Why is moving as a family so different?
Moving as a family is like coordinating a mini circus. Unlike moving as a single person or a couple, where you can toss everything into boxes and figure things out later, family moves require a level of planning that feels almost military. You’re not just packing up belongings—you’re managing emotions, schedules, and an endless list of preferences.
Kids don’t just want their toys; they need specific toys, and woe to the parent who packs their favourite stuffed animal in the wrong box. Teenagers, meanwhile, may not appreciate leaving their friends behind and can turn the dinner table into a negotiation zone. Then there’s the logistical nightmare of finding a home that fits everyone’s needs. It has to have enough bedrooms, be in a good school district, and somehow still fit the budget.
If your move includes a stopover in Toronto—common for families relocating from Moncton to Surrey—take the chance to organize your belongings. Services offering packing supplies Toronto make it easier to refresh your packing strategy, especially if you need to repack or secure fragile items. Add in the pets (because the dog must have a backyard), and you’ve got yourself a real challenge. Every meal becomes an impromptu picnic because the kitchen is in boxes, and bedtime routines turn into chaos. It’s messy, exhausting, and stressful, but at its core, it’s also a shared adventure. Families grow closer through these challenges, finding humour in the chaos and joy in the fresh start ahead.
Moncton and Surrey compared
Moncton is beloved for its affordable lifestyle and sense of community, making it ideal for families who value simplicity and closeness. Residents appreciate its smaller scale, which makes everything feel accessible—whether it’s schools, parks, or local activities. Places like Magnetic Hill Zoo and Centennial Park offer family outings that are easy to plan and enjoy. However, when comparing it to Surrey, the differences are clear. Surrey offers a faster pace, more career opportunities, and access to urban amenities, while still providing family-friendly neighbourhoods.
Surrey’s size alone sets it apart, with its districts like Fleetwood, Cloverdale, and South Surrey catering to varied preferences. Fleetwood offers excellent schools and parks, perfect for growing families, while Cloverdale charms with its historical appeal and vibrant local events like the Cloverdale Rodeo. South Surrey, known for its upscale feel, features Crescent Beach and golf courses, blending leisure with convenience. Proximity to Vancouver’s business hubs also makes Surrey attractive for professionals looking to balance career growth with suburban living.
For families moving from Moncton, Surrey opens doors to a different lifestyle, one where urban opportunities coexist with suburban comfort. Whether it’s cultural festivals, top-tier schools, or scenic outdoor spaces, Surrey provides something for everyone, while still offering pockets of tranquillity reminiscent of Moncton’s charm.
Where to live in Surrey?
Choosing the right neighbourhood in Surrey plays a significant role in how smoothly your family adjusts to the new city. For families coming from Moncton, where neighbourhoods like Riverview and Dieppe offer walkable streets and a close-knit feel, Surrey provides a much larger area with options tailored to a range of lifestyles. Each area in Surrey comes with its unique charm, amenities, and opportunities.
Fleetwood
Fleetwood is a favourite among families, thanks to its balance of excellent schools, parks, and community-oriented activities. Fleetwood Park Secondary School and Walnut Road Elementary stand out for their quality education, and Fleetwood Park itself provides trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas for outdoor fun. The neighbourhood also offers mid-range housing options, with detached homes typically ranging between CAD 1.3 million and CAD 1.8 million, making it accessible for families seeking space to grow. Fleetwood also has convenient access to the SkyTrain, ensuring an easy commute to other parts of Surrey or Vancouver.
Cloverdale
Cloverdale blends suburban living with historical charm, offering families a unique experience. Known for hosting the annual Cloverdale Rodeo, this area is perfect for families who enjoy community events. The historic downtown features quaint shops, cafes, and services, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Families can explore large, detached homes priced around CAD 1.5 million to CAD 2 million, along with townhouses averaging CAD 750,000. Cloverdale Athletic Park offers space for soccer, baseball, and playground adventures, while the Surrey Museum provides an educational outing that connects kids to local history.
South Surrey
For families looking for an upscale lifestyle, South Surrey offers access to high-quality education, luxury amenities, and breathtaking coastal views. Schools like Semiahmoo Secondary and White Rock Elementary are known for academic excellence. Crescent Beach is a local gem, offering serene walks, kayaking, and waterfront dining that feels like a mini vacation. Housing in South Surrey leans toward the higher end, with detached homes often exceeding CAD 2 million, but families find value in the spacious layouts and premium finishes. The area also offers townhouses starting at CAD 800,000, catering to families who want comfort without breaking the bank.
Plan your move across provinces
A move across provinces, spanning almost 6,000 kilometres from Moncton to Surrey, demands precise planning. The journey crosses five provinces: New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Families must prepare for this long trip, which challenges even the most organized movers.
Plan your route or flight
Most people driving take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). This route stretches through major cities like Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Regina, and Calgary. The trip takes around 60–70 hours of actual drive time. It’s essential to plan rest stops, overnight stays, and fuel points to avoid exhaustion.
Since the Great White North is so big, most people that are moving to another town in Canada choose flying. Flying shortens the journey but still requires preparation. Common flights involve layovers in Toronto, Montreal, or Calgary. The final leg usually lands at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). From there, it’s a quick 45-minute drive to Surrey. Booking flights early helps families coordinate schedules and secure affordable options.
Breaking down the preparation
Start with a clear timeline. Assign tasks to family members. One person can handle notifying utilities, while another focuses on packing. Hiring movers Moncton helps ease the pressure by managing logistics and takes a few large, time-consuming tasks off your family’s shoulders. Experienced movers handle fragile items and ensure belongings reach Surrey safely.
