BC Real Estate Moves
When it comes to real estate, there are no small moves. Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, moving across the province or to the house down the street, moving is a lot of work!
Moving often involves a handful of third parties (Notary, Realtor, bank, cleaners, movers), a full schedule of appointments, dozens of boxes, countless hours of packing, and hundreds of little “extras” that need to be arranged or checked off a list.
Whether you’re a new homeowner and want to know where to start, or an existing real estate owner looking to make a move between houses, there will be lots to do. This is why the process of moving can sometimes feel daunting… but the key to staying sane during your move is (1) to hire trustworthy and knowledgeable professionals and to (2) stay organized!
1. Krische & Co. Notaries can assist you with the legal part of your sale and purchase of real estate (including clearing title, accounting for trust money, distributing funds, registering purchase and mortgage documents at the land title office) so that you can focus your move.
2. For your convenience, Krische & Co. Notaries has compiled an easy one-page Moving Checklist BC, Canada edition to help existing real estate owners and new homeowners remember everything.
Moving Checklist BC
Advance-Planning, Appointments & Logistics
- Hire a BC Notary or lawyer – Pro Tip: for great service, contact Krische & Co. Notaries 604-576-3211
- Schedule signing appointment (for a few days before your Completion date).
- Obtain a bank draft for the balance of your purchase down payment and closing costs (your Notary will advise you of the amount)
- Sign mortgage documents with your lender/ mortgage broker (purchase)
- Pack – Pro Tips: take photos of electronics before unplugging them so that you know how to hook them up again; label all boxes (item name and room they belong in) so you can easily unpack; pack valuable items separately so you can personally transport those items on moving day; pack an “essentials” bag with snacks, toilet paper, clothes, medications, and phone charger.
- Arrange moving company.
- Arrange cleaners.
- Arrange for storage of your stuff, if required. (ex: extended time between sale and purchase)
- Arrange key release/pick up time and location with your realtor (for your possession date).
- Plan childcare, pet care – Pro tip: if you are completing a local move and have young kids and/or pets, it can be easier to move and unpack while kids and pets are elsewhere. If possible, arrange for family/friends to babysit on moving day.
- Empty your safety deposit box at the bank (if you are moving out of town).
- Schedule the day off work (moving day), if required.
- Book the elevator (if moving into /out of a condominium).
- Address minor home repairs (sale), if required by the real estate contract.
Provide Notice of Move
- Driver’s License & BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) – Pro Tip: the law requires you to update your address within 10 days of moving. You can update both ICBC and Health Insurance BC online, here.
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Phone company
- Bank(s)
- Credit Card companies
- Employer / Pension Plans / Professional Associations
- Clubs (rotary, athletic, recreational)
- Child(ren)’s School
- Memberships, Rewards, Subscription & Delivery Services (ex: Costco, Amazon, Airmiles, PayPal, Shoppers, Transit Pass, library, wine club, magazine/book subscriptions)
- Medical practitioners (doctor, dentist, optometrist, pharmacist)
- Canada Post – Pro Tip: set-up mail-forwarding to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Cancellations (& Reconnections)
- Insurance – Pro tip: cancel / commence house insurance, effective as at your Completion date.
- Electric (BC Hydro)
- Private utilities, if applicable (Water, Gas)
- Internet & Cable provider
Download a pdf version of the Moving Checklist BC (as shown above).
