Countdown to Canada: Under 100 Days to Go

Introduction

With less than 100 days until I board that one-way flight to Canada, the excitement and chaos are ramping up! The decision to leave the UK and start anew in Canada has been years in the making, and now the countdown is truly on. As I prepare for this monumental move, I find myself navigating a whirlwind of activities, from selling off my belongings to packing my essentials and saying heartfelt goodbyes to family and friends.

In this blog post, I'll take you through my journey of getting ready for a new life in Canada. I'll share the ups and downs of decluttering my life, the strategies I've used to sell my items, and the emotional rollercoaster of bidding farewell to loved ones. Whether you're considering a move yourself or just curious about the process, I hope my experiences and tips can offer some valuable insights. Let's dive into the preparations and see what it takes to get ready for such a big adventure!

Section one: Selling items and decluttering

Ah, decluttering, the art of sifting through a lifetime's worth of possessions and asking yourself, "Do I really need this?" As I embark on my journey to Canada, armed with a sell pile, a donate pile, and a whole lot of mixed emotions, I can't help but marvel at the chaos that ensues when one decides to downsize their life.

Picture this: me, standing amidst a sea of stuff, eyeing each item with suspicion, as if they hold the key to my future happiness (spoiler alert: they don't). Armed with nothing but determination and a ruthless questioning technique, I set out on my great decluttering adventure.

Step one: the interrogation. "When was the last time I used or wore this?" I ask, as I hold up a novelty sweater from my younger days. The answer? Never. Into the sell pile it goes, destined for a new owner who hopefully has a better sense of fashion (or humor) than I do.

Step two: the big question. "Will I need this in Canada?" A simple yet oh-so-crucial inquiry. A winter coat? Absolutely. A collection of mismatched socks? Probably not. Into the sell pile or donate pile they go, depending on their usefulness in the Great White North.

But wait, there's more! For those items that fall into the "haven't worn it in years but might one day" category, I introduce a new consideration: the effort-to-profit ratio. Is it worth the time and energy to sell when the return might only be a few quid? Or is it a golden opportunity to give back to the community and donate it to a local charity? The answer, my friends, lies in the donate pile, where unwanted treasures find new homes and I earn a few karma points along the way.

Hang on.. There’s emotions involved?

Now, let's talk emotions. Mixed, to say the least. On one hand, there's the excitement of the impending move, the promise of new beginnings, new adventures, and new maple syrup-infused delicacies. On the other hand, there's the stress of the ticking clock, reminding me that the countdown to Canada is well underway. And then there's the bittersweet sight of my once-cluttered home growing emptier by the day, a poignant reminder of the life I'm leaving behind. But hey, at least there's money to be made, am I right?

Selling Strategies

When it comes to selling my belongings, I've dabbled in the art of online marketplaces, with eBay and Facebook Marketplace emerging as the reigning champions of my decluttering saga. Each platform comes with its own set of pros and cons, making for an interesting dance between security and simplicity.

eBay: With robust security and a user-friendly setup, it gives you confidence your transactions will go smoothly. But the fees can eat into profits fast.

Facebook Marketplace: Simple and quick, with local pickups and cash. But it attracts time wasters and scammers if you’re not careful.

In my experience, certain items have proven to be more enticing to buyers than others. Tech items tend to fly, while clothes need more finesse, with modern or designer pieces doing best.

Passing on my wisdom..

Patience is key. Don’t be afraid to hold out for the right offer. When shipping, always use recorded delivery to cover your bases. On Facebook Marketplace, trust but verify. Watch for red flags like suspiciously new accounts or low-quality photos, and stick to cash or bank transfers.

Section two: Packing

As the countdown ticks down, creating an organized and efficient packing list has become one of my top priorities. Here’s a glimpse into my essentials:

• Clothing: From heavy winter coats and thermal layers to lighter summer outfits.
• Important documents: Passport, PR card, visa, health records, academic certificates.
• Electronics: Laptop, phone, chargers, plus adapters and voltage converters.
• Personal items: Sentimental bits like family photos, a few books, and mementos.
• Kitchen essentials: Basic utensils and a few favourite spices (plus the UK snacks I’ll miss).

Packing Tips

• Vacuum-sealed bags: Perfect for bulky winter clothes and bedding.
• Label boxes clearly: Include contents and which room they belong to.
• Priority box: Essentials you need immediately (clothes, toiletries, docs, basics).

Packing for a move across continents is a daunting task, but with a detailed plan and practical tips, it’s becoming manageable. The excitement of starting anew in Canada is a great motivator, and bringing pieces of my past with me makes it feel even more real.

Section three: Saying goodbyes

Family and friends

Saying goodbye has been one of the most emotionally challenging parts of preparing for the move.

1. Farewell gatherings

• Family dinner: A big meal, memories, and one last proper sit-down together.
• Friends’ get-together: Laughs, stories, and promises to stay in touch.

2. Personal goodbyes

• One-on-one time: Meaningful chats with the closest people.
• Gifts and keepsakes: Small things that help you remember each other.

Colleagues and community

1. Work farewell

• Office goodbye party: Speeches, cards, and a cake with a Canadian flag.
• Thank you notes: Personal notes to my boss and close colleagues.

Emotional reflections

• Acknowledging feelings: It’s normal to feel sad and excited at the same time.
• Staying positive: Focus on the opportunities and experiences ahead.
• Keeping connections alive: Regular calls/messages and planning future visits.

Saying goodbye is never easy, but it’s part of moving forward. The support I’ve had from family, friends, colleagues, and community has been overwhelming in the best way. I’m carrying all of that with me into this next chapter.

In my next post, I’ll share the final steps and last-minute preparations before the big move to Canada.