The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer and students are getting ready for the end of the school year. These signs are unmistakable: moving season is just around the corner!
In Quebec, moving on July 1st is a tradition. Many leases end on June 30 due to an old law that set this date to prevent tenants from having to look for housing in the winter. Today, lease expiration dates are more evenly spread throughout the year, but the majority of leases still end on June 30th.
Whether you’re moving into your first apartment, relocating to a new city or province, or becoming a homeowner, a change of address is always a major milestone. To minimize the stress associated with this hectic time, we’ve put together a moving checklist to help you get ready.
The many challenges of moving
The sweltering heat and risk of thunderstorms, the shortage of moving trucks and movers, traffic congestion, and road closures due to Canada Day celebrations… There are plenty of challenges when moving on July 1!
That’s why it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly for the move, ideally by following a moving checklist for July 1st.
Here are the main steps!
2 to 3 months before the move: planning
Whenever possible, you should start preparing for a move a few months before the big day, especially if you’re moving into a house.
Once you’ve found your house or apartment, the first step is to confirm the moving-in date based on the lease expiration date or the date specified in the sales contract, since everything else will depend on this information. Check with the previous occupants to see if you can move in early—for example, to clean the place, make repairs, or repaint the walls.
You can then book a moving truck or hire movers. It’s worth comparing several quotes and checking customer reviews, as the quality and range of services offered vary greatly from one company to another.
This is also a good time to sort through your belongings to avoid moving items you no longer use. Make one pile for things to donate and another for items you can sell. This step will save you a lot of space! A quick tip: keep a few old sheets and blankets on hand to protect surfaces on moving day.
Finally, set a budget for the move that covers moving companies, packing supplies, utility connection fees, as well as cleaning and any urgent repairs that need to be made.
1 month before the move: administrative procedures
At this stage, you’ll need to notify various government agencies, your service providers, and your financial institutions of your change of address. At the same time, you can transfer your utility service subscriptions (Internet, TV, phone, electricity, natural gas or propane, doctor, etc.).
When moving into a new home, you will also need to find a notary to handle the transfer of ownership.
2 to 3 weeks before the move: packing
Next step on the moving checklist: pack your boxes! Many stores give away the cardboard boxes they use for shipping, so it’s worth asking them for some to avoid having to spend money on them. Ask your friends and family to save the boxes from their online deliveries. Also, stock up on newspaper, packing tape, and markers.
When packing, be sure to clearly label the contents of each box on the top, along with the room it’s intended for. Also indicate if the contents are fragile. This will help the movers place the boxes in the right spot and take the necessary precautions. Plus, you’ll know which boxes to open first when unpacking!
Pack a box or suitcase to hold your essentials, such as toiletries, medications, chargers for your mobile devices, snacks, and a change of clothes.
To give yourself some peace of mind, you might want to arrange for a babysitter or pet sitter to look after your children and pets.
One week before the move: final preparations
Everything should be ready to go! Now is the time to confirm your appointments with the movers or the truck rental company.
If you’re taking your appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer, stove, dishwasher) with you when you move to a new home or apartment, unplug them and clean them.
Tip: Upload all your important documents (truck rental agreement, new insurance policies, lease, bill of sale, etc.) to Edwix so you’ll have them on hand on moving day. This web app will serve as your moving document checklist.
Pack what you need for the children and pets, if applicable.
Moving Day
A big day ahead! Before the movers arrive, protect the floors with old sheets or blankets. Do a final check to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything: verify that all boxes are clearly labeled and that all rooms are empty, including the closets.
Don’t forget important documents (truck rental agreement, new insurance policies, lease, deed of sale, etc.), if they haven’t already been uploaded to Edwix.
Before you leave, take the time to read the utility meters, if applicable.
Upon arrival at the accommodation or at home
That’s it, you’re in your new home! The hardest part is over, but before you call it a day, there’s one last item on your moving checklist: check the condition of the property and inspect your belongings to make sure nothing is broken. Take photos, if necessary, to document any issues.
You can finally start cleaning and unpacking to make your home your own. Enjoy exploring your new neighborhood!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving into a House
How much time should you set aside for moving into a house?
It depends on the volume of your belongings, the number of locations (for example, two people living in two different places moving into a single-family home), the number of movers, and the distance between the two properties. Generally, you should plan on half a day to a full day.
When should you book movers or rent a truck?
We recommend booking at least six weeks in advance, and possibly even earlier if your move is scheduled for July 1.
Who should be notified of your change of address?
Before moving, be sure to arrange for the transfer of your utility services, including electricity, internet, telephone, natural gas or propane, home insurance, and municipal services. Ideally, these arrangements should be completed at least two weeks before your moving date.
What is the purpose of a checklist before a move?
Since July 1 is a very popular moving date, a moving checklist helps you organize every step of the process and reduces the risk of forgetting anything. It’s an essential step for avoiding stress and unexpected problems.
