What to Do After Moving to Victoria BC: Settling into Your New City

Jonathan and Rachael Cronk
Apr 30
4 min read

You've made the move—congratulations! Whether you’ve come from across the city or across the province, settling into your new home in Victoria is an exciting time. But let’s be real: once the boxes are off the truck, there’s still a lot to do. At Provincial Moving & Storage, we’ve helped folks transition into all corners of Greater Victoria—from the quiet streets of Oak Bay to the buzz of Downtown. Here’s a practical (and local!) guide to help you get settled, connect with your community, and start enjoying your new home.

1. Update Your Address and Utilities

Before you dive into decorating and discovering your new favourite coffee spot, it’s important to take care of a few essentials:

Update Your Address: Make sure you notify Canada Post, ICBC, your bank, and any subscription services. Canada Post offers mail forwarding if you're worried about missing anything.
Set Up Utilities: If you haven’t already, contact BC Hydro, FortisBC (if applicable), and your internet provider. Most services can be set up online before move-in day to avoid any lag time.
Check Waste Collection Schedules: Each municipality (Saanich, Esquimalt, Langford, etc.) has its own garbage and recycling pick-up schedules. These are easy to find online or via local apps.

2. Unpacking Efficiently with a Room-by-Room Strategy

Unpacking can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down room by room makes it more manageable:

Start with Essentials: Focus on the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom first—these are the spaces you’ll need to function right away.
Work Room by Room: Fully unpacking one room at a time gives you a sense of accomplishment and keeps things tidy.
Take Your Time with Decor: Don’t rush to hang every picture. Live in the space a bit—you’ll get a better feel for what works where.

*Hot Tip- post your used boxes on FB marketplace, often people are happy to come pick them up for their own upcoming move.

3. Meet Your New Neighbours

Victoria is known for its friendly, tight-knit neighbourhoods. Whether you're in Fairfield, Fernwood, James Bay, or out in View Royal or Colwood, getting to know the folks next door goes a long way in making your new house feel like home.

Say Hello: A simple wave or quick intro goes a long way.
Join Local Facebook or Neighbourhood Groups: These are great for local news, community events, and recommendations for everything from dentists to dog walkers.
Explore on Foot: Take a walk around your new neighbourhood. You’ll discover parks, cafés, and maybe even a local farmers market.

4. Tap Into Local Services and Resources

Victoria offers plenty of support for newcomers. A few helpful resources include:

Newcomer Welcome Centres: If you’re new to Canada, the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS) and other community centres provide helpful programs and info.
City Websites: Your local municipal site will have info on recreation programs, library services, and more.
Local Businesses: Support small, local businesses as you get settled—they're the heart of Victoria’s communities.

5. Get to Know Victoria’s Favourite Local Spots and Events

Once you’ve unpacked a few boxes and caught your breath, it’s the perfect time to get out and explore a bit. One of the best things about living in Victoria is how much life is right outside your door.

Dallas Road offers sweeping ocean views and a scenic trail perfect for walking, jogging, or relaxing with a coffee. It’s popular with dog owners and a great spot to watch paragliders and kite surfers on windy days.
Beacon Hill Park is a peaceful green space in the heart of the city, with walking paths, gardens, a seasonal petting farm, and playgrounds. In the summer, enjoy live music at the bandshell and keep an eye out for the park’s famous peacocks.
Moss Street Market runs most Saturdays and features local produce, artisan goods, live music, and food vendors. It’s a great place to connect with the community and discover fresh, local products.
East Sooke Park is a short drive from Victoria and ideal for a day outdoors. The rugged Coast Trail offers spectacular ocean views, and there are several quieter forest paths for a more relaxed walk in nature.

And don’t miss out on the events! The Inner Harbour is home to some of Victoria’s most iconic celebrations:

Victoria Symphony Splash (when it returns!) – A floating stage and fireworks over the harbour.
Canada Day Celebrations – Live music, food trucks, and a bustling waterfront scene.
Buskers Festival – Performers from around the world bring the streets to life.
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival – Culture, sport, and community spirit all in one.
Boat & Classic Car Shows – Perfect for a relaxed weekend stroll.

These events are a great way to meet people, support local businesses, and experience the energy of your new city. Victoria has TONS going on, and we encourage you to check out these and more at Victoria Tourism’s Event Calendar.

Final Thoughts

Moving is a big job, but settling in can be a lot of fun—especially in a city as welcoming and beautiful as Victoria. Take your time, explore your new neighbourhood, and know that you're now part of a community full of charm, character, and endless things to discover.

And if you’re still in the planning stages and thinking about moving to Victoria BC or within the city, we’d be happy to help. At Provincial Moving & Storage, we don’t just move boxes—we help people feel at home.