The papers are signed, you’ve got the keys, and the moving van is set to deliver your things to your new dream home. Everything important has been covered, but what about the little things? Where’s the best take-out in your new neighbourhood and what yoga studio will you go to now? Here’s a few things to put on your Moving Checklist both before you move and after you get there.

Mail Forwarding, etc.

Set up your change of address in advance so you won’t miss anything important. Leave your new address with the people who have bought your current place so they can forward any stray mail. Don’t forget to notify institutions like your bank, employer, any subscriptions, credit card and utility companies of your change of address, as well. We like this Real Simple Moving Checklist that covers all of the nitty-gritty details to keep in mind, laid out by week leading up to Moving Day.

Pack a First Night Box

You won’t get to everything on the first day, so why not have the essentials at your fingertips? Martha Stewart has a great checklist that covers everything you might need the first night in your new home. Put these key items in one box that’s easily accessible, and you won’t feel rushed to go through everything upon arrival.

Schedule the Cleaners

Designate a day after everything’s been packed-up to have the professionals come in and give your home a once-over to leave it sparkling for the new owners. Then have their number on speed-dial in case you need a spare set of hands at your new place!

Get To Know Your Neighbourhood

There are a multitude of Vancouver blogs out there, but the Daily Hive, an evolution of VanCity Buzz, is your best bet for local news. We’ve also covered Kitsilano, the Dunbar area, and Shaughnessy on our own blog for a brief history and cultural vibe.

Fitness + Food

Research what yoga studios, cross-fit gyms or fitness trend of choice is in your neighbourhood before moving, so you’ll be ready to drop-in as soon as you arrive--a good excuse to take a break from unpacking! Then, the Georgia Straight offers up great restaurant reviews so you can dial-up take-out when you’re ready to crash after a long day of moving.

Happy Moving Day!

Majestic heritage trees and cherry blossoms line the streets of this quiet neighbourhood. With a thriving community atmosphere, the Dunbar region of Greater Vancouver’s Westside is a mix of beautiful single-family residences and a commercial area centered around Dunbar Street. Originally settled by First Nations around 400 B.C., it was the European settlement of the area in 1863 and subsequent introduction of the streetcar that caused the area to flourish.

Bordered by the sprawling Pacific Spirit Regional Park on the West, which features kilometers of trails and the 2,000 year-old wetland Camosun Bog, Dunbar is nestled between West 16th Ave and the Fraser River where it’s sister neighbourhood, the Southlands presides.

The Southlands

Predominately acreages and horse farms, like the Southlands Riding Club founded back in 1943, the Southlands is also home to a number of internationally recognized private and public golf courses and the Southlands Farm. A family-run working farm, it serves to educate about the life-cycles of our food.

Community Spirit

In 2007, The Story of Dunbar: Voices of a Vancouver Neighbourhood released. A compilation of over 350 stories of its residents, the historic Dunbar Theatre was featured on the cover. This little theatre that could boasts spacious legroom and the best popcorn in town. You might also recognize neighbourhood staple breakfast joint, Jethro’s Fine Grub, from the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for its line-ups and plate-sized pancakes. A full list of the locally-owned businesses that run the neighbourhood can be found on the Dunbar Village Business Association website. This active association also oversees a number of community initiatives, such as the community garden project Dig Dunbar.

Want to get caught up on all of Dunbar’s highlights and community happenings? They have their own magazine, Dunbar Life, for your reading pleasure.

Keep an eye out for our listings on Dunbar, and get a feel for our other neighbourhoods, Kitsilano and Shaughnessy. You can always contact us for a consultation, as well.