Moving people or families from one house to another is referred to as residential moving. This usually entails packing, moving, and unpacking furniture, household goods, and personal things. Residential relocations can be long-distance (across provinces or nations) or local (inside the same city or region).
Important elements of residential relocation consist of :
- Planning and scheduling : Selecting a date for the relocation, setting up time off work, and working with movers.
- Sorting possessions : packaging things safely, and marking boxes for simple unpacking are all part of packing and organizing.
- Hiring movers: Using a reputable moving firm to take care of heavy lifting, transportation, and occasionally packing and unpacking.
- Transportation : Transporting goods to the new home safely using moving trucks or containers.
- Reconnecting utilities : correcting addresses, and setting up the new house are all part of unpacking and settling in.
Residential moving frequently peaks in the summer in areas like the Greater Montreal area, which includes places like Saint-Jérôme. This is particularly true around July 1st, which is a customary moving day in Quebec because lease agreements have historically ended on June 30.
There are certain factors to take into account while moving to Greater Montreal, such as bilingual services, laws unique to Quebec, and seasonal difficulties. This thorough checklist will walk you through every step of the procedure.
8-12 Weeks Before Moving
- Research moving companies licensed by the Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ) like Brault Déménagement.
- Get quotations from three or more Montreal-based movers (bilingual if necessary).
- Start utilizing the “keep/donate/sell/trash” strategy to sort and declutter.
- Examine the borough-specific rules in Montreal about moving truck parking permits.
- Start gathering moving supplies (bubble wrap, tape, and boxes).
- Make a digital folder or moveable binder for every document.
- If you’re renting, let your present landlord know (Quebec requires appropriate notice periods).
- Check the building’s policies about moving hours and elevator reservations while traveling to or from a property.
4-8 Weeks Before Moving
- Book your movers (Montreal’s moving season is busy, especially summer and month-ends)
- Apply for parking permits for moving truck through your borough’s website
- Start packing non-essential items
- Organize school transfers and acquire documentation (if applicable, take into account language programs).
- Notify the utilities of your relocation :
- Hydro-Québec (electricity)
- Gaz Métro (if applicable)
- Internet/cable (Vidéotron, Bell, etc.)
- Change address with:
- Canada Post (online or at post office)
- Revenu Québec and CRA
- Banks and insurance companies
- Health insurance (RAMQ)
- Make a plan for appliance considerations : The electrical system used in Quebec is 120V/240V.
- When relocating to a new borough, find out about waste collection schedules and local municipal services.
2-4 Weeks Before Moving
- Confirm moving date and details with your chosen company
- Pick up parking permit from borough office if required
- Continue packing, labeling boxes by room and contents
- Arrange for storage if needed
- Dispose of hazardous materials properly (Écocentres in Montreal)
- Plan for pets’ relocation
- Make sure big furniture will fit in the new house by measuring the doors.
- If you’re relocating to or leaving an apartment complex, make reservations for the elevator (typically requires a proof of insurance from movers).
- Notify:
- SAAQ (driver’s license and vehicle registration)
- Municipal tax office
- Subscription services
1 Week Before Moving
- Pack essentials box (first night items)
- Defrost refrigerator and clean appliances
- Confirm parking arrangements and provide movers with permit details
- Prepare payment for movers (many prefer cash or certified cheque in Montreal)
- Pack a separate folder with important documents
- Clean or arrange cleaning of current home
- Withdraw cash for tips and last-minute expenses
- Plan your moving day route considering Montreal construction/road closures
Moving Day
- Do final walkthrough with movers, pointing out fragile items
- Verify parking permit is properly displayed
- Keep moving documents and contact numbers accessible
- Measure the meters on the former property.
- Lock windows and doors after movers leave
- Travel to new home with essentials box and valuable items
- Monitor the unloading process and look for damage.
- Test utilities and appliances in new home
First Week After Moving
- Unpack essentials first
- Register with local CLSC for health services if needed
- Update address with:
- Local borough office for municipal services
- Employer
- Insurance providers (home insurance is required in Quebec)
- Find pharmacies, hospitals, and grocery stores by exploring your neighborhood.
- Enroll kids in daycare or school.
- Learn about the borough-specific recycling and composting regulations.
- For security, replace the locks.
Montreal-Specific Considerations
- Language : Ensure movers understand if you need French/English bilingual service
- Staircases : Take note of the small spiral staircases seen in many apartments in Montreal!
- Winter moves : Be ready for snow removal and ice weather if you’re moving between December and March.
- Lease transfers : Make sure the appropriate transfer paperwork is finished if you are taking over a lease.
- Examine any limitations on movement times or elevator use in the condo rules.
- Implications for taxes : Save relocation expense receipts that may be deductible.
Recommended Montreal Resources
- CTQ website : Verify mover licenses and complaint history
- Écocentres : For responsible disposal of unwanted items
- Your borough website : For parking permits and local regulations
- 711 service : For locating municipal services across Montreal
In conclusion, the Ultimate Checklist for Residential Moving in Greater Montreal is a crucial tool for expediting the relocation process and making sure that every important detail is taken care of for a seamless move to your new residence. People can reduce stress and improve the effectiveness of their relocation experience by adhering to this thorough checklist.
Keep in mind that moving during Montreal’s busiest times of year (May–September, particularly around July 1st) necessitates additional preparation. For better availability and prices, think about moving during the middle of the month or on weekdays. Enjoy your time !
