Important Resources for Metro Vancouver Renters

And 5 helpful reminders to improve your move.

It’s not easy to think of everything when you’re on the move (to a new home, that is), but this list of local resources will help for a stress-free set up.

1. Manage mail forwarding

Make sure you receive those birthday cards! Aside from sending an email update to friends, family, and anyone else requiring your address, stop by your local post office to arrange mail forwarding. Or set it up online. It only takes a few minutes to register, and 5 days’ advance notice to start.

Reminder: Update your bank, healthcare provider(s), Nexus account, Amazon, and Door Dash delivery addresses, too.

2. Call for cable/internet

It might be easy enough to transfer existing services to your new address, but if your provider doesn’t service the Metro Vancouver region, consider one of three local options: Telus, Shaw, or Novus. New customers generally receive a discount on services for the first one to two years, but it’s worth a call to find the best rates.

Reminder: Call a week or two before your move, in case there’s a service time waitlist or the provider prefers to send your modem via mail.

3. Buy tenant insurance

Purchase your insurance policy to protect against fire, theft, and other damage. Tenant insurance is typically required as part of a tenancy agreement, and the cost is relatively inexpensive. Square One and other trusted insurance brokers provide coverages for liability (for accidental damage or injury if you’re at fault), additional living expenses (for hotel or furnished apartment expenses if you’re displaced during a claim), water damage (for damaged property due to a burst pipe or flood), and contents (for your clothes, furniture, and other personal possessions).

Reminder: Not all plans and insurers are the same–be aware of whether your plan provides for replacement cost on contents or actual cash value (replacement cost minus depreciation).

4. Prep your emergency plan

While it’s not everyone’s favourite topic, emergency preparedness is especially relevant these days. Take a few minutes to make some plans for a variety of scenarios with these six simple steps: 1) Keep copies of your health insurance and vital information in a safe place, 2) Know the locations of exit/escape routes from your home, 3) Designate a meeting place for you and your loved ones, 4) Consider your children’s emergency plans at school/daycare and authorize relevant caregivers for pick-up, 5) Have a plan in place for your pets, and 6) Pack your emergency kit (with items, such as water, non-perishable food, flashlight, blanket, crank radio, clothing, and first aid kit).

Reminder: Learn more about safety tips and planning at the Government of Canada’s Get Prepared website.

5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Take care of your junk, and your junk mail, by following the three Rs. First, add a “No Junk Mail” sticker to your mailbox to stop the delivery of unaddressed mail and retail flyers. Next, take note of your building’s rules on the refuse room. Paper, cardboard, cans, and glass are easily recycled. And composting/food scraps recycling is mandatory for all Metro Vancouver residents–the green bin accepts food, shells, napkins, and even chopsticks. And finally, consider donating items others can use via Families in Need, BabyGoRound, or Craigslist.

Reminder: There are fines for dumping big items in your building’s refuse room. Visit Metro Vancouver Recycles to find out where to recycle your unwanted items.
Need more information? Give us a call, we’re here to help.
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Birds Nest Properties is boutique property management company that specializes in condo and townhome rentals in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Moody, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver.