Are you planning on moving from British Columbia to Okotoks, Alberta?
Moving can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you’re moving to a new province. From packing up your belongings to finding a new home, there are many things to consider.
But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with some tips to make the move easier. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience and start your best life in Okotoks shortly.
So, let’s get started!
Okotoks in a Nutshell
Okotoks is a beautiful town located just south of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. It’s known for its stunning natural scenery, including the Rocky Mountains and the Sheep River.
- Population: 31,959
- Climate: Cold and temperate
- Community: Safe and family-friendly; welcoming and close-knit
- Outdoor scene: Parks, trails, golf courses
- Amenities: Grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, cafes, shopping centres, etc.
- Education: Kindergarten to Grade 12, post-secondary education; public and private schools
- Transportation: Okotoks Transit, driving, carpooling, biking, etc.
Real Estate in Okotoks
The real estate market in Okotoks is competitive, with homes selling quickly and often for above asking price. This is due in part to the town’s proximity to Calgary, making it an attractive option for commuters.
Okotoks also has a reputation for being a safe and family-friendly community, which draws in many buyers.
If you’re interested in buying or selling real estate in Okotoks, it’s important to work with a local real estate agent who has experience in the area.
We at Griffin Real Estate can help you navigate the competitive market and find the perfect home for your needs and budget.
Check out these Okotoks communities to find the one that suits your lifestyle best.
BC to Okotoks: Should You Make the Move?
Here are some figures from Statistics Canada. The goal is to compare the different aspects of living in British Columbia and Okotoks, Alberta. This will help you decide whether the move will be worth it.
| British Columbia | Okotoks, Alberta | |
| Cost of Living | $2,087 (Victoria, BC) | $1,595 |
| Median After-Tax Income | $37,200 | $43,200 |
| Average House Prices | $983,000 | $479,600 |
| Crime Severity Index | 92.86 | 31.59 |
| Median Age | 42.8 | 39.2 |
Deciding whether to make the move from BC to Okotoks requires careful consideration. There are a lot of factors that come into play when considering a move to another province.
So, do your research and weigh the pros and cons. This way, you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.
Tips for Moving from BC to Okotoks
If you’re planning to move from British Columbia to Okotoks, here are some tips to make the move easier.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Move
Planning is key to a smooth move. The more time you allow for planning, the less stressful the move will be.
Start by creating a moving checklist. It should outline everything you need to do before, during, and after the move. This will help you stay organized and ensure that nothing important is overlooked.
By planning ahead, you’ll be able to minimize any potential complications.
Downsize and Declutter Before You Move
Before you start packing, take some time to go through each room and decide what you need and what you can live without. This will not only make packing and unpacking easier, but it will also save you money on moving costs.
Start by making three piles: keep, donate/sell, and throw away. Be ruthless with your decisions and try to stick to the essentials. If you haven’t used or worn something in the past year, it’s time to let it go.
When selling items, consider hosting a garage sale or posting items online. You can also try donating to local charities. Not only will you be decluttering, but you’ll also be helping others in need.
Remember to also consider the size of your new home in Okotoks. If you’re downsizing, you may not have as much space as you did in BC. So, it’s important to be realistic about what you can bring with you to Okotoks.
Choose the Right Moving Company
Choosing the right moving company can greatly affect how smoothly your move goes. That’s why it’s essential to do your research.
You’d want to hire experienced movers that can give you peace of mind knowing that your things are safe during the move.
So whether it’s a specialty or full-service moving company, choose the one that could take the burden off your hands.
Here’s how to choose a mover that will take care of your belongings and provide exceptional customer service.
- Ask for recommendations. Start by asking for recommendations from friends and family. It would be best to ask those who have recently moved.
- Read online reviews. You can also check online reviews and ratings for professional movers in your area. This will help you get a feel of the kind of service that the moving company can provide.
- Get in touch with the moving companies. Once you’ve narrowed your list, contact each company for a quote. Then, ask questions about their services.
Some important things to consider when choosing a moving company include:
- industry experience
- licensing and insurance
- availability on your desired moving date
- packing & unpacking services
- additional fees or charges
- policies on damaged and lost items
It’s always better to be safe than sorry! So, make sure you choose a moving company that you feel comfortable trusting with your belongings.
Pack and Label Your Items Efficiently
First, ensure you have enough packing materials to avoid any last-minute panic. These include boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape.
When packing, group items together based on their type and fragility. For example, pack all your kitchen items together, and label the box “kitchen” and “fragile” if there are breakable or fragile items inside. This will make it easier to unpack and organize your items in your new home.
Labelling your boxes is also important. Make sure you clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will save you time and effort when unloading the boxes into your new home.
Consider using colour-coded labels or stickers. These can help you quickly identify which boxes need to be unpacked first or which contain items that are not essential right away.
Finally, don’t forget to label any boxes containing important documents. The same goes for items you need to access immediately upon arrival. These include passports, medications, or a change of clothes.
Prepare Your New Home for Moving Day
Preparing your new home for moving day is crucial to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition. Here are some tips to help you prepare your new home for the big day.
- Clean and declutter. Before moving day, take the time to clean your new home thoroughly and get rid of any unnecessary items. This will make unpacking much easier and save you time and energy.
- Check the utilities. Ensure all the utilities in your new home are up and running. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet. You don’t want to arrive at your new home only to discover that you have no power or water!
- Prepare a move-in kit. Pack a small box with essentials that you’ll need on the moving day. These include toilet paper, cleaning supplies, snacks, and drinks. This will save you from rummaging through boxes to find what you need.
Get to Know Your New Community
Exploring your community will help you feel more comfortable and settled in your new surroundings. It will also help you find the resources and services you need.
Start by doing some research online. Look for community websites, social media groups, and local news sources to get an idea of what’s happening in your new town. You can also check local events calendars to see what events are coming up in the area.
Once you arrive in Okotoks, take some time to explore the town. Go for a walk or a bike ride around your new neighbourhood. Check out the local parks, shops, and restaurants.
You can also visit the town’s tourist information center. This will give you more information about local attractions and services.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your new neighbours, coworkers, and other community members. Ask them for recommendations on local services and resources.
You can also reach out to local government agencies or community organizations for assistance. This could be with finding a new doctor or registering your children for school.
Update Your Address and Important Information
It’s important to update your address as soon as possible to avoid missing important mail or bills. This can include your driver’s license, health card, bank accounts, insurance policies, and any other important documents or accounts.
You can do this by contacting each organization individually. Or you can also use a service like Canada Post’s mail forwarding service.
It’s also important to inform your friends and family of your new address and phone number. This can easily be done through email or social media.
Another important step is to update your online accounts, such as your Amazon or Netflix account. This is to ensure that your orders are delivered to the correct address.
Adjusting to Life in Okotoks, AB
Moving from BC to Okotoks can be a fun and exciting experience. Remember to plan ahead, stay organized, and take breaks when you need to.
Again, here are some tips on making the move from BC to Okotoks easier:
- Make a moving checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything.
- Downsize and declutter before the move.
- Choose a reliable moving company.
- Pack and label your things properly.
- Prepare your new home for the moving day.
- Explore the new community and talk to your neighbours.
And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Before you know it, you’ll be settling into your new home in Okotoks!
The Griffin Real Estate Team is here to help you find the perfect home in Okotoks. Check out our buyer’s guide to learn about the home-buying process.
If you have any questions, get in touch with us. Our agents will answer your inquiries as soon as possible. We’re excited to help you move into the beautiful town of Okotoks!
