THE LATEST HOME RENOVATION AND COST GUIDE
MOVING DAY TIPS
- Notify utilities when to discontinue service.
- Make arrangements in advance for all services at your new home so that all utilities are turned on for you on the day you are moving in.
- Notify Post Office of change of address.
- If moving in hot or cold weather, articles subject to extreme temperatures should be shipped under controlled conditions.
- Carry with you your currency, jewellery and valuable papers.
- Be sure to notify the Vehicle Registration Office of change of address.
- Notify doctor, dentist and government offices
- Notify school authorities so they may forward your children's school records to the new school.
- Dispose of old obsolete articles that you no longer require.
- Whenever possible, try to move at other times than at the beginning and end of the month as these dates prove to be the most expensive
- Make sure the telephone is left connected UNTIL THE LOADING IS COMPLETED in order to accommodate any last minute requirements you may have
- Arrange to transfer your bank account to your new location
- If you are moving into a new home in a new subdivision, check that the driveway and roads are accessible to the moving truck.
- Take a telephone book with you, it will come in handy for checking addresses, etc. Arrange to have one at your new location if leaving the area. Remember to take one with you from your current location.
- Discard flammables - such as matches, lighter fluids, gasoline, paints, turpentine.
- Do not overload drawers when packing items in dressers, etc.
- Liquids in bottles should have tops securely fastened.
- Pack in one carton enough dishes and utensils to allow you to prepare your first meal at your new home. Take it with you in your car if possible. If not, load this carton last so it will be the first item unloaded at your new home.
- Towels and pillows may be packed in dresser drawers.
- Do not leave trays, etc. loose in refrigerator and stove.
- On moving day, check attic, basement and garage to make sure all wanted items are taken.
- Any items such as luggage that you are not including in the goods to be moved, should be kept separate so they will not be moved in error.
- It is not necessary to empty dresser drawers, but remove all fragile and heavy items and all liquids.
- Mark any articles you may require first in your new home so that they may be loaded accordingly. Be sure to pick up masking tape and a felt marker.
- Number or name all of your boxes and furniture according to the rooms they will be placed in at your new home. This will make it more efficient for the movers, cutting down on your costs.
- Power tools, such as lathes, saws, grinders, should be dismantled for safe moving.
- Pack a small tool box with you for the move. i.e. hammer, screwdriver, drill, nails and a flashlight as you will almost certainly need them.
- Purchase a small amount of picture hanging hooks for the new home.
- Defrost your refrigerator the day before moving.
- Make sure to drain the gas out of such items as out board motors and power mowers.
- Any fixtures fastened to the wall, drapery tracks, etc. should not be taken.
GREATER VANCOUVER MUNICIPALITIES
Property Rental Sources
https://cityecho.ca/ - amazing tool to find an average rent in your area
vancouver.craigslist.ca - - the most popular portal in our city
www.kijiji.ca/b-house-rental/vancouver
www.padmapper.com/apartments/vancouver-bc
RELOCATION
http://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/moving-to-vancouver.aspx
http://moving2canada.com/city-guides/moving-to-vancouver/
http://www.livingin-canada.com/living-in-vancouver.html
Vancouver is consistently rated as one of the top cities in the world to live. The combination of economic opportunity and the beautiful, natural environment draws people from around the world. These newcomers - like you - contribute to Vancouver's diversity and liveability.
If you are new to Vancouver or planning your move, get started here.
Free resources for new arrivals to Vancouver
Growing Roots: A Newcomer's Guide to Vancouver
This guide was developed in response to the diverse needs of people arriving in Vancouver; as an invitation for participation and civic engagement; and as a useful resource for accessing services and welcoming spaces.
It features unique and personal stories shared by Vancouver residents, and highlights the many services and resources available to newcomers to the city.
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Download "Growing Roots" PDF (17 MB)
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Download "Growing Roots" iBooks (66 MB)
First People: A Guide for Newcomers
Newcomers are often at a disadvantage when it comes to learning about First People because of language barriers, access to information, or the time to learn.
This guide provides information about the rich culture, diverse history, and experiences of Canada’s First Peoples designed to build greater understanding between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal communities.
The publication of the guide also commemorates the City of Vancouver Year of Reconciliation.
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Download "First Peoples" PDF (5 MB)
BC TAX ASSESSMENTS
Provides current annual value property assessments, real estate data, and mass appraisal systems and management.
Greater Vancouver Neighbourhood Maps
Vancouver is divided into various zones. This map describes the details of improvements, developments, use, etc that are permitted in any particular area. On the off chance that you've ever attempted to make sense of what the particular zoning area is in a specific part of town, you'll know it can be somewhat complicated. That is where this tool becomes really handy... Check it out!
VANCOUVER CRIME MAPS
click on the link above for the current and up-to date map of criminal activity hot spots in our city
CREDIT SCORE
How to check your credit report?
very good article that focuses on all ins and out of getting your current credit report
EDUCATION - THE GREATER VANCOUVER SCHOOL INFORMATION
Primary & Secondary Schools
School Rankings and Comparison
Post Secondary Schools
UTILITIES
UTILITY COMPANIES
FortisBC provides safe and reliable natural gas, electricity, alternative energy and related services to customers in BC
BC Hydro is a Crown corporation, owned by the government and people of British Columbia. Their job is to generate, and to purchase, reliable, affordable electricity for BC customers.
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) insures medically-required services provided by physicians and supplementary health care practitioners, and diagnostic procedures.
Automotive insurance carrier. Provides information on autoplan insurance, driver licensing, claim guides, repair tips, and road safety programs.
Canadian telecommunications company that provides telephone, Internet, television, and mobile services all backed by a fibre optic network.
TELUS provides Wireless and Internet services across Canada, along with TV and Home Phone services in western Canada.
https://www.comparemyrates.ca/internet-providers-british-columbia/
https://www.reviews.org/home-security/best-security-systems-canada/
etc
THINGS TO DO IN METRO VANCOUVER AREA
Daily Hive is an amazing portal for everything Vancouver related. Like them on Facebook and
1. you will be always in the loop and
2. you will never miss out on any cool stuff happening in our city.
World Class Concerts
http://justshows.com/vancouver/
What To Do Today?
Out In is a website that offers daily specific data that answers the fundamental question, "What do you want to do today?" Many people want to go out for a good time without breaking the bank, but don’t have the time to be searching through pages and pages of restaurants and events on the internet. They just end up at their favourite comfort spot because it’s reliable and familiar. Out Inaddresses this by concentrating on continuously changing data like events, drop in classes, happy hours and restaurant food/ drink specials so that everyone can efficiently search up what they are in the mood for! Out In also compiles specific menu data so that the consumer may also search by dietary restriction like OceanWise, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan!
Out In is a public platform designed to give everyone an equal shot at being noticed. It’s a great way to promote your menu, daily features, concert, fundraiser, drop in classes or any other event you have planned to expand your business or network and it's absolutely free to sign up and advertise!!
Let’s get exploring out in our local community easily and more efficiently!
www.hellobc.com/vancouver/things-to-do/attractions-entertainment
www.hellobc.com/vancouver/things-to-do/festivals-events
www.tourismvancouver.com/activities/free-almost-free/25-free-things-to-do/
www.tourismvancouver.com/activities/arts-culture/
www.straight.com/listings/events
www.bcliving.ca/entertainment/shopping-guide-vancouver-area-holiday-markets-and-craft-fairs