checklist, you can tackle the logistics, packing, and necessary notifications with confidence. Take each step at your own pace, and remember that planning ahead will help reduce stress as you transition to your new home. Happy moving!

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Buyers remain cautious to begin the fall market


Home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver1 declined 3.8 per cent year over year in September, suggesting recent reductions in borrowing costs are having a limited effect in spurring demand so far.

Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR)2 reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,852 in September 2024, a 3.8 per cent decrease from the 1,926 sales recorded in September 2023. This was 26 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,502).

“Real estate watchers have been monitoring the data for signs of renewed strength in demand in response to recent mortgage rate reductions, but the September figures don’t offer the signal that many are watching for,” Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics said. “Sales continue trending roughly 25 per cent below the ten-year seasonal average in the region, which, believe it or not, is a trend that has been in place for a few years now. With the September data, sales are now tracking slightly below our forecast however, but we remain optimistic sales will still end 2024 higher than 2023.”

There were 6,144 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in September 2024. This represents a 12.8 per cent increase compared to the 5,446 properties listed in September 2023. This was also 16.7 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (5,266).

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 14,932, a 31.2 per cent increase compared to September 2023 (11,382). This is 24.2 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (12,027).

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for September 2024 is 12.8 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 9.1 per cent for detached homes, 16.9 per cent for attached, and 14.6 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“With some buyers choosing to stay on the sidelines, inventory levels have sustained the healthy gains achieved over the course of this year, providing much more selection to anyone searching for a home,” Lis said.

With all this choice available, prices have trended sideways for the past few months. The September figures, however, are now showing modest declines across all segments on a month over month basis. This downward pressure on prices is a result of sales not keeping pace with the number of newly listed properties coming to market, which has now put the overall market on the cusp of a buyers’ market. With two more policy rate decisions to go this year, and all signs pointing to further reductions, it’s not inconceivable that demand may still pick up later this fall should buyers step off the sidelines.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,179,700. This represents a 1.8 per cent decrease over September 2023 and a 1.4 per cent decrease compared to August 2024.

Sales of detached homes in September 2024 reached 516, a 9.8 per cent decrease from the 572 detached sales recorded in September 2023. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,022,200. This represents a 0.5 per cent increase from September 2023 and a 1.3 per cent decrease compared to August 2024.

Sales of apartment homes reached 940 in September 2024, a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to the 988 sales in September 2023. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $762,000. This represents a 0.8 per cent decrease from September 2023 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to August 2024.

Attached home sales in September 2024 totalled 378, a 7.4 per cent increase compared to the 352 sales in September 2023. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,099,200. This represents a 0.5 per cent decrease from September 2023 and a 1.8 per cent decrease compared to August 2024. Post written by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
DOWNLOAD THE SEPTEMBER 2024 STATS PACKAGE

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Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.