Having your offer accepted on a home is exciting. After the showings, negotiations, and paperwork, it finally feels real. But between the time your offer is accepted and the day you move in, there are still a few important steps to take to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind before possession day.

Make Sure You Have Home Insurance

Before you can receive the keys to your new home, you’ll need to have house insurance in place.

Your lawyer will require proof of insurance before releasing the keys. Without it, possession cannot happen. It’s a good idea to arrange insurance well ahead of your possession date so there’s no last-minute stress.

Once your policy is set up, your insurance provider will give you confirmation documents that you can send directly to your lawyer.

Avoid Major Financial Changes

Once your mortgage has been approved and your offer is firm, it’s important to keep your financial situation stable until possession.

Lenders typically run another credit check shortly before possession to confirm nothing has changed.

During this time, avoid:

• Making large purchases

• Opening new credit cards

• Financing vehicles or furniture

• Changing jobs or income sources

Even changes that seem small can affect your mortgage approval, so it’s best to wait until after you have the keys.

Plan Your Move Carefully

Moving day can be one of the most exciting parts of the process, but it’s important to plan it strategically.

If you’re hiring professional movers, it’s usually safer not to book them on your possession date. Occasionally there can be small delays with paperwork, key releases, or final details.

Booking movers a day or two after possession gives you a buffer and can make the entire experience much less stressful.

It also gives you time to clean, measure spaces, and move a few things in before the big move.

Update Your Address

Once your move is approaching, you’ll want to start updating your address.

Some of the most common places people need to update include:

• Driver’s licence and vehicle registration through Manitoba Public Insurance

• Mail forwarding through Canada Post

• Banks and credit cards

• Subscriptions and memberships

• Work and insurance providers

Setting up mail forwarding for a few months can be especially helpful to catch anything you may have forgotten.

Getting the Keys

Possession day is when everything finally comes together. Once your lawyer confirms that the transaction is complete and all requirements are met—including proof of insurance—you’ll be able to pick up the keys.

From there, it’s time to start settling into your new home and making it your own.

Buying a home is a major milestone, and while there are a few details to manage before possession, being prepared ahead of time makes the entire process much smoother. 🏡

March Break is just two weeks away — which means now is the perfect time to start planning instead of scrambling.

If you don’t map it out, the week can quickly turn into long, restless days at home. But with a little intention, it can be full of energy-burning fun and simple moments your kids will actually remember.

The best part? You don’t need to leave Winnipeg to make it a great week. Here are some ideas to help you plan ahead and make the most of it.

🧗 High-Energy Indoor Fun

Perfect for colder days (or when everyone just needs to burn energy):

• The Hive Climbing and Fitness – Indoor climbing that’s fun for everyone.

• Hide N Seek Indoor Playground – Massive play structures and slides.

• Kid City – A classic indoor play centre for younger kids.

• Kidtopia Indoor Playground – Safe, colourful, and perfect for little ones.

• Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park – Wall-to-wall trampolines = guaranteed tired kids.

• U-Puttz Amusement Centre – Glow-in-the-dark mini golf that feels like an event.

• Uptown Alley – Bowling, arcade games, and food in one place.

• The Rec Room – Arcade games and entertainment for older kids and teens.

• Activate Games – Interactive challenge rooms that feel like a real-life video game (great for tweens and teens).

This is the week to say yes to movement. Let them climb, bounce, compete, and play.

🌿 Classic Winnipeg Favourites

Balance high-energy days with local staples:

• Assiniboine Park – Zoo, playgrounds, and space to roam.

• The Forks – Food options, river views, and room to explore.

• Manitoba Museum – Interactive exhibits and the Planetarium.

• Children's Museum – Built for hands-on fun.

🏡 Don’t Underestimate a Home Day

Not every day needs tickets and wristbands.

Bake something together. Host a family game tournament. Plan a themed movie night. Invite another family over. Kids don’t measure March Break by how far you traveled — they remember how it felt.

The Bottom Line

March Break in Winnipeg is what you make it. Mix active days with slower ones. Get out of the house when you can. Let the kids burn energy. And don’t forget to enjoy it too.

Because the best March Break isn’t the busiest one — it’s the one where everyone ends the week feeling connected (and a little tired in the best way).