Seamless Move From Ontario to Vancouver

So you’ve decided to move from Ontario to Vancouver. Whether it’s for the scenic mountain views, the diverse culture, a career opportunity, or a more rural life on Vancouver Island, there are many great reasons to move to this multicultural city.

In order to have a smooth move, it’s important to be prepared. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about moving from Ontario to Vancouver, from planning your move to adjusting to your new life on the West Coast.

How do I plan a move from Ontario to Vancouver?

Planning a move from Ontario to Vancouver is just like planning any other long-distance move. That being said, making a long-distance move takes a lot of planning and thought to ensure everything goes smoothly. That’s why we’ve put together the following steps to help guide you through it.

Step 1: Create a Checklist

When planning a long-distance move, it’s really helpful to create a checklist. Each task should have a due date or a realistic timeline for completion. Your checklist might include things like enrolling your kids in their new school, packing up each room, or hiring a moving company. Having a clear timeline will help you stay organized and keep everything on track.

Step 2: Hire a Reputable moving Company

Hiring a reliable moving company is the second and perhaps most important step in planning your long-distance move.

Start by using the researching reputible long-distance moving companies. Contact each one for a quote, and be as specific as possible about your needs to get the most accurate estimate. You’ll need to know the basic details of your move, such as the services you require, the addresses of your current and future homes, and the items being moved. Some companies offer a free detailed evaluation of your home, either in-person or virtually, to provide a precise quote.

Also, check each company’s availability, especially if you prefer a specific moving date. If you’re unsure which company to choose, consider their reputation, reliability, safety, flexibility, and customer service—all things we pride ourselves on at Atlas Van Lines.

Step 3: Declutter

Once you’ve decided on which method you’d like to use to move, it’s time to start decluttering your home. Decluttering is a great opportunity to reduce the amount of stuff you need to move and find some sentimental items you’ll want to keep. Selling, donating, or tossing out things you no longer need can make packing easier and keep your new home less cluttered.

Step 4: Pack Smart

Don’t leave packing until the last minute. Start gathering cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and other packing materials early so you can pack at your own pace. Begin with rooms you rarely use or seasonal items, like packing up winter clothes during the summer. Be extra careful with fragile items, and use soft things like towels, linens, pillows, or clothing to wrap around breakables for added protection.

When packing, be organized. Label each box with what’s inside and which room it goes in at your new place. You might even want to use colour-coded labels for each room to make unpacking easier. Keep a detailed list of what’s in each box, especially if you’re using moving services, so you can make sure everything arrives safely.

Step 5: Sign Up for Your BC Utilities

Before moving day, we recommend setting up your water and hydro utilities so that they’re both turned on for when you arrive at your new home.

For example, BC Hydro is the main energy provider for British Columbia residents. You can easily sign up online through their homepage. To register, you’ll just need your name, the address of your new home, and your billing information.

Step 6: Update Your New Address With Essential Companies

Assuming you’ve already set up a place to live, whether it be a home or rental unit, don’t forget to update your new address with essential companies like your bank, credit card companies, Canada Revenue Agency, and other billing companies.

You can also set up mail forwarding through Canada Post. This way, you won’t have to worry about any of your mail being sent to your Ontario address once you’ve moved all the way to Vancouver. Then, as you receive your forwarded mail, you’ll know exactly where you still need to update your address.

Step 7: Prepare an Essentials Kit

Pack an essentials kit for the first few days after your move. Include toiletries, a few changes of clothes, medications, chargers, snacks, and some entertainment like books or games. This way, you can settle in without needing to unpack everything right away.

Step 8: Plan Your Trip

The final step is to sort out your travel plans. If you’re driving to your new home, this is your chance for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Grab an atlas (or just use Google Maps) and plan out all the places you want to explore on your way to your new home. Just make sure to fill up your gas tank the day before so you can hit the road right after the movers leave.

On the other hand, if you’re flying, make sure to book your tickets well in advance and arrange for your pet if you have one.

What do I need to do once I’ve moved from Ontario to Vancouver?

