What to Expect When Moving to Brampton Ontario

You’ve decided that you’re moving to Brampton. To be honest, you certainly are not alone. After all, Brampton is growing at a rate three times faster than that of Ontario. There are obviously reasons that this is an incredibly popular community. Let’s take a greater look at the town once known as “The Flower Town of Canada”

Overview

Brampton is a town of just under 600,000 persons as of the most recent 2016 census. It is located near the Toronto Pearson Airport, roughly 40 kilometres away from downtown Toronto. Brampton is a very diverse city. In fact, over half of its population was born outside of Canada. Many people are from India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. Thus, it is not surprising that Brampton is a cultural hub of the area.

Brampton is home to the Canadian headquarters of Clorox and Brita as well as companies such as Maple Lodge Farms, Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories, and Zellers. Traditionally, Brampton was well known for its greenhouses, which led to its “Flower Town” moniker. However, modern day Brampton is much more than flowers.

Hot Place for Housing

With Brampton being a fast growing town, it is no surprise that the housing market is very hot. Brampton is a great place for homeowners. In fact, it has one of the highest homeowner rates in the Greater Toronto Area at over 80%.

The median home price in Brampton in January 2022 was $1,367,444, which represented an astonishing 41% increase from the prior year. Meanwhile, the median condo price was $622,579, which represented a 30% year over year increase. It is easy to see that becoming a homeowner in Brampton is a great investment.

If you would rather rent in Brampton, you’ll find a one bedroom apartment in the trendy city centre for approximately $1,500; however, more affordable housing can be found in other areas. Still, as a hot area, Brampton’s prices are fairly high although they are tremendously cheaper than those in Toronto.

Culture and Recreation

Living in Brampton brings with it a vibrant community experience. With an extensive immigrant community, it is not surprising that the city is home to a variety of culinary delights including delectable Indian restaurants, authentic Thai cuisine, and innovative Mexican fusion.

If you enjoy shopping, you will find that Brampton simply has it all. From large malls and shopping centres to small boutiques, there are plenty of opportunities to peruse fashion. New residents will also delight in a very large seasonal farmer’s market that takes place from spring until early fall, allowing residents to purchase fresh, sustainable produce and other items.

However, perhaps the most exciting aspect of moving to Brampton for many people is the opportunity for exploring the outdoors. The area is filled with parks. In fact, it has over 3,600 hectares of parkland across over 800 parks with miles upon miles of nature trails. One of the highlights is the Heart Lake Conservation Area where residents routinely gather for hiking, fishing, and even zip lining.

Brampton is also a great place for engaging in sports. It has a wide variety of tennis courts, soccer pitches, and baseball diamonds for the community. The city also features eight golf courses for people who enjoy hitting the links. And there are over a hundred different sporting organizations in the community for children and adults alike, meaning that everyone will find some sort of way to become active.

Things to Do

Aside from the typical social environment, there are a number of exciting things to do around the Brampton area. Here are some of the highlights.

Great War Flying Museum. If you enjoy either history or aircraft, you will love a visit to the Great War Flying Museum. This museum features a variety of replicas of World War I aircraft. Additionally, as a non-profit, the museum relies on volunteers to help maintain the planes.

Wet & Wild Toronto. If you love water-parks, you’re going to love Wet & Wild Toronto. This water-park is spread over 40 hectares and has a variety of rides from mild to wild. This includes two pools and 15 water-slides. It also features activities such as zip lines, miniature golf, and rock climbing.

Peel Art Gallery, Museum, & Archives. PAMA, as it is known by the locals, is an exquisite museum with over 4,000 works of art as well as a variety of travelling exhibits. The museum area has over 12,000 artifacts dating from as far back as 4,000 BC.

Badlands. If you appreciate strange geography, you’ll enjoy a stroll in the Badlands in nearby Caledon. This area was farmed from soil erosion due to poor farming practices that have led to the exposure of shale. The rolling hills of grey and red rock make for the perfect Instagram picture. This is also a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Professor Lake. This lake with a quaint name is enjoyed by many Brampton residents. At 26 hectares, it is a great location for fishing, windsurfing, and kayaking. During the summer, a man-made beach on its shores serves as the ideal place for a cookout or to have a family gathering.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Brampton is clearly a popular choice as it is one of the fastest growing areas in the province. With a large international population, many things for people to do, and innovative activities, moving to Brampton is undoubtedly going to be a decision that you are pleased with.

