Tips for a Successful Move

1. Find a mover

Don’t wait to reserve the services of a mover, or rent a vehicle if you plan to move yourself. Either way, contact more than one company to get the best price. Find out about the insurance they have to offer you.

2. Sort out your belongings

As you begin packing your boxes, now is the time to assess the quantity of all your belongings. This is an opportunity to determine what you want to keep and what should be discarded, donated or sold.

Items that will not be needed until the move (winter clothes, decorations, etc.) can be packed in advance in identified boxes.

3. Make a change of address

The Quebec Address Change Service allows you to reach seven departments and agencies with one request. On the Federal side, you have to contact the Canada Revenue Agency . Don’t forget to also provide your new contact information to your bank, credit card issuers, insurance company and subscription services. 

You can also use the mail forwarding service offered by Canada Post .

4. Transfer your services

Don’t forget to close or transfer contracts with your main service providers – electricity, heating (gas or oil), television, Internet and telephone.

Also contact your insurance company to stop the current contract and negotiate a new one.

5. Make a plan for moving day

Plan child and pet care.

Confirm details (moving time, current and future addresses, etc.) with the truck rental company or movers and make sure you have moving straps or a hand truck available if you need one.

Draw a layout of your future home so that the movers can find their way around and know where to put the furniture.

Prepare a box where you can put tools and materials needed for moving: screwdriver, hammer, tape, measuring tape, paper towels, felt-tip pens, utility knife, etc.

6. Make a budget

Think about connection costs, adding outlets and other costs that you will incur when you transfer your telephone, Internet and cable television services.

7. Pack your boxes

• Plan for packing materials (boxes, paper, markers, large packing tape)
• Place the heaviest items in small boxes and the lightest items in large boxes
• Use dishcloths, towels and bedding to pack fragile items
• Place blankets, pillows, clothing and other bulky items in large bags
• Pack your dishes and non-perishable food in advance, keeping only what you need to cook until moving day
• Place screws and small parts from disassembled furniture in a bag and tape the bags to the furniture
• Secure dresser drawers with tape
• Transport your dangerous items, such as a propane gas cylinder for your barbecue, separately and in the safest possible way
• Identify each box clearly (contents and room) and group them according to the rooms they are intended
• Group furniture and boxes in a place that is easily accessible

8. Be careful to keep important documents and valuables in a safe place

Be careful and keep your important documents (tax returns, passport, notarized deeds, etc.) and valuables (jewellery, collections, works of art, etc.) with you or in a safe place when you are moving.

If you have plants, it is better to put them in boxes and transport them by car.

9. Leave the premises clean

Before leaving your old apartment or house, make sure the premises are clean and go around the rooms to check that nothing has been left behind. Finally, take note of the electricity metre, lock the door and give the key to the new owner.

Comply with health guidelines in effect

When moving, make sure you follow the health guidelines in effect. To find out more, read the Steps for limiting the spread of COVID-19 .

Legal Matters

Do you have legal questions about renting housing, for example about roommates or owning pets? You will find information on the Éducaloi website, in the Housing section (French only).

Lease

Do you have questions about your lease? Are you having disagreements with your landlord? The Tribunal administratif du logement is there to provide complete information and effective remedies when one of the parties fails to meet its obligations.

Domestic violence

Are you a victim of domestic or family violence? The organization SOS violence conjugale is there to support you and answer your questions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.