Deciding to Move: Tips to help you decide if moving
is the best option
How to decide if moving is right for you
Moving is not an easy decision. Problems with your landlord and other issues may seem
overwhelming, but they can often be resolved. This can save you the hassle and expense
of getting a new place. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons before giving notice.
If I move, what will I miss?
To help you think about this question, make a list of all the things that you feel connected to
where you currently live and would miss if you left including; neighbours and friends; parks
and gardens; community centres, libraries or shops; and proximity to transit or work.
If I move, what won’t I miss?
Sometimes people move to get away from a problem or issue with their unit. Often these
can be resolved and moving is not necessary. Ask yourself, “Am I moving towards
something or away from something?”
Infestations (pests, bed bugs, cockroaches) should not be the reason for a move; they
should be resolved before moving. If not, you run the risk that the problem will move with
you. If an infestation is the reason you want to move, work with your landlord to fix the
problem. For more information on how to deal with infestations like bed bugs, check out the
videos and tip sheets found on the Region's Public Health website at
http://chd.region.waterloo.on.ca/en/healthyLivingHealthProtection/bedbugs.asp.
Another reason people think about moving is due to unresolved repairs. There are supports
and resources available to you to help you address this problem. Check out the tip sheet,
How to resolve issues that arise during your tenancy for how to follow up with your landlord
to get repairs completed and who to contact if the repairs are not getting done.
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Deciding to Move: Tips to help you decide if moving
is the best option
Can I afford to move?
Moving is associated with many costs including some that may not be obvious at first.
Before giving notice to move, ask yourself, “will I find another place that is affordable?”
If you live in community housing or subsidized housing, you could lose this benefit
depending on which city you move to.
Compare costs to help you decide if you should move
Here are some things to do before deciding to move:
• Check out rental listings to see if there are units you would want in the price range
you can afford.
• Call around to get an estimate on moving costs (including van rentals, insurance,
mileage/gas, boxes, plastic wrap, etc.).
• Estimate what the cost of the deposit would be on your new place.
• Make a list of items you may need to purchase to settle in to a new place.
• Estimate costs related to service fees/deposits for setting up utilities at the new
place.
Add up all these costs and consider them against the benefits of moving to help you make
the decision.
Connect with a housing advisor for help
You can speak to a housing advisor at Lutherwood’s Housing Support Drop-in Services to
help you think through this decision. Call 519-749-2450 in Kitchener or 519-623-9380 in
Cambridge.
If you decide moving is the best option for you, check out the tip sheet Deciding to Move:
What you need to know about Notice periods and watch the video What is a notice period to
find out about the requirements related to moving. If you are currently in a lease, there are
legal obligations you must fulfill, see the video What is a lease? to find out more.
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