When you are ready to make your move to Brampton let Rent-a-Son movers help you out!

We are your local moving experts. Getting an estimate is easy – LEARN MORE.

Source: https://rentason.ca/what-to-expect-when-moving-to-brampton-ontario/

What to Expect When Moving to Mississauga

The Greater Toronto Area is incredibly popular and draws people from all over the world. One of the most popular places for people to settle is Mississauga. For new residents, especially those who haven’t spent much time in the area, you may be wondering what to expect when moving to Mississauga. Let’s take a look at the ins and outs of this community.

Overview

Mississauga has a population of over 720,000, making it the sixth most populous area in Canada and third most populous in Ontario. Located a short drive from downtown Toronto, Mississauga is a thriving suburb located on the lake.

It is also home to an extensive business presence. As the home of Toronto’s international airport, it is no surprise that Mississauga houses Honeywell Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace. However, it also is home to more than 60 Canadian offices for Fortune 500 companies including Walmart and Hewlett Packard.

Housing Market

Everyone knows about the expensive housing market in Toronto. Mississauga’s housing market is also quite popular; however, you’ll find much more affordable prices in this city. The median home price is currently $1,490,000, which represents a 27% increase over the prior year. If you would prefer to opt for a condo instead, you’ll pay a median of $595,000, which has increased 18% over the prior year.

If you are looking to rent, you’ll find the average one-bedroom apartment to be $1,800, which has stayed relatively stable over the prior year. While this may seem steep, it is 13% cheaper than living in Toronto. There are also areas where you’ll find cheaper options depending upon your flexibility with location.

For families with children, an important consideration is schools. While the typical notion is that the more expensive areas have the better schools, this is not necessarily true in Mississauga. In fact, there are areas in Mississauga at virtually every price point that have very good schools, making it a great place to live with a family.

Culture & Recreation

Mississauga is very popular for young professionals and young families. One of the reasons for this is because the city has many things to do. The city is filled with green spaces with one of the most preeminent ones being Celebration Square. This area if ground zero for a variety of community events.

Meanwhile, Mississauga is great for the nature lover. One of the most popular areas is Rattray Marsh Conservation Area, which is home to gorgeous scenic waterfront trails. This area is popular for bird watching and hosts local farmer’s markets.

The city is also rich in museums, sporting facilities, and other attractions. You can find many shopping areas from trendy small businesses to large shopping centres. The area also has a wide array of restaurants from upscale to dive bars. Here, you’ll find cuisine from around the world as well including restaurants featuring food from China, Malaysia, Trinidad, and many other places.

For the arts lover, the Mississauga Arts Council is definitely worth checking out. They sponsor a wide variety of events throughout the year including the annual MARTY awards that celebrates local artists. The city also hosts many annual festivals including a Canada Day Celebration, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Rotary Ribfest, and an annual festival of cultures that occurs in May.

Things to Do

In addition to festivals and other fun, there are many interesting sights to see when you move to Mississauga. Here are some of our favourites.

Art Gallery of Mississauga. This museum first opened in 1987 and features four major gallery areas. In addition to a permanent collection of roughly 500 works, it features rotating displays that tend to highlight regional artists. Additionally, the museum hosts many events such as workshops and children’s art classes.

Playdium. If you enjoy arcade games, you’ll love Playdium. With over 12,000 square meters of games and rides, there is something for the whole family. A visit to this attraction can include playing modern and classic arcade games, miniature golf, batting cages, or racing on one of Canada’s largest go kart tracks.

Alpine Indoor Ski. Why wait for winter to hit the slopes when you can ski anytime at Canada’s only indoor ski center. This is a great and affordable place to learn to ski or snowboard and is also perfect for those wanting to get in some off-season practice.

Wahoosh Falls. If you are a nature lover, be sure to head to the ravine behind the University of Toronto’s Mississauga campus. Here you’ll find a nice place for a stroll that leads to the waterfalls. While not massive, they present a relaxing place to be surrounded by nature. The falls empty into the Credit River, which is popular for canoeing.

