How to Plan Your Move in Montreal

• Make a list of the people who will be helping you on moving day.
• Book someone to look after the children and pets during the move.
• Make a list of all your valuables with photos.
• If you want to save time during the move, you could draw up a plan showing in which rooms and where to place furniture and other items.
• Make a list of what still needs to be done: it'll be easier to know exactly where you stand.
• Consider disposing of food in the freezer.
• Get boxes, tape, markers and unprinted paper for mess-free packing.
• Pack things you don't use every day: clothes and accessories (depending on the season), books and knick-knacks, special-occasion crockery and glassware, etc.

• Although it's tempting to use large boxes that hold more, remember that they'll be difficult to move and will break down easily.
• Use smaller boxes and fill them carefully to prevent the contents from shifting.
• Use wide adhesive tape to secure the boxes underneath and on top.
• With a marker, write on each box the rooms where the boxes are to be placed (kitchen, living room, basement) and their contents.
• Write on the side of the boxes, rather than on the top, so that your notes are clearly visible even if the boxes are stacked.
• Choose a colour that will determine which boxes to unpack first (e.g. red marker).

• Contact your service providers to book their disconnection and reconnection dates (telephone, electricity, cable TV, satellite, internet, gas or oil, newspapers, or other).
• If you're moving into a building with an elevator, find out if it's possible to reserve the elevator on the day in question.
• Change your address at the post office, your bank, your insurance company, your dentist, and family doctor, the SAAQ, professional associations and unions, your car dealer (in case of a recall), your employer, the government (annuities, pensions, taxes, etc.).
• While you're packing your belongings, get rid of any unnecessary items. Some will certainly be useful to others!

Visit the Government of Quebec's Moving section and the Government of Canada's Service Canada site.

• Confirm the date with the moving or truck rental company, volunteers, and babysitters or pet sitters. Give them a number where you can be reached at any time.
• Finish packing and identifying your boxes as much as possible, and keep only what you need for the last few days.

• Make sure there's enough parking space for the truck, both at the start and at the finish.
• Remove curtains, rods, shelves, etc.
• Sweep or vacuum empty areas.

• Dismantle furniture if necessary.
• Roll up and braid carpets.
• Unplug washer and empty hose.
• Separate items you'll be moving yourself from the rest of the boxes.

Fill a small suitcase with essential items for the transition days, as well as a starter kit to take with you in the car. It will contain the essentials for the first 24 hours:

• Toiletries
• Shower Curtain and Towels
• Sheets
• Disposable Utensils and Dishes
• Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
• Regular Medications, First-aid Kit
• Light Bulbs
• Cleaning Products
• A Cooler with Provisions (Water, Juice, Snacks, etc.)
• Basic Tools
• Cash for Small Expenses.

• Unplug the refrigerator.
• Confirm the destination address with the movers.
• Walk around the rooms as they are emptied to make sure nothing has been left behind, and close the door, so you don't have to come back.
• Read the electricity meter and make a note of the reading. Take out the garbage.
• Turn off the water supply, lock the windows and doors, and switch off the lights when you leave.
• Return the keys to your landlord, if applicable.

• Be sure to arrive before the movers.
• Reserve a parking space for the truck.
• Affix identification labels to the doors of each room.
• Supervise the movers' work and take care to note on the invoice any items damaged in transit.
• Read the electricity meter.

Any questions? Don't hesitate to contact us!