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Relocating to Victoria from a different province is an exciting endeavor, but it can also feel a bit daunting. Whether you’re moving for work, a change of pace, or new opportunities, having a plan of action will help make the transition feel like a breeze.
During the pandemic in 2020, I personally moved from Banff, Alberta to Victoria, British Columbia to embrace the West Coast lifestyle. Although, my hometown is a world wonder and jewel of the rockies, I felt the need to trade it in for a slower pace of life near the Pacific ocean, blooming cherry blossoms and sprawling rainforests. In my case, it was the best decision I ever made. Read below, to find out if it could be right for you too.
Before taking the relocation plunge, it is important to research if island living is the right fit for you!
I highly recommend learning more about Victoria, Vancouver Island and what kind of differences there are between your current province and British Columbia. Understanding the cost of living, climate, job market, and local culture can give you an idea if moving here makes sense.
Cost of living: Look up average housing costs, utility expenses, and additional taxes like provincial sales tax (PST). Sites like Numbeo offer comparative cost-of-living data.
Job market: If you’re relocating to Victoria for work, research industry trends and employment opportunities. British Columbia job boards, like WorkBC or Job Bank Canada, are great resources.
Local laws and regulations: There are various services and registrations to set up for health care, driver’s licenses, and vehicle registration, as these vary by province. When moving to British Columbia, some key things to look into are BC Services Card, Medical Services Plan (MSP), and ICBC to register/insure your vehicle in BC. Additionally, getting a doctor in British Columbia can take some time, so make sure to register for a doctor once you have your MSP in place.
Plan for your moving budget & moving strategy
When I decided to make the move, I quickly realized that if I didn’t plan ahead with moving companies, getting temporary accommodation, taking time off work, etc, it can be costly. Based on your own budget, it is really important to factor in the following for the big move:
Moving services: Get quotes from professional movers, especially companies that are experienced with cross-country relocation. The company I used is no longer in business, but some of my clients have been very happy with You Move Me for their local and long distance moves. To get a few quotes for long distance movers across Canada, check out www.mover.net.
Travel costs: Account for moving materials like long lasting stackable bins (game changer), a personal moving cart, transportation, fuel, meals, and accommodations during your move.
DIY move options: For a cost-effective move, rent a truck or trailer from U-Haul.
Insurance: Make sure your belongings are covered during transit by checking your insurance policy or purchasing additional coverage.
Deposit and fees: Be prepared for rental deposits and or home buying expenses, such as down payments, utility hook ups, maintenance, legal fees, etc. It’s always a good idea to contact a local Realtor (like moi) before moving to get a complimentary Buyer’s Guide with a local directory for Greater Victoria.
Declutter before you pack
Moving is the perfect time purge items you don’t use or don’t need. Take inventory of what you own and decide what’s worth bringing with you. After looking at the costs of moving, I decided to sell my furniture and just take essential items. Most furniture items can be found on FB Market Place, Used Victoria, Victoria ReStore, etc.
Sell or donate: Use online platforms like Facebook Marketplace to sell items or donate to local ReStore charities like Habitat for Humanity.
Organize essentials: Keep important documents (passports, medical records, and birth certificates) in a safe, easily accessible place.
Packing Perfection: If your budget allows, do yourself a huge favour and purchase long lasting stackable bins and a small moving cart. It will save space and keep your items so organized. Having all bins the same size and stackable makes moving so seamless!
Are you leaving friends and family behind? Make new friends!
I’ve always been friendly and eager to meet new people, but the initial vibe in Victoria is a bit of a bubble at first. Many locals that have grown up here have their own groups and honestly, it’s not easy to be included into these closeknit longtime local groups. However, so many Victoria newbies are in the same boat and I made it my mission to find ways to build long lasting connections in this city. This not only made the transition easier, it quickly makes it feel like home.
Join local groups: Look for local book clubs, social coffee or hiking groups, and professional networking events in your area. Sites like Meetup, Bumble BFF, and Facebook Groups are a great way to meet new friends that share similar interests. If you know anyone living in Victoria, meet up for a walk or coffee and see if a friendship can grow from there. The best part of meeting a few great people, is they introduce you to a few more great people along the way. Once you are buddied up, the best ways to get out in Victoria, is to check out the Lamp Post Victoria events calendar and start to explore our incredible city!
Explore the area: Visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Dallas Rd Beach Walk, the Breakwater, Butchart Gardens, Murchie’s Cafe, Munro’s Book store, Willows Beach, Estevan Village, Gyro Beach in Cadboro Bay, East Sooke Park, Gowland Tod Provincial Park, The Market Garden (i.e. heaven) and so many other incredible places. There is so much to explore in Victoria and on Vancouver Island.
Get involved: Volunteering at Our Place Shelter, Victoria Coolaid Society, Surf Rider Beach Clean Ups, Victoria Marathan, etc, is a great way to meet people while giving back.
Prepare for the emotional adjustment
While moving across provinces is a physical journey, it can also be quite an emotional one too. It’s normal to be cautiously optimistic with some mixed feelings of excitement, overwhelm and apprehension.
Stay connected: For the first year, it’s very important to keep in touch with close friends and family from your previous home via calls, texts, or virtual meetups. If you are moving solo, it can be a lot of solitude at first, so staying connected with loved ones is essential to endure some moments of loneliness along the way.
Be patient: Adjusting to a new city and province takes time. Give yourself lots of grace as you get acquainted with your new environment, customs, home, job and life. Best to take it one day at a time and live in the present as much as possible. My favourite thing to do in Victoria is take a walk by the ocean on Dallas Rd to remind myself how fortunate I am to live in such a beautiful place!
Relocating to Victoria or Vancouver Island is an incredible opportunity to start fresh and embrace the refreshing West Coast lifestyle. With smart planning and the right resources, you can make the relocation process easy and exciting. Whether you’re downsizing to a smaller home, upgrading for more space, or chasing new business opportunities, reach out to me anytime if you’re wanting to learn more about the relocation process!