Lakeview Village Complex. Art lovers will enjoy a visit to Lakeview Village where you’ll find the walls covered in various murals. Artscape Atelier works to organize these exhibits which focus on local heritage and building community. It is definitely a colourful place to visit.

Final Thoughts

While you may be wondering what to expect when moving to Mississauga, you can rest assured that you will find a vibrant, welcoming community with plenty to do. There are plenty of reasons why Mississauga is a popular place. Join the many others who have decided to call this community their home. Whether you prefer to explore Streetsville, Port Credit, or anywhere in between, you’ll be happy you decided to move to Mississauga.

When you are ready to make your move to Mississauga let Rent-a-Son movers help you out!

Source:https://rentason.ca/what-to-expect-when-moving-to-mississauga/

We are your local moving experts. Getting an estimate is easy – LEARN MORE.

What To Expect When Moving To Manitoba

From the arctic tundra to prairie grasslands, Manitoba is home to amazing museums and interesting festivals. It is also known as the polar bear capital of the world. If you are moving to this province, there are many things to consider when getting to know your new home. Let’s take a look at what to expect when moving to Manitoba.

Overview

Manitoba has a population of just under 1.4 million. Of these, roughly half live in Winnipeg, which is Canada’s seventh largest city. Manitoba is well-known for its polar bears and cold weather but also features many lakes and beaches for fun during the summer months. It is also a wonderful place for watching the aurora borealis, which can be seen in Churchill over 300 nights a year.

The economy of Manitoba is largely driven by its natural resources. The southern half of the province is largely dedicated to agriculture including grains and cattle. Top products include sunflower seed, dry beans, oats, and potatoes. Forestry, mining, and oil are also major industries while tourism is a strong contributor as well.

Housing Market

The median home cost in Manitoba is $293,000, representing a slight increase over the past year. However, homes will cost a bit more in Winnipeg where the median cost is $390,000 representing a 14.7% increase. Condos in Winnipeg represent a cheaper option with the median price sitting at $233,600 at the end of 2021, representing a 16.1% increase over the prior year.

Average rent cost in Winnipeg is $1,050 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,330 for a two-bedroom apartment. Both of these figures illustrate a increase of roughly 3% indicating that rent prices are growing much slower than home prices.

Culture & Recreation

Much of Manitoba’s culture is rooted in First Nations tradition. This is particularly true for the province’s musical and dance heritage. One dance, the “red river jig,” serves as a fusion of First Nations pow wows and European folk dance. There are many museums and festivals throughout Manitoba dedicated to preserving First Nations culture.

Manitoba is also home to some of the oldest arts centres in Canada. The royal Winnipeg Ballet is North America’s oldest ballet that is still in operation today. Meanwhile, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is Canada’s oldest English language theatre. Winnipeg is the home to the majority of the province’s arts scene featuring these venues as well as the Manitoba Opera and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

While there are a variety of festivals in Manitoba, one of the most popular is the Winnipeg Folk Festival which attracts over 70,000 attendees each year. The city is also home to Festival du Voyageur, a ten-day winter event that celebrates the nation’s French heritage and roots in fur trading. Finally, the multicultural Folklorama is one of the biggest draws in terms of tourism.

Manitoba is steeped in natural resources, meaning this is a great place for recreation. Whether you prefer hiking, kayaking, or geocaching, there are plenty of places to take part throughout the province. It is also a great location for hunting and fishing. Fans of winter sports will enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Things to Do

There are plenty of amazing things to do when you move to Manitoba. In fact, it will take you quite a bit of time to explore this vast province. Here are some of the things we think you should definitely add to your to-do list.

Churchill. While your first thoughts may turn to Winnipeg, Churchill is a must visit in Manitoba. This town on Hudson Bay has plenty to do. You simply must take a polar bear tour where you can get face-to-face (behind protective bars) with the creatures. It is also a wonderful place for seeing the northern lights and even kayaking with pods of beluga whales. This is not to be missed.

