As I write today's blog post I make note of the fact that many new residents to the UBC area are now preparing to take possession of their new home at the end of the month. It is certainly an exciting time for these homeowners and even for myself - I take much pride in helping families find their perfect home within our endearing community. Anticipatory butterflies in the belly aside, a household relocation can also feel a little stressful, especially during this time of the year. It's not exactly the prime season for moving where you can throw on shorts and a t-shirt and dig into the moving process, nor can you tempt friends to help out with the promise of a post-move backyard BBQ with a cooler full of Corona. Nope, November is an entirely different animal when it comes to tackling a relocation. That is why I am here to provide my new and prospective homeowners with a few helpful tips to moving into the UBC area this month.

 

4 Tips to Moving into Your New Home in November

1. Weather-Proof the Moving Process

 

It goes without saying that you and anyone helping out in the November move should be dressed in plenty of layers to stay warm during the in and outside loading process. However you need to consider beyond that. Purchase shrink-wrap to wrap securely protect possessions sensitive to the often wet conditions of the month which always seem to fall on moving day. Tarps are also a good idea for items temporarily outdoors during the process. Also ensure the vehicle/s used in transport are prepared with tires appropriate for the potentially slippery roads while keeping a stock of road emergency supplies (antifreeze, cables, etc...) in the trunk.

2. Use the Long Weekend to Get the Bulk of the Work Done

 

The mid-month long weekend (Remembrance Day) of November offers the perfect opportunity to use a statutory day-off where both the career minded and student members of the household can complete the bulk of the packing and cleaning process. While of course we should all recognize Remembrance Day (ceremony attendance and other community gatherings) in our own way you will have plenty of time to dedicate the extra 24hrs to easing the load of moving day just two weeks away.

 

3. Don't Bury Your Seasonal Decor in Storage

 

The holiday season (including Christmas and various New Year celebrations) is approaching faster than you realize. For festive households with boxes of seasonal interior and exterior decor the chances are that your festive appendages are tucked away in-home or off-site storage at the moment. Be sure that when you are packing up in preparation for moving into your new home at the end of November (or December 1st) that you set aside all winter seasonal decorations so that you are not left overturning boxes while hurriedly trying to find them when it's time to decorate. Better yet, for those that ornamentally display holiday season enthusiasm in the home, why not use the move-in day to also decorate at the same time - two birds with one move, so to speak.

 

4. Remember to Stop & Enjoy the Season in the UBC Area

 

While this may not be the most logistically sound moving tip for November it is no less important. If you and your family are just now joining the UBC community for the first time when taking possession of your UBC home at the end of the month, then recognizing the importance of getting to know your community is a step in the best direction. There are many events taking place in the UBC area this month that will pass as we enter December. These events offer you and your family the opportunity to meet new people, form bonds and friendships, and develop a better understanding of your neighborhood so that when moving day arrives you will already feel like a part of the community - and you are! Be sure to take note of these up and coming events by checking in on my UBC real estate blog every week.