Once you’ve moved to Vancouver, there are a few things you’ll need to do right away to get yourself situated in your new province.

Set up Phone, Internet, and Cable

Now that you’ve arrived, it’s time to set up your internet (and phone and cable, too, if you want it!). When you move to BC, you’ll find that Telus and Shaw are the top providers of internet, phone, and cable plans in terms of offerings and popularity. You can easily sign up with either Telus or Shaw online through their websites or by calling.

Sign Up For The BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)

One of the first things you should do when moving to Vancouver from Ontario is to get your MSP health services card. All residents of BC must be registered with MSP. By applying for MSP, you’ll receive your BC services card, which you will need to access health services.

You can apply online by completing the MSP coverage form on the BC government website. For each family member who is a Canadian citizen, you’ll need to scan a Canadian birth certificate, passport, citizenship, or certificate as ID.

It may take up to 3 months to process your application. If you prefer to apply in person, use the ICBC office locator to find locations in the Vancouver area.

Sign Up For BC PharmaCare

BC PharmaCare covers a wide range of pharmacy services, medical supplies, and drugs. Any BC resident can join BC PharmaCare if they are registered for MSP and agree that BC PharmaCare can verify their income with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

To apply, you’ll need the Personal Health Number (found on the back of your BC driver’s license or BC services card) of each family member included in the plan. You’ll also need your and your spouse’s Social Insurance Numbers and the income details from your tax returns for the past two years, including your net income and any income from a Registered Disability Savings Plan.

Apply For Your ICBC Driver’s License

When you move from Ontario to British Columbia, you have 90 days to apply for your ICBC driver’s license. Before heading to your nearest ICBC office to fill out the registration forms, make sure you have two of the following pieces of ID with you:

• BC driver’s license or learner’s license
• BC Services Card
• Canadian passport
• Birth certificate

Sign Up For Car Insurance Through ICBC Autoplan Brokers

In British Columbia, Autoplan insurance is only sold through ICBC Autoplan brokers. This public auto insurance coverage includes benefits for vehicle-related accidents for both commercial and personal use.

When you arrive in British Columbia, you have 30 days to register, license, and insure your vehicle at one of the 900 Autoplan brokers across the province. To register, you’ll need to show proof of a valid driver’s license.

Sign Up For Home or Renters Insurance

Your old home insurance provider probably can’t cover you now that you’ve moved to a new province. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare options to find the best home insurance for your needs. If you’re in a rental unit, it’s strongly recommended to get renter’s insurance, as the landlord’s insurance won’t cover you should something happen to all your belongings.

Consider Getting Private Health Insurance

The fact is MSP doesn’t cover everything medical. For example, it doesn’t cover dental care. If you want more coverage, you can buy insurance from a private company or get it through work.

What are some tips for adjusting to life in Vancouver after moving from Ontario?

Vancouver often ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities, and it’s easy to see why with its scenic location. The city’s coastline provides stunning views and great beaches, while the mountains are perfect for hiking and snow sports. Even though Ontario and Vancouver are both part of Canada, there are some differences between the two. Here are some tips for adjusting to your new life in Vancouver.

Prepare For Rain

Vancouver has a mild coastal climate with plenty of rain. It’s wise to invest in good rain gear and warm clothing. And unlike the harsh winters of Ontario, Vancouver itself gets very little snow in the winter. During the rainy season from November to March, expect light to moderate rain and mostly cloudy skies almost every day.

Prepare For Traffic

Vancouver can experience heavy traffic, particularly in the downtown area, during rush hours. Be sure to plan your daily commute with this in mind and consider using public transportation. Vancouver’s public transportation service, Translink, offers buses, the SkyTrain, the West Coast Express commuter train, and the Seabus ferry. Biking is also very prevalent in Vancouver.

Embrace The Culture

BC is a diverse cultural mosaic, with residents from all over the globe. This multiculturalism is evident in its food, festivals, and community events. Vancouver is also famous for having some of the best nightlife in Canada, offering a variety of entertainment options such as live music, comedy shows, nightclubs, and bars.