Riding Mountain National Park. One of two national parks in Manitoba, this park north of Brandon provides a great location for wildlife viewing including moose and bear. It is also a great place for a romantic getaway to the town of Wasagaming on the shores of Clear Lake. During spring and summer, this is a great location for golf and boating.

Manitoba Museum. While Winnipeg has many museums, this one is perhaps our favourite. It is dedicated to science and heritage education and features a planetarium. The Science Gallery is a favourite of children with many hands-on activities to help them learn and explore various scientific principles.

Thermea Nordik Spa. If you are looking for some relaxation, look no further than Thermea. This spa has four outdoor baths, four saunas, an exfoliation room, a restaurant, and a lounge. However, what draws many people is the Aufguss Ritual, a German ritual that aims to create a multi-sensory healing experience.

International Peace Garden. A site celebrating the peace between Canada and the United States, the highlight of this place is the floral clock, which creates a unique design each year. The water gardens are another place not to be missed including the Sunken Garden and reflecting pools. This is a great place for picnics, hiking, and biking. You can also spot wildlife including deer and moose.

Final Thoughts Moving to Manitoba can be the start of a great new adventure. You’ll surely love your new home as well as the multitude of things to do. As you prep for your move, rent-a-son is happy to help you make the moving process an ease. Let us handle the stress of the move. After all, it’s what we do. Contact Rent-a-Son for a moving quote today.

Source: https://rentason.ca/what-to-expect-when-moving-to-manitoba/

How to Declutter for Moving

We’ve all been there. You are getting ready for a big move and carefully looking around your home, feeling a bit overwhelmed. After all, where do you start? What more people are realizing is that the moving process is an excellent opportunity to declutter. With minimalist lifestyles getting more traction, cutting down on your personal possessions may be something you’d like to do. Let’s take a look at some tips on how to declutter for moving.

Stop Procrastinating

Sure, you may actually have plenty of time to begin decluttering, but why not start now? A huge mistake people make is waiting too late to declutter, leading them to take a haphazard approach and end up moving way too much stuff. This can greatly increase the stress of the moving process.

How far in advance should you start to declutter for moving? It really depends on the size of your home. If you have a small apartment, a few months is probably sufficient. If you have a large house, you may want to begin six or nine months in advance.

Use Consumables

One of the easiest ways to declutter your home without having to actually begin throwing items away is to get rid of consumables. In fact, you should set a goal to eliminate as many consumables as possible before your eventual moving date. This works great for food. As you near the moving date, plan out meals to allow you to use the food you have on hand and minimally buy what is needed to make those meals. Ideally, you’ll move with only spices and a few bulk dry goods.

However, start using other consumables too. You don’t need to keep a large stock of paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, conditioner, candles, or other things. Begin using your supplies down. This is particularly important if you are someone that likes to stockpile a bit when you get a good sale. Let your stocks dwindle.

Set Ground Rules

This is a particularly useful tip if you are someone that has difficulty parting with things. Set ground rules to determine whether or not you will get rid of something or keep it. One of the best rules is the utility test. Have you used the item in the past year? If not, it is probably a good candidate to recycle, upcycle, donate, or trash.

It can be particularly rough to get rid of sentimental items. For these, you may want to set aside one box that can be filled with sentimental items. Set these items aside and ultimately decide what gets to go into the box and what does not. If you are someone that collect a lot of things, this can be a great way to help you decide what items make the cut and which ones can be decluttered.

Set Aside a Staging Room

One of the most important parts of the decluttering process is having room to work. It can help to set aside a staging room for you to work. This allows you to create piles of things to donate or sell. If you have a guest room in your home, this is the perfect place to set up shop for the decluttering process. Because you may declutter over a fairly significant length of time, choosing a room you don’t use often is key.

This is one of the most effective ways of how to organize your declutter process. Once you have a good pile of things to donate, make a trip to drop them off or schedule a pickup. Many places will pickup items if you have a lot to donate. A staging area is also key if you decide to have a yard sale with some of your belongings because it can allow you to organize and price items.

Consider Your New Home

One of the most important factors that should influence your decluttering decisions is the size and layout of your new home. This is particularly true if you are downsizing. Going to a smaller space means you really need to optimize your belongings for that space. Make decisions based upon the transition.

