If you grew up in the charming lakeside town of Westport, ON, and you’re considering a move back, there’s never been a better time. Westport continues to be the beautiful, peaceful, nature-focused area you’ve always known, but now with a few more amenities and brand new cottage-style housing options that make life on the lake just a bit more luxurious.
Whether you are moving from within Ontario or from another part of the country, it’s always good to be prepared before you head out with the moving truck. Even if you are moving back to Westport for the best reasons (like retirement or to raise your children closer to nature), the process can seem overwhelming. Make it easier by breaking up the move into small steps on a checklist. Here are a few suggestions to help you prepare for your move!
Moving Back to Westport, Ontario
Act Like You Already Live There
When you are first considering moving, take some time to visit the area for at least a few days and get reaquainted with the lifestyle. Now is the time to check out the walking distance to downtown, where the top restaurants are, and potentially even the best fishing spots! You should also become familiar with necessities like grocery stores, hospitals, and gas stations.
Calculate Cost of Living
Take a few minutes to calculate your monthly expenses now and compare it to the cost of living in Westport. If you’re coming from major metro areas like Toronto or New York, it’s likely that you’ll save a few dollars, but it’s best to know how a move will impact your financial situation so you can be prepared.
Set Up Your New Home in Advance
If you are buying a new home in Westport, and you’re able to attend closing, spend a few extra days to set up cable, internet, gas, electricity, and any services that you might need right away. When moving day comes, you will be able to settle down right away and relax!
Spread Out the Move
Especially if you’re moving from a distant location, make it easier on yourself by spreading the move out over a couple of days. For example, if you are within a day’s drive of Westport, plan to load the moving truck one day, drive it the next, and unload it the following day. It will be much easier to stay focused and energized if you don’t cram too many activities into one day.
Cut Off Utilities in Your Current Home
Don’t forget to alert your current utility companies that you will no longer be living at that address. Close out accounts in your name and ask the companies to shut off service on a certain date.
File a Change of Address
Don’t forget to do this! You’ll want to set up a forwarding address through Canada Post to ensure that you continue to receive important mail. Be sure to also file a change of address with your credit card companies, banks, and any other important institutions.
Get Your Car from Here to There
If you’re not keen on driving long distances, there are options for getting your car to Westport (although you won’t need to use it very often!). You can tow it behind the moving truck (if someone else is driving), or you can choose to ship your car cross country.
Prepare Your Pets
Pets are people, too! To avoid stress and anxiety, make sure they have everything they need before the big move. Prepare their food, bowls, crates, blankets, beds, snacks, leash, baggies, and of course, their favorite toys. Pack all the items into one box and label it with your pet’s name, and be sure that box goes everywhere your pet goes (and not accidentally on the moving truck, for example).
Transfer Medications
Even if you are stocked up on your medications for the move, call the pharmacy that is closest to your new home and make sure they have all your prescriptions in case you need anything in a hurry.
Moving to a new city can be hard work, but with a lot of planning and preparation, it can be a smooth process that gets you into your new home quicker, so that you can start enjoying your new life in Westport that’s less than 1KM from the waterfront! Keep this checklist handy and you’ll be settled in in no time!
If you are thinking of a move to Westport and would like some information on the area, please contact us — we’d love to help!