There are fewer things in life that are as tough and stressful as moving to a new city. Now imagine if you're moving to a big city such as Brampton for the first time and with your kids. This would surely get your stress levels to rise by 10 times, right? You’ll have to convince your kids about moving to this big city plus make sure they're comfortable and safe throughout the whole transition.
But don’t worry, new residents of Brampton! We’ve prepared a handy moving checklist so you can move easily to Brampton with your little ones. So, without further ado, let’s begin!
6 to 12 Months Before the Move
1. Casually Start the House-Hunting Process
It’s best that you start preparing for your big move to Brampton early - at least before 6 to 12 months. At this stage, you must casually begin preparing to buy your new home in Brampton. After all, this is going to be one of the most complicated parts of the move. First, you must do the math and figure out how much home you can afford in Brampton. Make sure to calculate the other ongoing expenses while preparing this home-buying budget. Next, check how far you’re on that down payment savings and if you have a good enough credit score. Another task you can tick off your list at this point is deciding what kind of home you want to buy in Brampton and in which neighbourhood.
2. Look for a Job if You Haven’t Landed One Yet
If you don’t have a job lined up in Brampton yet, it’s time you start looking. You would want to be financially stable before moving to such a big city with a high cost of living. But in case you’re planning on being a stay-at-home parent, you can skip this step.
3 to 6 Months Before the Move
3. Seriously Start the Home-Buying Process
Trust us, you do not want to be looking for your new home a month before you’re moving to the city. This is why start the home-buying process early, at least 3 to 6 months before the big move. Since Brampton is a completely new city for you, make sure that you’re hiring a Realtor. Local Realtors will know about all the neighbourhoods in the city and can help you quickly find and buy a house that fits your needs and budget.
Also, ask your kids to join along while finding your new home. Show them your shortlisted options and ask them which one they like the most. This way, they will feel more excited and included in the decision to move to Brampton.
4. Look For a School For Your Kids
You should also look for schools for your little ones 3 to 6 months before the move. Brampton has a lot of good schools located throughout the city, both public and private. So, rest assured, you won’t have a hard time finding one.
2 Months Before the Move
5. Get The School Registration Task Done
Now, tick the school registration task off your list. You must get in touch with the authorities of the school and see what paperwork needs to be done. Make sure once the registration is complete, you double-check the enrolment details. Also, if possible take your kids to visit the school before the registration. This way, the kids can get an actual feel of the place and take a tour of the entire school. This will also give them a chance to take a look at their new city, Brampton.
6. Go Through Your Belongings
On one long weekend, go through all your belongings and see what you want to keep, sell, or donate. We’re sure you would find at least one old pair of jeans or vintage furniture that is worth not carrying to your new home. Basically, you should do away with anything that you haven’t used in the last year. Get your kids to do this same sorting and organizing task as you. Ask them which clothes, toys, or other items they want to keep and which they want to do away with. Trust us, this would save you a lot of stress when you start packing.
7. Start Packing the Non-Essentials
You can start packing the things you don’t use daily at this point. These non-essential items could be anything - seasonal clothes, extra kitchenware, and anything else that you won’t need right away. Also, as you pack, make sure you label each box mentioning the contents like “Winter Clothes.”
1 Month Before the Move
8. Notify Those Who Need to Know
Don’t forget to inform the important people in your life that you’re moving - your friends, family, neighbours, and everyone. Ask your kids to do the same with their friends. If possible, host a small gathering at your home for the last time and invite all your closed ones. Within this “people to notify list” are also your bank, insurance providers, utility companies, and subscription services. Update them about your move-in date and new Brampton address.
9. Hire The Company/Professional Who Will Help You Move
Now is the time to hire the moving company which will get your belongings safely to your new home. The moving company you hire should be reliable, and insured, and should have experience with moves similar to yours.
2 Weeks Before the Move
10. Time to Pack All the Other Things
The moving day is getting near - it’s time to pack up the rest of your things, besides the non-essentials. Make sure you keep a box containing the things you and your kids will need as soon as you arrive in the new home. These could be toothbrushes, a change of clothes, medicines, snacks, and anything your family might need during the move.
11. Deep Clean Your Old Home
You wouldn’t want the new owners of your home to step foot on the property and complain “Damn, the old owners kept the home dirty,” right? So, make sure you thoroughly clean each and every corner of your home after you’re done packing. Once the cleaning is done, do a final walkthrough to ensure you’re not leaving anything behind.
Moving Day
12. Stick to the Schedule as Planned
We’re sure you’ve planned a schedule for the moving day; you must stick to it. If you’ve already planned that one of you will drive the kids once the moving truck reaches your new home, follow through with that. This could be easier and stress-free for your little ones. You must pack enough snacks, water, books, or toys for the kids to keep them occupied.
But make sure someone stays on top of the moving process. You must double-check if all the boxes, bags, and other items are kept in the moving truck. Once that is done, drive alongside the moving truck in your car.
By now, you’ll successfully move into your new home in Brampton - congrats! Make sure you pack the box with the essentials first and leave the rest of the unpacking for the next day. In the next few days, you must try to arrange and settle the kid’s room first after the kitchen and bathroom. Once everything is set in your new home, take your kids around the city and enjoy the best that Brampton offers.