Prepare for unexpected delays. Weather, road closures, or logistical hiccups often disrupt long-distance moves. Book movers, transportation, and housing well ahead of time to minimize stress. Build flexibility into your schedule to allow for adjustments. Other factors to consider:
- Provincial requirements: Research vehicle registration, health care, and licensing rules for British Columbia.
- School registrations: Look into Surrey schools early to ensure availability for your children.
- Cost planning: Compare moving company quotes. Watch for hidden fees when calculating the total expense.
Organize your belongings for the move
Decluttering before moving is not an option—it’s essential when you are moving from Moncton to Surrey with family. Why pay to move what you don’t need? Tackling clutter one room at a time helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with three piles: keep, donate, and discard. If you haven’t used something in the last year (or can’t remember why you own it), it’s probably time to let it go. Items in good condition can go to local charities or even be sold online. Think of it as a treasure hunt—your junk might be someone else’s gold.
For items you aren’t ready to part with but won’t need immediately, consider temporary storage options. While relocating from Moncton to Surrey, families often find themselves stopping in major hubs like Toronto, where storage units Toronto can provide a convenient midway solution. This works well for seasonal gear, extra furniture, or sentimental items that don’t need to travel the full 6,000 kilometres right away. Using a storage unit during the transition helps reduce chaos at your new home in Surrey, giving you time to settle in and unpack essentials first.
Label everything. Seriously, everything. Write the destination room and a short description (e.g., “Kitchen—pans”) on each box. It saves endless frustration later when you’re tearing through boxes looking for a coffee mug at 7 a.m. Remember – the fewer items you transport, the faster and cheaper your move becomes. Decluttering makes a massive move manageable, and a touch of humour helps the process feel less intimidating. You’ve got this!
Transporting vehicles and specialty items
Moving a vehicle from Moncton to Surrey is no small task—6,000 kilometres isn’t exactly a Sunday drive. Unless you’re looking to recreate a cross-country road trip movie, hiring car shipping Canada service providers simplifies the process. Book a trusted service early; these spots fill faster than your gas tank on the Trans-Canada Highway. Clear out personal items (no one needs to see your leftover snack stash), clean the interior, and snap photos of the exterior to document its condition. Double-check your registration and insurance to avoid surprises later.
Specialty items, like antiques or electronics, deserve VIP treatment. Wrap fragile pieces like they’re royalty—with bubble wrap, padded blankets, and sturdy boxes. Slap on a “fragile” label to warn handlers it’s not a box of rocks. For valuables like heirlooms or documents, skip the shipping and keep them with you.
Climate differences you can expect when moving from Moncton to Surrey with family
The climates of Surrey and Moncton differ significantly, and adjusting to Surrey’s milder weather may feel like a shift in seasons altogether. Moncton’s winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often plunging well below freezing and heavy snowfalls turning the city into a winter wonderland. In contrast, Surrey’s winters are mild but rainy, with temperatures staying between 2°C and 8°C. Snowfall is rare and melts quickly, leaving grey, wet days that may surprise those accustomed to Moncton’s crisp, snowy landscapes.
Summers bring another contrast. Moncton’s warm, humid weather often reaches the mid-20s, occasionally interrupted by thunderstorms. Surrey’s summers are drier and slightly warmer, ranging from 20°C to 25°C, making outdoor activities easier and more enjoyable.
Adapting to Surrey’s rain means preparing for the drizzle. A waterproof jacket, sturdy rain boots, and an umbrella are essentials. And here’s a tip: keep your belongings dry during the move by packing them in cardboard boxes and plastic bins to shield them from unexpected downpours. Surrey’s milder winters provide the chance to explore outdoor activities, like hiking or walking along Crescent Beach, without snowdrifts in your way. The drier summers also bring more sunny days for family adventures. Embracing the change makes the transition worthwhile!
Settling into your new Surrey home
Settling into your new home in Surrey needs focus and a little humour to ease the stress. The process of moving from Moncton to Surrey with family is almost over! Start by unpacking essentials. Get the kitchen functional so you’re not hunting for forks at 10 p.m. Set up the bedrooms next—sleeping on an air mattress is fun for about five minutes. We hope you hired movers Surrey for the unpacking part too!
Get the boring but important stuff done early. Register utilities with FortisBC for gas and BC Hydro for electricity. If you’re new to British Columbia, visit ICBC to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration. For families, securing school spots in Surrey’s top catchments, like Semiahmoo Secondary or Fleetwood Park Secondary, should happen fast—those spots fill quicker than your kids unpack their gaming consoles.
Then, dive into what makes Surrey special. Walk Crescent Beach for the views or let the kids loose at Bear Creek Park. Check out the Surrey Arts Centre or try a fitness class at the South Surrey Recreation and Arts Centre. At the same time, head to the Clayton Community Centre farmer’s market and pretend you know how to pick the perfect avocado.
Now you are ready for moving from Moncton to Surrey with family
Moving from Moncton to Surrey with family, can feel like you’ve signed up for a reality show called Canada’s Most Chaotic Movers. Between packing up lives, juggling emotions, and adjusting to Surrey’s rainy charm, it’s easy to wonder if you’ve lost your mind. But here’s the thing: this move is worth every box of chaos. You’re not just changing addresses—you’re opening doors to the emotional benefits of moving – new opportunities, new friends, and a fresh start for your family. Yes, there will be moments when you question it all (probably while hunting for the coffee maker), but those moments lead to laughter, growth, and incredible memories. In the end, Surrey won’t just be a new city; it’ll become your family’s new story.