Help, Tips and Assistance to Plan Your Move

Our Advice for Planning Your Move 

There are a lot of things to juggle when moving house. So much so that it can be easy to lose track. Organization is key! Here are a few tips to ensure a successful move.

When to Move

Different factors can influence the date on which you choose to move, such as the buyers’ desired occupancy date, your lease’s end date or the start of the school year.

The 1rst of July is far from the only time of year to move! In fact, it’s best avoided. Because so many Quebecers relocate around this date, renting a truck or hiring a moving company can be much more expensive.

Storage Rental: A Practical Option!

Will you have to vacate your current residence before you can move into your new home? Don’t panic! Simply rent a mini-storage space to store your furniture and personal belongings while you wait for the house you bought to be ready. You can also stay with friends or family or rent a hotel room during this period.

When a seller finds themselves inconvenienced in this way, they can negotiate monetary compensation when concluding the sale.  

Moving Truck or Company Reservation

To save money, many prefer to rent a truck and ask their friends to lend a hand on the big day. If you decide to do this as well, call several rental companies to get the best price. And reserve quite a few weeks in advance, especially in summer!

Others will choose to hire a moving company instead. In this case, fees vary based on the travel distance between both residences and the number of items to be taken from the old house to the new.

Either way, don’t forget to contact your insurance provider to protect your belongings during transport.

To Sell, Donate or Throw Away 

If you have lived in your current home for many years, you have very likely accumulated lots of stuff, some of which you don’t need anymore. There is no point in taking all of it with you just to let it gather dust!

A few weeks before moving day, carry out a major clear out. Get rid of anything that is no longer useful to you like ill-fitting clothes, sports gear, broken furniture, etc. But before you chuck it out, consider selling or donating it!

The Art of Packing 

Moving experts know that how you pack your boxes can really make or break your move. For a pleasant experience:

  • Have the right tools on hand: strong boxes, newspaper, packing tape, a marker, etc.
  • Place similar items together in a same box.
  • Provide protective packaging for spillable items (liquid dish soap, body wash, etc.).
  • Identify the boxes (what’s inside or in which room they go).
  • Use towels and blankets to cushion fragile items.
  • Several days in advance, pack anything you won’t need in the short term (Christmas decorations, off-season clothes, etc.).
  • Empty your furnishings’ drawers before you move them.
  • Double the bottom of boxes holding heavy items.
  • Fill your boxes to the top so that they don’t collapse when stacked.
  • Leave clothes on hangers and slip a clear garment bag over them.
  • Before you pack your important documents (passport, insurance policy, will, etc.), take photos in case they get lost during transport.

The Moving Day Kit

On moving day, remember not to pack everything in boxes. Place the items that are essential to your comfort and that of the other family members in a separate bag: snacks, a change of clothes and warmer garments, cutlery if you’ll be eating on the road, water bottles and wet wipes.

You’ll be happy to have your household products on hand (not in boxes) to clean the new rooms before you move in your belongings. A toolbox is also a good idea in case you need to remove doors to allow large pieces of furniture to pass or to install shelving. 

Address Changes 

Did you know you can ask Canada Post to forward your mail to your new home for a few weeks? Very convenient! Don’t forget to update your information with all levels of government!

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