With its thriving economy, it’s no surprise that many families find themselves relocating to Ottawa. The booming tech corridor and other positions in public service, education, and health care mean that rewarding opportunities and careers are plentiful in Canada’s Capital.

When you arrive, you’ll be delighted to find a vibrant culture, complete with great entertainment, shopping, and dining. That’s not even mentioning the gorgeous scenery that awaits you through Ottawa’s vast network of parks and trails as part of the National Capital Greenbelt.

There is much to look forward to, but change isn’t always easy. If you find yourself in a position to relocate, here are some tips to help your entire family settle in as seamlessly as possible.

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Encourage Open Communication

Everyone is sure to have conflicting feelings about the upcoming move. There’s the thrill of a new adventure, but the journey also comes with some uncertainty mixed in. Relocating to a new city can be a source of some anxiety for children, who often pick up on your emotions. Like with any life change, the best way to handle it is often simply to talk it through.

Have a conversation about what you’re looking forward to most in your new home. If there’s something that you’re going to miss about your existing house, be sure to talk about that as well. Even exciting changes sometimes come with nostalgia or apprehension about what the future may hold. Being able to put those feelings into words can help set you and your loved ones at ease.

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Acknowledge the Challenges

Opening up the channels of communication is an excellent first step to helping everyone get settled. Once you successfully manage any emotions associated with your upcoming move, it’s on to the logistical considerations.

Early in the process, each member of your family should begin sorting through their belongings. As tough as it may be, it could be time to say goodbye to some of the things you no longer use. For items that have sentimental value, take a picture of them to preserve the memories, then let them go.

That’s not to say you have to give up everything you cherish. However, being selective about what you take to the new house will make the moving process easier, with less stuff to pack and unpack. Once you get settled, you can begin collecting new memories and keepsakes.

A local real estate agent can help you manage all other steps in preparing for a sale, such as minor renovations and setting a listing price. With extra guidance and support, no one in your family will feel overwhelmed with what seems like a never-ending list of to-do items.

Make a List of the Benefits

Before your move, it’s normal to feel a little apprehensive about what comes next. Children may feel nervous about whether they will fit in with their peers at their new school. You might wonder what the dynamic will be like with your new neighbours.

One of the best ways to counteract all of your worries is to make a list of the benefits of your new home. Is it bigger, with more bathrooms so everyone will have more space? Is it closer to shopping, parks, and other amenities?

Perhaps the new home has more outdoor space, allowing you to make the most of the beautiful days of spring and summer. Or maybe the lot is smaller, which means you’ll spend less time on yard work. No matter how you look at it, there will be numerous advantages to living in your new home. Your mission is to uncover them all.

Pay a Visit in Advance

Perhaps the best way to reignite your enthusiasm for your upcoming relocation is to visit your new home a few times in advance. Before your closing date, you will be entitled to a final walkthrough at some point.

The idea is to give you a chance to make sure the house is in the same condition as when you placed your offer. However, it also allows you to envision what life will be like once you’re settled in. You can think about how you want to redecorate and rearrange your furniture.

Even if you don’t go into the home, you can still drive by and get a feel for the community, and maybe even say hello to your new neighbours. Nothing will ease the moving jitters like already having a friend or two.

If the house is too far to visit in person, you can always do a virtual tour. Review the floor plan and imagine how you will make the new home your own once you finally get the keys. You can even use Google Maps to explore your new neighbourhood, right down to the street view.

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When you’re ready to start the search for your Ottawa home, the posts below can provide a solid foundation:

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Give It Time

In spite of your best efforts, relocating to a new city can be a bittersweet experience. A little nostalgia and sadness over leaving your current home is sometimes unavoidable. In that case, time is usually the best remedy.

All you can do is your best while surrounding yourself with the support of your loved ones and a team of professionals. Once the move is behind you, your family can begin putting the pieces of your new life together. New adventures await, and soon, your new home will also be full of love and memories.

Customized guidance from compassionate and knowledgeable Ottawa real estate agents can make your relocation seamless and straightforward. You can reach out to us anytime at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com to learn more about our services.