So much to do – so little time! Moving to a new country can truly throw you for a loop. This is why it’s important to carefully plan each and every step. The stress of handling the bureaucracy and final details of your move may cause you to forget one important aspect: how to save money when moving to Canada.

Even if you are the best relocation planner, you will almost always discover some unexpected expenses. So, if you’re wondering what are the best ways to save money in Canada, this easy guide will provide you with all the answers you need.

TIP 1: Settle any money responsibilities you have

The financial aspect of any move is often the biggest slice of the pie in terms of responsibility. Before your exciting new start in Canada, it’s best to settle any financial responsibilities you still have at home. Always double-check your finances until the very last day.

Debts and loans

Personal debts and loans often take time to pay off. A good move requires proper planning, and this includes paying off any liabilities before you move. Make sure that you already paid off any of your credit statements, or arrange enough funds in advance to pay them off while you are in Canada. Leave your home with a clean slate so you are free from any future financial issues.

Subscriptions and memberships

Subscriptions and memberships are the easiest expenses to forget about. Usually, our monthly or annual memberships are paid automatically. So, when you’re a long-time member, it’s easy to forget about these things.

Make sure to cancel any streaming platform subscriptions (if they’re not accessible in Canada), gym memberships, etc. This can save you a good buck.

Selling your belongings 

Do you have unfinished car payments? Talk to the dealer and ask how you can cut the plan and pay for the remaining costs. Many companies offer a return option in exchange for a reasonable payoff. This ends your responsibility with a used item.

Do you have items such as books, furniture, gadgets, etc. you can make some money from? Sell them! In today’s era, with social media platforms (such as Facebook and Instagram), and websites such as Amazon or eBay, you can easily sell anything you want online, make some extra money and save in the long term.

TIP 2: Manage and prepare your pets before moving

Pets are an important part of your daily life. If you have a furry family, we know how difficult it is to say farewell. If you plan to take them with you to Canada, there is a lot of paperwork involved.

Processing your pet’s move will turn complicated and costly if you don’t prepare beforehand. There are standard procedures to ensure that Canada allows your pet’s entry. They all come with a monetary cost that you can’t avoid. Prepare for these expenses if you plan to bring them along.

Pet welfare

It’s best to visit your veterinarian before moving abroad. If your dog or cat has an undetected existing condition, it will cost more if the Canadian Food Inspection Agency deems your pet unfit. Moreover, traveling affects the physical and mental condition of the animal.

You would want your pet to be in the best shape when you fly or travel during your departure date. Visit your local veterinarian to assure that your pets are healthy before flying out.

Airline guidelines

Before getting on that plane, be sure to check the requirements for pet companions in your home country. Requirements and fees are different for each airline. You can choose the most affordable one that is still comfortable for your buddy.

Vaccinations and relevant procedures

Pets like cats and dogs are due for pertinent vaccinations regularly. This guarantees that they are domesticated and safe around other people. CIFA performs standard pet inspections. Canada has basic vaccination requirements for rabies.

Upon recommendation, there should be one dose before the 3-month-old mark, another one before turning one year old, and then every three years after. The guidelines vary per pet, make sure to check with it first.

Pet documents and certifications

Always ask for documentation and paperwork for your pet. Safely keep all certifications like proofs of age, immunizations, and records of updated vaccinations.

These small steps can guarantee that you and your pet’s move is as seamless and less costly. Check with both the local and Canadian checklists of requirements for your pet companions. This can save you surprise expenses from unexpected procedures at hand.

TIP 3: Leave unnecessary items behind

It might be hard letting go, but it’s a must. When moving to Canada, make sure not to take with you anything that you can repurchase over there. Sometimes, bringing those items with you can be much more costly than leaving them behind. One of the best ways to save money in Canada is to start small and grow from there.

Necessary items

Bring a good stack of clothes, documents, and some sentimental memorabilia. But try to stop there. Start over with the most basic things you’ll need in your first few months and gradually accumulate new items. 

Logistical expenses are sometimes bigger than just buying brand new items. Create a list of the most important things you should bring. This will help arrange a good budget for you to start over with.

Taxes

Taxes are in full effect when you set foot in Canada. This applies to any brand-new item you have with you. It’s best to use your things first, or remove the packaging, so you don’t end up paying for duty fee taxes. These can range from brand new appliances to gadgets, smartphones, and computers.

Vehicles

Vehicles cost a lot. They will cost even more if you plan on bringing your vehicle to Canada. There are service fees, shipping costs, taxes, and other related expenses that Canada needs to impose on your vehicle.

Selling your car can greatly add to your savings. If you choose not to let go of your vehicle, make sure that you can afford the future expenses.

TIP 4: Open a new bank account 

Before moving to Canada, settle your financial obligations in your home country first. When you get to Canada, open a bank account so you can conveniently access your cash.

For international transactions, transaction fees are way higher than when you open a new bank account on the spot. Current options include opening a new account online. Save tons of international transaction fees from your home bank during withdrawals.

It takes a while to settle down and integrate yourself into Canada, but it’s important to have accessible cash to help you day by day. If you want to build a good financial foundation, visit your local bank and talk to them. 

Typically, the main requirements for you to open your bank account will be to provide a valid passport and your immigration papers. 

TIP 5: Prepare for expenses during your first months in Canada

There is no perfect way to start over when you are moving to Canada. Nevertheless, don’t underestimate the power of saving and budgeting for such a big decision in your life. For all kinds of crucial choices, preparation is key. 

Rent cost

You have a lot of options depending on which city you want to set foot in. The cost of living varies per city and territory. Rental costs can go from $700 up to $2500 for a one-bedroom unit. If you’re traveling alone, consider joining a roommate to lessen your accommodation costs before you can afford a bigger place.

Insurance

It’s important to protect yourself from unknown and unseen circumstances. Insurance can cover a wide range of conditions depending on your plan. The important thing is to have a backup. For example, it may take a while for you to register for Canada’s healthcare system. If you have an emergency, medical services can be extremely expensive without insurance. So, in the meanwhile, be sure to have insurance that will cover any health conditions and emergencies.

Make your moving process to Canada as smooth as possible!

We at Universal Immigration Services Canada specialize in helping people as they settle in Canada. We know that moving can be stressful and nerve-wracking. You are starting over again. Our goal is to make things worth it and easier for your move. 

Time and money are the two most crucial parts of your move. Save both as we handle the intricacies of your immigration process. While we work on your visa application, you can finalize your personal preparations.

Whether you are a worker or a student looking to start new, consult with us and know what Canadian visa you are eligible for. Here at UIS Canada, we are with you for one of the biggest decisions of your life.