HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR MOVE
Summer is just around the corner—and so is moving season. It can be a real headache with packing boxes, reserving a truck, notifying your change of address, etc. That’s why we’ve put together a practical 10‑step guide to help you prepare for your move, one week at a time, so you can finally say “Home Sweet Home.”
ONE TO TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE MOVE
1. DETERMINE THE MOVING DATE
This first step should be taken one to two months before the big day. This will enable you to ask your employer for time off several weeks in advance and enlist the help of family and friends when the time comes. For example, you can also ask for a helping hand to look after the children or your pet. After all, you can never have too much help when it comes to moving!
2. DRAW UP A BUDGET
It’s well‑known that preparing for a move involves a lot of expenses. By drawing up a budget, you can minimize unpleasant financial surprises and eliminate the risk of oversights. In fact, did you know that some rates can double on July 1? If possible, avoid moving on or around this date, which could save you a lot of money! What’s more, don’t hesitate to request a quote from several companies to find the one that offers you the best value for money.
3. BOOK A MOVER
There’s no denying it: moving has become a summer tradition in Québec. Whether this is the case for you or if you’ll be moving to a different property at a different time of year, it’s never too early to reserve a truck or call on the services of professional movers. At this stage, it’s also a good idea to find out what kind of insurance your movers carry so you’re adequately protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
4. CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS
Although we now receive the majority of our communications by e‑mail, this is not always the case. So, in the months leading up to your move, start notifying your change of address to many service providers and the following organizations[1]:
- Canada Post
- Revenu Québec
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)
- Financial institutions (bank accounts, investments and credit cards)
- Energy suppliers (Hydro‑Québec and Énergir)
- Cable company
- Internet and cellular provider
- Insurance companies (auto, home, group, life and disability)
- Employers and professional associations
- Schools
- Health services (family doctor, dentist, specialists, hospital and pharmacy)
- Subscriptions and loyalty cards in various shops
Here’s a little tip: Collect the invoices and correspondence you still receive in the mail as soon as you can. This will allow you to update your information as you go along. What’s more, some postal documents often come with a change‑of‑address return envelope, which will make your life much easier.
Finally, Canada Post offers a mail‑forwarding service to a new address for a small fee: a great way to gain peace of mind.
5. GET YOUR CHILDREN INVOLVED
If you have children, show them around the new property as soon as possible. You can bet they’ll be enthusiastic about setting up their rooms. This process will help them become familiar with their new surroundings more easily and, at the same time, make them feel valued. After all, they, too, are part of the great adventure!
What’s more, you’ll probably have to plan changing schools. Don’t forget to contact your school service center as soon as possible to find out which school is in your new neighbourhood and register your children.
THREE TO 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE MOVE
6. DRAW UP AN INVENTORY OF WHA THAS TO BE MOVED
Our best tip for preparing for your move? Pack your boxes in advance. That way, you’ll have the opportunity to take inventory of your belongings, sort through them, throw out anything broken, and get rid of things you no longer need. These items will undoubtedly make other people happy. In other words, you could post certain items on a classified ads site or social media, organize a garage sale, or take them to a non‑profit organization for redistribution to families in need.
7. MAKE BOXES
A few weeks before you move, start collecting cardboard boxes and newspaper for your belongings. To speed up the process, enlist the help of friends and family, ask your colleagues for help, and remember to keep the boxes you collect while you do your shopping. Plastic bins can also be a great option, as they can be reused for longer‑term storage; they are more expensive but durable and waterproof.
Pro tip: Mark the rooms where the boxes are to be deposited on the big day to make things easier for those lending a hand. Also, mark fragile items with a red marker. In addition, don’t forget to draw up a layout to help you place various pieces of furniture and appliances.
8. MAKE APPOINTMENTS WITH SUPPLIERS
You’ll also need to make appointments with various suppliers to get your home up and running as quickly as possible. The most frequently required services are the following:
- Internet and cable TV
- Electricity, propane gas and oil
- Alarm system
A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE MOVE
9. PREPARE A “SURVIVAL KIT” FOR MOVING DAY
Your first night in your new home will likely be very special! To avoid having to search through a multitude of boxes, remember to prepare a kit containing the essentials, such as sheets, towels, toiletries, cooking items, and some clean clothing.
10. CLEAN THE HOUSE
It’s always fun to move into a clean environment! If you can, set aside time to clean up and familiarize yourself with your new living spaces. Is the weather mild? Open the windows and air out each room for added comfort.
And above all, take a moment to celebrate the end of the day with a good pizza and some refreshments. After all, it’s one of the most important milestones in your life and deserves to be celebrated with the people you love.