Even if you aren’t moving to smaller square footage, there are layout aspects that may change what items you keep. If you are going from a home with a large master bed and bath to one with much smaller storage for linens, you’ll probably want to downsize things like towels. If you are going from a garage to no garage, this will have an impact on decision too. Consider these factors.

Things to Consider Decluttering

When looking at decluttering, many people have similar items that are just sitting around taking up space, never being used. Below are some ideas of items that you may want to declutter.

Kitchen. Almost all of us have old mugs or glasses sitting around that we never use, not to mention unnecessary utensils. Frayed potholders and dish towels should also be ditched. If you have scratched up pots and pans, it may be time to get rid of them.

Bathroom. Stained, ripped, and torn towels and washcloths should be the first to make the cut. Unsanitary items like plungers and drain stoppers can be replaced at your new destination. Cleaning supplies? Save space and buy what you actually need at your next place. Also, do you really need two dozen half empty lotions? Probably not.

Living Room. Take a hard look at your furniture and whether or not it fits with your new home. Electronics you never use are another good candidate. Consider ditching some wall art if you’d like to try a new aesthetic.

Bedrooms/Closet. This is a great area to declutter. You probably have clothes that no longer fit, extra jewellry, excessive bedding and blankets, and shoes you never use. If you have children, you almost certainly have clothes they’ve outgrown. For old toys, have your kids help in the decluttering process. It’s a great way to teach them about giving to others through donating things they no longer play with.

Home Office. Chances are you have old computer equipment and cords that you don’t even remember what they go to. Old calendars and planners, used pens, and various office supplies that you rarely use can also get tossed. Just make sure to shred any important documents you decide to pitch. While it may be hard, consider donating some of your books.

Final Thoughts Moving is a great time for a fresh start. Decluttering takes a bit of effort but can make you feel great with how much stuff you off-board out of your household. When looking at how to declutter for moving, give yourself time and follow these tips to help cut down on the number of boxes you have to pack. If you would like help with the moving process, contact rent-a-son today.

Source:https://rentason.ca/how-to-declutter-for-moving/

What You Need When Moving Out for The First Time

One of the greatest joys in life is finally leaving the nest where you grew up, spreading your wings and growing roots somewhere else. It’s a thrilling and emancipating leap into freedom; to enter a comfortable new space where you can call the shots, no longer live under a parent’s thumb and do what you will when you will. But before you get there, it’s important to know what you need when moving out for the first time.

What are the essentials I’ll need when I move out?

The easiest way to identify the essentials you’ll need when you move out is to walk through your new living space in your mind flowing from room to room. You’ll soon realize there’s a lot to keep track of, so breaking your list of essentials into digestible bites will make it easier to keep track of everything. Let’s start with the room you’ll likely spend the move time in…

Bedroom

A restful night’s sleep is among the most important factors in maintaining a healthy body and mind. It’s important to equip your room with everything you’ll need to close your eyes in comfort and get those ZZZs with ease.

You may be lucky enough to bring your bed with you from your current home, though a new beginning is the perfect time to get a new mattress, bedframe and bedsheets. Visit your local mattress retailer and test-lie a variety of mattresses, from soft to firm, and see which one feels the most comfortable for you. Don’t skimp on the bedframe and simply set your mattress and box spring on the floor; a bedframe not only looks classier but extends the life of your mattress and is better for controlling allergies, too.

If you’re buying a new bedframe, why not look at a whole new bedroom set so you can have a matching nightstand and dresser. A nightstand is ideal to keep your phone, book/digital reader and a glass of water within easy reach even in the dark. You’ll also need a dresser no matter what, even if you prefer to hang most of your clothes.

Next, you’ll need a pillow, and at least two or three sets of bed linens (including pillowcases). Make sure to purchase these items ahead of your move and give them a wash according to the instructions on the label before use if at all possible. When you move in, one of your first priorities should be to assemble your bed frame (if necessary), top it with your box spring and mattress and make your bed. If your new digs don’t have window coverings such as curtains or blinds, that’s a must-have, too. It’s easy to lose track of time on moving day, suddenly feel tired and need to go to bed; a completed and comfortable sleeping quarters is the best reward you can ask for after such an emotional and arduous day.

