When you are relocating to a new city or different area, a much more business-like approach is appropriate. You may have to complete your research and come to a decision a lot quicker. The secret to a successful relocation is to be as informed and organized as possible before you go.

1. Make a list of the critical requirements for your new neighbourhood. These include:
   • commuting time to your employer
   • school requirements
   • community demographics (age, education, lifestyle)
   • population density (urban, suburban, or rural)
   • community institutions that are important to you (being close to entertainment, places of worship, or other amenities)
   • access to public transport
2. Obtain a map of your desired new area, and talk with other friends and employees who already live or have lived in your new location to gain their perspective on which suburbs may suit you.
3. Determine a rental range to look for a property in your new location. Be mindful to expect an increase or decrease in accommodation standards and prices compared to where you live now. It is important to arrive on your house-hunting trip with a realistic expectation of what you must spend to get what you want. You can search the RENT website for comparables.
4. Phone agents in the desired relocation area before you make your trip. Decide on one or two property managers and work with that person to help make your trip or first days in the new area as efficient as possible. Make sure that they understand your requirements in advance – a written list would be helpful. Make sure that you have reached a point of ‘reality’ in what you are seeking.
5. When you go looking, take along your map, RENT property brochure printouts and research notes. Take a checklist of key features of houses, so that you can take organized notes on every house that you visit. Use the
RENT Property Inspection Checklist.