How to move abroad with family and children UK (2026)

I'm Clara Thompson, a 35-year-old mother of two. My family and I are relocating from London to Toronto for better opportunities and a fresh start. We are moving as a domestic_move and will be renting a home in Toronto. Our budget is average, and we plan to move within six months.

One of the first things we researched was the cost of living in Toronto compared to London. According to Numbeo, the average monthly budget in London is around £3,800, while in Toronto, it's about £3,500. This difference can significantly impact our financial planning.

In London, we were paying approximately £1,900 for a one-bedroom apartment, whereas in Toronto, the rent for a similar place averages around £1,800. Utilities and groceries are also slightly cheaper in Toronto, which is a relief for our family budget.

It's crucial to factor in these costs when planning our move, as they will affect our lifestyle and financial stability once we arrive in Canada. We also considered the potential for salary differences in our respective jobs, which could further influence our budgeting.

As parents, one of our top priorities was finding the right schools for our children. Toronto has a diverse range of educational options, including public, private, and international schools. We began by researching the Toronto District School Board, which oversees public schools in the area.

We also looked into childcare options, as our youngest is still in preschool. There are numerous daycare facilities and early childhood education programs in Toronto, which vary in cost and quality. Websites like the Ontario Ministry of Education provided valuable insights into the types of programs available.

Visiting potential schools and childcare centers during our scouting trip was essential. Meeting with teachers and administrators gave us a better understanding of the environment our children would be entering.

Finding the right home was another critical aspect of our move. We started by exploring different neighborhoods in Toronto to determine which would be the best fit for our family. Areas like Leslieville and High Park caught our attention due to their family-friendly amenities and proximity to schools.

Using online platforms such as Zillow and Realtor.ca, we could view listings and get a sense of the rental market. We also reached out to local real estate agents who specialize in family relocations. They provided invaluable insights into the neighborhoods and helped us navigate the rental process.

We planned to visit Toronto a few months before our move to view potential homes in person. This allowed us to assess the neighborhoods, check the commute to work and school, and ensure we found a place that felt right for our family.

Securing employment before our move was a significant focus. I began my job search early, utilizing platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor to identify potential job openings in my field. Toronto's job market is robust, especially in sectors like technology and healthcare, which is where my experience lies.

I also attended virtual networking events and webinars to connect with local professionals and gain insights into the job market. Many employers in Toronto value international experience, which I hoped would work in my favor.

Additionally, I prepared my CV according to Canadian standards and researched companies that align with my career goals. Understanding the local job market and tailoring my applications accordingly was crucial in my job search strategy.

Healthcare is a vital consideration when moving abroad, especially with children. Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, but there are specific steps we needed to take to ensure our family would be covered.

Upon arrival in Toronto, we would need to apply for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) to access medical services. However, there is typically a waiting period of up to three months, so we decided to purchase temporary health insurance to cover our family during that time.

We also researched local healthcare providers and clinics in our new neighborhood, ensuring we would have access to pediatricians and family doctors once we settled in. Understanding how the healthcare system works in Canada was essential for our peace of mind.

Moving to a new country involves cultural adjustments, and we were prepared for this challenge. Toronto is known for its multicultural environment, which we found appealing. We looked forward to immersing ourselves in the local culture while also finding communities that share our background.

Joining local groups and organizations, such as parent associations and cultural clubs, would help us meet new people and make friends. We also planned to attend community events and festivals to experience Toronto's vibrant culture.

Understanding Canadian customs and social norms was another area we focused on. We researched local etiquette and practices to ensure we could integrate smoothly into our new community.

As the move date approached, we focused on packing and logistics. We created a detailed checklist to ensure we didn't overlook anything important. This included sorting through our belongings, deciding what to keep, sell, or donate.

We also researched moving companies that specialize in international relocations. Comparing quotes and services was essential to find a reliable mover within our budget. Additionally, we planned to ship our belongings via sea freight, which is more economical, albeit slower.

Timing was also crucial; we aimed to have our belongings arrive shortly after we did to minimize the amount of time we would be without our personal items.

Once we arrived in Toronto, we focused on settling in and establishing routines. The first month was about exploring our new surroundings, setting up our home, and ensuring the kids adjusted well to their new environment.

We made it a point to visit local parks, libraries, and community centers to familiarize ourselves with the area. Establishing a daily routine helped the children feel more secure and settled.

We also scheduled playdates and activities for the kids to help them make friends and integrate into their new school. Staying connected with family back in London through video calls provided emotional support during this transition period.