New Yorker’s guide to moving to Toronto on a short notice

Leaving the bustling streets of New York for the diverse and dynamic city of Toronto on short notice marks the beginning of an exciting and potentially transformative chapter in your life! This beautiful city in Ontario offers a unique blend of multiculturalism, economic opportunity, and natural beauty that has drawn people from all over the world. Therefore, even though you have a little time at your disposal to organize and perform this move, you can rest knowing this place will be a great location to start a new life! However, if you need tips that can help you handle this relocation like a pro, you might want to continue reading this text! Here, you’ll discover a New Yorker’s guide to moving to Toronto on a short notice!

Anyhow, before you begin working on this relocation, you need to check the Canadian government’s official website! There, you’ll determine if you need a visa or work permit to live and work in Toronto. When you take care of that, do everything in your power to get to know this city! Meet Toronto as seen through the NYC newcomers’ eyes, learn about its neighborhoods, etc. That homework will help you adjust to the new environment after relocation in no time!

Inform yourself about the costs of living and prepare for the house-hunting process when moving to Toronto on a short notice

You should know that Toronto can be an expensive city to live in, so budget accordingly! Before the move, research the cost of groceries, transportation, and other daily expenses. Apart from that, you should also prepare yourself financially for housing. This job can be both exciting and challenging, given the city’s diverse neighborhoods and dynamic rental market. So, get a real estate agent, take your time to decide what kind of property you want, prep your budget for renting or buying, etc.

Anyway, since you have a limited amount of time to organize this move, you’ll have plenty of reasons to reach out to reliable packers to provide you with their services. You can have everything properly packed for you, so you won’t have anything to worry about. Thanks to these professionals, you can be provided with high-quality packing and crating services. Therefore, you can rest knowing your belongings will be properly prepared for a transfer from New York to Toronto!

Explore neighborhoods

New Yorkers often find a sense of familiarity and comfort in Toronto’s neighborhoods that combine urban living with a vibrant atmosphere! For instance, the Queen West neighborhood can be the right choice for you. This place is known for its artistic vibe, trendy boutiques, and diverse culinary scene. If you’re looking for a blend of sophistication and cultural diversity, consider the Annex. North York’s Lawrence Park and Yonge-Eglinton areas offer excellent schools, green spaces, etc. 

Anyway, when picking the right place, have a New Yorker’s guide to the best Toronto neighborhoods by your side. Thanks to those options, you won’t have any trouble finding yourself a perfect place to become your new home on such short notice!

Things to know about when coming to Toronto

• When moving to Toronto, you should research the healthcare system in Canada. While Toronto offers excellent healthcare, you may need to wait a few months before you become eligible for provincial healthcare coverage. Consider obtaining private health insurance during this interim period.
• It is also important to know that Toronto has a good public transportation system, including buses, subways, and streetcars. So, when you begin living here, get a Presto card for convenience, which can be used on all public transit systems. If you plan to drive, understand the rules of the road in Ontario and ensure your New York driver’s license is valid.
• If you don’t already have a job lined up, start your job search immediately. Toronto is Canada’s largest job market, with opportunities in various industries.

Some other things you should do when leaving New York and moving to Toronto on a short notice

• Even though you are relocating in a hurry, before the move, you should set up utilities like electricity, gas, and internet in your new home.
• Toronto experiences all four seasons, so be prepared for cold winters with snow and hot, humid summers. Dress accordingly and invest in appropriate clothing.
• Understand the Canadian tax system and file your taxes appropriately.
• Apart from that, do your best to get to know Toronto! Toronto is a diverse and multicultural city that will blow your mind! So, be open to experiencing different cultures and lifestyles. Explore the city’s cultural events, entertainment in Toronto, restaurants, and festivals to fully embrace the experience.
• Finally, get yourself ready to meet the new surroundings, and get in touch with residents! After the move, join local social groups, expat communities, or online forums to connect with people in Toronto. This can help ease the transition and make new friends.

Learn about the legal requirements

Navigating the legal requirements when moving from New York to Toronto is essential for a smooth transition! So, as mentioned earlier, before you relocate, ensure your immigration and work status are in order. Then, register for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) upon arrival, as it’s essential for employment and accessing government services. Even though you are moving to Toronto on short notice, familiarize yourself with the local driving regulations if you plan to use a vehicle. Additionally, consider enrolling in the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) to access healthcare services. Also, when planning on living in Toronto, you have to comply with tax regulations, ensuring you file your taxes correctly as a Canadian resident.

Anyway, apart from that, there are lots of other things you need to be aware of when living in Toronto. So, to find out more about them, it’s advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or advisor. Those professionals will help you learn more about any specific legal questions or concerns related to your move.