Rounding off your bedroom essentials are a laundry basket for your dirty clothes and a trash can. Your new environment is bound to look and feel chaotic on the first day after your move; putting your dirty clothes and trash where they belong represents a small (but not insignificant) bit of order. 

Summary:

• Mattress and box spring
• Bedframe
• Bed linens
• Curtains
• Laundry and trash baskets

Bathroom

It’s amazing to think how many of life’s basic essentials get squeezed into even the tiniest bathroom. When making your move, clearly mark the box that contains all your important bathroom items because you may need access to them the moment you cross the threshold. Better yet, if you get possession of your new address prior to your major moving day, move in all your essential bathroom items ahead of time. These items naturally include toilet paper and hand soap, a hand towel and a box of tissues.

After a long and rigorous moving day, one of your finest rewards for all your hard work might include taking a relaxing warm shower or bath. If that suggestion has already piqued your interest, you’ll want some heavy-duty cleaning supplies for the shower stall or bathtub; a shower curtain, curtain hooks and possibly a curtain rod; shampoo; and a bath mat and bath towel. And in case of emergency, bring a toilet plunger on move-in day as well; if you only have one toilet and it gets backed up, that spells trouble.

Summary:

• Toilet paper and box of tissues
• Hand soap and hand towel
• Bath/shower cleaner
• Shower curtain, hooks and curtain rod
• Body wash, shampoo and conditioner
• Bath mat and bath towel
• Toilet plunger, toilet cleaner and scrubbing brush

Kitchen

While the bedroom and bathroom require your immediate attention on moving day, the items you’ll need to supply your new kitchen aren’t nearly as urgent. If fact, some people have been known to live on take-out, delivery and drive-thru food for years, possibly decades. However, this is not a good idea if you have visions of saving money to, one day, move into an even bigger home or live in a better location.

Starting with the basics, you’ll need water glasses, wine glasses and coffee mugs; plates and bowls; and knives, forks and spoons. Your best bang for your buck is to purchase these items in sets, though if you really want to save money while doing good for the environment you can find all these essentials at your local thrift shop for next-to-nothing. Another easy way to save money (and live green) is to purchase a coffeemaker instead of getting your caffeine from Starbucks and Timmies, and whether you’re a tea drinker or not a kettle is another important kitchen item. You’ll also want a couple of dish towels on day one, plus all the necessary cleaning supplies.

A modern-day must-have is the ingenious microwave. A toaster or toaster oven are practically essential kitchen fixtures as well, as are an electric can opener and mixer, and it’s amazing how much a kitchen wand/immersion hand blender can help around the kitchen, too.

Whether you’re a reluctant cook or a serious home chef, you’ll need a set of pots and frying pans, spoons and spatulas. A set of chef knives will eventually come in handy, as will a cheese slicer or cheese grater, a garlic press and cutting board, kitchen thongs and a whisk, and measuring cups and spoons. The list of items you’ll eventually own as you grow into your new kitchen is practically endless, and as unique to you as your fingerprint and DNA.

Summary:

• Cleaning supplies
• Water glasses, wine glasses and coffee mugs
• Plates and bowls
• Knives, forks and spoons
• Dish towels and hand towels
• Microwave and toaster/toaster oven
• Coffee maker and kettle
• Electric can opener, mixer and blender
• Pots and pans
• Spoons, spatulas, whisk and tongs
• Set of chef knives
• Cheese grater, garlic press and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Living room

The room in your home you’ll likely spend the second-most amount of time in after the bedroom is the living room; if you work from home this room might even be your number one. You’ll want your living room to look inviting and chic, feel comfortable and reflect your personal style.

The two most important furnishings you’ll need in your living room are a couch and a coffee table. There’s no better place to relax at home after a busy day’s work than on your couch vegging out to a fun TV show, with your favourite beverage and snack nearby as you escape into fantasy. This is also the space you’ll tend to hang out in when you have friends over, so you’ll likely want a couple of chairs as well. And, of course, if you can’t mount your television to the wall, you’ll need a TV cabinet as well. Other nice-to-have furnishings that will make this space feel homier include a bookcase or shelving, an area rug if you have hardwood floors, and window coverings if necessary.

