Buying things for the apartments

First - make a list.

Second - think about this.

You will be spending a lot of money. So why not get some of it back?

If time permits - see your banker first, make a visa card that is suitable for you and use that cashback as much as you can.

Third - AirMiles, get a membership, you can collect some miles during the initial big spend.

First
Dollarama. Flatware, cookware, carpets, dishes, food storage, whatever.

Buy there as much as possible. It's the cheapest place. A 2$ spatula will cost you around 7$ at Wallmart.

Second
Appliances and food - go to Costco, make a membership(if you have friends that are already members ask for help, you get a 20$ coupon if coming through a friend). And buy all the food, clothes and appliances there. And anything that can be bought in bulk too. You will be spending a lot - so an executive membership with cashback can be beneficial.

Third
Furniture - if you go for the cheap and unsophisticated(like any new immigrant should :-). There are 3 places

IKEA!!!

http://www.surplusfurniture.com/en/dartmouth/ Cheapest, has price match and fast delivery

http://www.nothinfancy.ca Also cheap, but a larger selection

Everything else - Walmart,Walmart online and Amazon

Tools and such - Canadian Tire