Why Moving Is the Perfect Time to Get Your Estate in Order — At Any Age

For many people, moving is one of life’s most disruptive events. It’s busy, emotional, and often overwhelming. But it’s also one of the few times when we naturally take a full inventory of our lives — what we own, what we owe, and what truly matters.

That’s why moving is such a powerful (and often overlooked) opportunity to get your estate in order, regardless of your age.

Your Home: Largest Asset or Largest Debt

For most Canadians, a home represents either their largest asset or their largest financial obligation. Whether you own outright, carry a mortgage, or are transitioning between properties, real estate plays a central role in your overall financial picture.

When a home changes, the assumptions behind your planning often change as well:

• How much equity do you now hold?
• Is the property intended to be sold, retained, or passed on?
• Does ownership align with what your will or powers of attorney say?

Moving brings these questions to the surface — often for the first time in years.

Why Moving Creates Clarity

There’s a mindset shift that happens during a move.

You sort. You purge. You make decisions. You let go of what no longer fits.

This same clarity can be applied to important planning conversations that are easy to avoid during day-to-day life, such as:

• Reviewing your will
• Confirming powers of attorney
• Updating beneficiaries
• Organizing key documents

A move doesn’t create problems — it reveals gaps. And seeing those gaps early allows you to address them thoughtfully, rather than under pressure.

Estate Planning Is Not About Age

There’s a common misconception that estate planning is something to address “later.” In reality, estate planning is triggered by change — not age.

Different life stages bring different priorities:

• Younger homeowners may need clarity around guardianship, responsibilities, and protection
• Mid-life homeowners often face increased complexity with assets, debt, and blended families
• Later-life moves frequently involve simplification, downsizing, and legacy considerations

What they all have in common is transition. And moving is one of the most significant transitions we experience.

A Gift to Your Executors and Family

At some point, someone else may need to step in on your behalf.

Executors and decision-makers don’t need perfection — they need information. Knowing where documents are, what assets exist, and what obligations remain can dramatically reduce stress during already difficult moments.

Because a move naturally involves gathering paperwork, closing accounts, and opening new ones, it’s an ideal time to ensure that key information is accurate, accessible, and complete.

Organization today can spare your loved ones unnecessary confusion later.

Why This Matters During a Move

A move is more than a real estate transaction. It’s a life transition.

As a real estate professional who works closely with people navigating change, I see firsthand how often a move prompts broader questions about readiness, organization, and next steps. My role often goes beyond the sale itself — helping clients think through how their home fits into their bigger picture and what else may need attention along the way.

When planning and preparation happen together, people move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Getting your estate in order doesn’t require everything to be perfect. It requires awareness, intention, and the willingness to use natural transition points wisely.

If you’re moving — or considering a move — it may be the perfect moment to pause, review, and ensure that what you’ve built is aligned with where you’re going next.

Preparation isn’t about age.
It’s about moving forward well.

If you’re planning a move and wondering what else should be reviewed, I’m always happy to point people in the right direction.