Summary:

• Couch and chairs
• Coffee table and side tables
• TV stand
• Bookcase and/or shelving
• Area rug
• Window coverings

What are some things to get when moving out for the first time?

We’ve covered the three main rooms you’ll need to furnish and equip when moving out for the first time, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll need general cleaning supplies such as a mop, a dustpan and brush, a variety of cleaning solutions, laundry detergent and garbage bags. Accidents happen, which is why you should have a first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic ointment and hydrogen peroxide, a thermometer, pain killers (Tylenol/Advil/Aspirin) and cold medicine. You’ll also need a toolbox with equipment to maintain your property including a hammer and screwdrivers; a wrench and pliers; nails, screws and hooks; an electric drill and drill bits; and a level and tape measure. Just in case, you should also have a flashlight and candles, and batteries in all the popular sizes.

All in all, that’s a lot of stuff to move into a new home, and you can’t do it alone. Instead of leaning on your friends for favours, do your friends a favour and contact Rent-a-Son instead!

How much you should save before you move out

The general rule of thumb is that you should have a three- to six-month buffer in your savings account to cover your rent or mortgage payments (and condo fees, if applicable). So, if your monthly housing expense is $1,000, that means you’ll need a minimum of $3,000 just to keep a roof over your head alone. Next, you have to factor in utility bills like water and electricity, internet and phone, parking fees and property tax if you own the home. Oh, and don’t forget regular living expenses…

When you add up all the first-move essentials we’ve listed above, the overall expense runs well into the thousands of dollars. The best advice to help you land on your feet safely is to plan carefully and be smart with your money. You don’t need wall-to-wall luxury furnishings, all the latest and greatest gadgets and gizmos, and the top brand-name towels and linens.

An easy way to save money is to prioritize what you absolutely must buy new, and identify what you can purchase used or even get a hand-me-down from a relative or friend. Let everyone know you’re moving and looking for “donations”; you can even think outside your immediate network and post a message on your social media accounts. There may also be a Facebook group or two in your area that posts used furnishing that could be yours for the taking if you’re willing to pick up the item(s) yourself.

How to budget for living on your own for the first time?

Once you’ve decided to move out for the first time, it can be very tempting to just find a place, move and take it as it goes when it comes to money management. But moving without a proper plan can turn out to be one of the biggest mistakes you could make, leading to credit card debts that can take years or even decades to repay… if you haven’t given up and declared bankruptcy instead.

Most people who have lived at home with their parents have no idea how much it actually costs to live day-to-day and month-to-month. Food expenses add up quickly. The entertainment budget you once enjoyed suddenly shrinks as the simple cost of living adds up. Some expenses come out of the blue because accidents happen, and they will.

Your best bet is to talk with a friend or family member who has lived on their own for at least a year and get a general idea of their expenses. Then apply their experience to your own lifestyle, create a budget and live by that budget while putting those future expenses into savings while you still live at home.

While you’re budgeting for your first big move, make sure to factor in your actual, physical moving expenses. It may feel tempting to try and DIY your move, but Rent-a-Son’s professional moving team can save you significant time and stress, and help you focus on the 1,001 other things going on in your life. Simply contact us now for an estimate; you may be surprised how little it costs to make your first move as easy and stress-free as possible.

Source:https://rentason.ca/what-you-need-when-moving-out-for-the-first-time/

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN MOVING TO BARRIE

If you are planning on moving to Barrie, you will undoubtedly be pleased with your choice. You’ll find plenty of amenities paired with somewhat of a small-town feel, giving you the best of both worlds. Before making your move, let’s take a look at what you can expect when moving to Barrie.

Overview

You’ll find Barrie roughly 80 kilometres north of Toronto, putting you a fairly short drive away from the city. Barrie sits on the shores of Lake Simcoe, the namesake for its county. The city has just over 140,000 residents and has grown into a bit of a regional resort town.

Thus, you will likely not be surprised to find that tourism is a vital industry for Barrie with its waterfront district serving as a primary location. The city is quite service oriented with plenty of shops and restaurants angling for tourist dollars, which benefits residents wanting greater choice as well. Other major industries in Barrie include healthcare, education, and government.

