Healthy Business Profile: When You’re Ready to Make a Move…

As much as moving is a time of change, wonder, and excitement, it is also a time of uncertainty and stress. Moving to a new area carries many challenges – from the financial (Can I afford it? Will I have enough income? How do I manage the sale of my home?), to the emotional (Who can support me through the many ups and downs uprooting a life can bring?), and the physical (How do I choose a mover? How to I ensure I sell my house quickly? Do I have too much furniture? What will my house look like when I am there?).

We went through the move to Northumberland, Quinte and Prince Edward County area ourselves, and experienced all the trials and tribulations, as well as the joys and surprises involved in such a move. Our experiences led us to realize the need for services to help GTA clients transition to the Eastern Ontario area, and create the life they envision. Our service area spans from the best-preserved main street in Port Hope, to Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton, to the Bay of Quinte country, over to the excellent wine and culinary areas in the County.

We learned the hard way, sometimes through embarrassment and humiliation, and we want to share some tips from the lessons we learned. For example, once we were settled into our new rural addresses, some experiences led us to a new appreciation for the nuances of country etiquette:

• When driving, raising a finger off the steering wheel and nodding will suffice. But fail to wave, and you’ll probably be labeled “unneighbourly.”

• Never, ever shake your fist at an infuriatingly slow-moving piece of farm equipment, no matter how late you are for something. This could be the farmer who will help you out of a ditch in the winter.

• Don’t look to hiring any contractor during hunting season. You will wait a long, long time.

There are no guidelines as to how far you want to or can go with this lifestyle. And you can increase your “country living savvy-ness” gradually as you go forward.

Moves of this nature carry with them a definitive cultural shift and period of adjustment. Rural life maintains a different pace – people take time to chat and services don’t move quite as quickly as expected in the city. Those new to the region can go through a period of uncertainty and doubt about their decision. Sometimes, the very things we believe we want end up grinding our nerves when we get there! Ask yourself: What do I want to gain in my new environment? And: What do I want to leave behind in order to enjoy it all?

Much of the stress that comes with moving can be relieved by hiring the right people to do the job. When choosing a moving company, it is wise to do some research before making a selection, and to ask your family and friends for the names of companies they recommend. It is also useful to call organizations such as the Better Business Bureau for a list of suggested movers. You may want to find out if the mover is a member of an association of movers or a certified reputable mover program. (For a detailed list of guidelines on how to hire the best mover, see the extended version of this article on https://www.vitalitymagazine.com)

We know this move can be smooth and enjoyable when you prepare carefully. That is why we formed our new company: to provide a professional synergy of services and a holistic package to alleviate all of these worries, and conduct a seamless move and transition. We recognized the need for a one-stop-shop service to save time and money. We provide all the information needed to move, from furniture arranging, to choosing a tradesman, a school, activities and clubs, hair dressers, and how to fit into a new city’s culture. And we make available emotional support and someone to hold your hand along the way. Someone to turn to, someone who has all the answers you need to move to a new town. We give financial confidence and freedom, knowing that you can afford to move, and retire with confidence. Find out the best way to sell your home, in a quick and simple manner – and not only how to choose a home you like, but to choose the home that fits your furniture and style.

Excited about a change? Not sure where to start? We understand you are looking for expert advice, guidance and coaching on managing the major aspects of your move. In order to support you best during your transition and assure success, it is important for us as transition specialists to get a sense of your current situation. We have developed a “First Vital Step” process designed to help us get to know you better.

Take your first step with the self-assessment questionnaire on our website at https://www.livinglifecycles.com or call 1-888-552-1860. We would love to chat with you.

Birgit Wartenberg, IDDP, CSP and Mary Robertson, CFP, EPC, FDS are the founders of Living Life Cycles Inc. Birgit is the interior decorating and home staging expert. Mary is the financial expert. They were thrilled to welcome Sabine Fischer, BA, CPCC as their associate, and she is their life coach. These complementary values lead to a great partnership which promises to deliver excellent service and a superior client experience.