Moving somewhere new? Start with the climate

Check the numbers before you pack

Canada covers a wide range of climates. A closet that works in Vancouver may not suit Winnipeg, and Windsor's summers ask for different clothing than St. John's. Environment and Climate Change Canada publishes climate normals, which are long-term averages of temperature and precipitation for weather stations across the country. Look up your new city, and note the average temperature in the coldest and hottest months, and how much rain or snow to expect.

This is a small task that saves a lot of money. It tells you whether you need real winter boots or a waterproof shell, and how many warm layers are worth owning.

Decide what travels

Moving costs are affected by volume and weight, and closets are surprisingly bulky. Sort your wardrobe into three groups before packing.

• Comes with me. Pieces that suit the new climate and your new routine.
• Stays in storage or goes to family. Things you want to keep but will not use in the first year.
• Leaves now. Items that do not fit the climate, the life or you. Resell or donate them.

Learn the local pace

Cities have their own dress rhythms. Some are casual and outdoorsy, others more formal. Spend your first weeks watching how people dress at the shops, on transit and at work. It costs nothing and tells you more than any guide.

Layers beat volume

In climates with large seasonal swings, layering is more efficient than owning separate wardrobes for each season. A thin base layer, a mid layer such as a sweater, and a shell for wind and wet will cover most days with a small number of pieces. That is the same principle behind a capsule of 12 to 15 pieces: fewer items, each used a lot.

Moving from another country

If you are arriving from a warmer country, plan for your first winter in advance and check local guidance on what to wear in extreme cold. Government of Canada resources for newcomers and weather warnings are a good starting point, and your own first-hand notes will refine them quickly.

If you would like help drawing up a plan for a move, I offer a free first conversation. We can work out what to bring and what to buy, and in which order.