All our tips for a hassle-free move
As July 1st approaches, many Quebecers are preparing to move to a new neighbourhood, such as Griffintown and Shaughnessy Village in Montreal or Solar Uniquartier in Brossard. Whether you will personally be part of this year’s moving phenomenon or have been able to schedule your move for a less busy date, it is important to be well prepared. Here are a few tips for a worry-free and budget-friendly move!
Book your truck or team of movers
As soon as your moving date is set, book a truck or a moving service immediately. It is best to plan this step at least six weeks in advance. It’s wise to ask for quotes from more than one company to make sure you’re getting the best price. If you can, avoid moving on July 1st: prices can easily double on or even near that date! Also, be sure the company you deal with is reliable and has insurance. Remember to make a list of your valuables and take pictures of them. This will serve as proof of their condition before the move. Are you asking family and friends for help on moving day? This is the time to notify everyone and assign each person a task (i.e., who will look after the children, who will take care of the heaviest furniture, who’s the designated driver, etc.). Make sure that everyone has your cell phone number so that they can always reach you.
Finally, if your future home has an elevator, now is the time to reserve one for moving day.
The big cleanup
Six weeks before the move is a good time to start cleaning the house and sorting possessions. Separate belongings into three categories: to keep, throw away and sell or recycle. Don’t underestimate the value of things you no longer need; they can make even wealthy people happy. Dispose of unwanted items by donating them to organizations like Renaissance or the Salvation Army. You can also hold a garage sale, if you have time, on a weekend. Keep in mind that the fewer objects you need to move, the easier it will be. Be brutal and rid yourself of that chair that’s been sitting in the garage for three years or those eight pairs of pumps you haven’t worn in ages.
Start packing!
Start to pack boxes about one month before D-day. Being methodical is key here. Get sturdy cardboard boxes, packing tape, good markers and bubble wrap or newspaper to protect the most fragile items. Start by packing things that you don’t use every day and that you can easily manage without for a time. Whenever possible, fill the boxes well to prevent the contents from shifting and being damaged.
Pack boxes by room and by type of item, making sure to indicate what each box contains and the room where they should be placed in your future apartment or rental condo. Tip: write this information on the sides of the boxes, not on the top, since many boxes will almost certainly be stacked on top of each other.
Address changes and other administrative tasks
About three weeks before you move into your new place, remember to do all your address changes. Here is a short checklist to help you not forget anything:
- Your bank or financial institution.
- Your electricity, gas, cable, internet service provider, etc.
- Your telephone company (home and mobile).
- Your insurance company.
- Your employer.
- Your doctor, dentist, optometrist, and other health care professionals.
- Your car dealer or mechanic.
- Your children's schools, if applicable.
For government agencies, visit the Service québécois de changement d’adresse where you will be able to blanket change of address for Élections Québec, the Ministère du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec, Retraite Québec, Revenu Québec, and the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec. You should also report your change of address to Government of Canada Services and Departments.
To feel completely confident, you can have your mail forwarded by Canada Post for a fee.
The countdown: final moments before the move
One to two weeks before moving day, it is time to plan for parking spaces, both at your current home and at the new place. It is also time to remove curtains, rods, lampshades and light fixtures, as well as any shelves you are taking with you. Vacuum the home to simplify the final cleaning before you hand over the keys to the old place.
The day before the move, disassemble any furniture that can be disassembled (unless the movers take care of it), finalize the last boxes and unplug electronic devices.
Prepare a small suitcase of essential items for the transition (toothbrush, toothpaste, a change of clothes, towel, disposable utensils and dishes, toilet paper, etc.) Remember to bring a first aid kit, because better be safe than sorry. Prepare a cooler with food and water for the next day. And lastly, pack a box of cleaning products to use when you get to the new place.
Moving day!
Before the movers leave, make sure you confirm their itinerary and the new address with them.
Finish up the cleaning to leave your old home in good shape for the newcomers. Remember to read the electrical meter, take out the garbage, turn off the water, lock the doors and windows, and hand over the keys.
When you arrive at your new place, check the condition of each room, supervise the movers' work and remember to read the electrical meter.
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