Housing Market

Barrie’s current median home price is $951,000, representing a 31.3% increase from a year ago. The housing market is truly booming in this area as many people have begun viewing it as an ideal bedroom community for commuting to the Greater Toronto Area. Those wanting to purchase a condo will find it quite a bit more affordable with a median price of $528,600. Condos are appreciating less slowly than homes as this figure represents an annual increase of 14%.

For those planning to rent, you can get a one-bedroom apartment in Barrie for an average of $1,600 per month while a two-bedroom apartment will cost roughly $2,000 monthly. These prices are increasing at rates of under 10% per year. However, apartments can be found upwards of $3,000 per month depending upon the amenities and location that you are seeking. There appears to be a fairly wide variety of rentals for a town this size.

Barrie also has relatively good public transportation within the town and connecting it to other locations. A train ride to Toronto’s Union Station operates multiple times per day with a trip time of roughly an hour and a half. The community has a breadth of quality education options available from public to private schools including French language learning and religious teaching.

Culture & Recreation

While Barrie is a smaller city, its status as a getaway destination has helped it cultivate a strong arts scene. The city has two major centres for performing arts, The Georgian Theatre and Five Points Theatre, the former of which is operated by Georgian College. The city itself hosts a number of arts organizations including the Huronia Symphony Orchestra, theatre By the Bay, Barrie Concert Band, and a number of choirs and dance troupes.

In terms of visual arts, you will find a wide range of sculptures located throughout the city. Additionally, the MacLaren Art Centre doubles as a gallery and museum that hosts a wide range of community events aimed at promoting the arts. You’ll also find a variety of independent galleries particularly near the waterfront.

Barrie’s most popular festival is Kempenfest, which bills itself as one of the largest outdoor arts, crafts, and music festivals in North America. It has over 400 vendors, live music, carnival rides, craft competitions, and food vendors. It spans over two kilometres of waterfront with two stages setup for music.

You’ll find a wide range of recreation opportunities as well. The city itself offers drop-in classes for yoga, Pilates, cycling, aqua fit, and other types of group fitness. There are over three dozen small parks in the city in addition to six different hiking and biking trails. During summer months, people flock to public beaches to play volleyball and enjoy watersports with Centennial Park & Beach being the most popular.

Things to Do

As you begin to get settled in Barrie, you’ll certainly want to get out and begin to explore. As you make your way around this town, here are some of our top picks for things to see and do.

SplashON Wibit Water Park. If you have children, this will be the hit of the summer for them. While there are many great water activities to checkout in Barrie, SplashON is certainly a favourite. This is an inflatable waterpark with plenty of things to climb and jump on. It is a great way to spend a few hours on a hot day.

Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery. The kids can’t have all the fun. For a more adult afternoon, try a pint at Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery, the premiere location for small batch brews in Barrie. They proclaim that “weird is normal,” something that you will agree with when you see their beer list which includes favourites like “Fireworks & Karate” and “The Mutants are Revolting.”

Rounds Ranch. Located in nearby Elmvale, this is another great family friendly activity that will give you something to do in the fall. Here you can find beautiful sunflower fields, a corn maze, zip lines, pony rides, a petting zoo, and much more. This is a great place to visit with young children and can quickly become a family tradition.

Lawnchair Luminata. A free event put on in downtown Barrie, Lawnchair Luminata has evening events throughout the summer that highlight music, art, and film including screenings during the Barrie Film Festival. Bring your own lawn chair and take part in the festivities.

Sailing. When living on the waterfront, be sure to take advantage of the many options at your fingertips. There are several companies that provide sailing excursions including beautiful sunset cruises. You can also rent boats yourself to explore Kempenfelt Bay.

Final Thoughts Barrie is an increasingly popular area that is primed for rapid growth. As a popular vacation destination in the area, it provides all the amenities that you would only expect in much larger cities with the vibe of a smaller town. If you are ready to make Barrie your next home, get an estimate for your move with Rent-a-Son.

Source:https://rentason.ca/what-to-expect-when-moving-to-barrie/