Five Common Moving Day Mistakes In Quebec (And How To Avoid Them)

Moving Day in Quebec is a unique Canadian tradition. Even though it is no longer mandated that all rental leases in Quebec end on June 30 each year, many in the province still adhere to the custom.  

That means that July 1 is a busy day in the moving world. Informally known as Moving Day, it is a stressful time for those who are trying to move. It’s also a day that’s full of pratfalls for those who are not experienced in navigating it. It’s important to do your research on how to handle the day.

Moving day in Quebec

1. Is unique in Canada.

2. Hardest day of the year to hire movers.

3. Stressful for those not prepared.

4. Still the most likely day of the year that renters will move.  

5. Possible to navigate well, if prepared.

Don’t make these common mistakes

When it comes to Moving Day in Quebec, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s especially the case if it is your first time navigating it. It doesn’t have to be that way which is why it is important to learn from the mistakes others have made in the past.

Here are five common mistakes that many people make on Moving Day in Quebec.

Failing to know the moving rules

In the rush to get everything organized and ready to move, many people forget to read the fine print of their lease.  

Each landlord will have unique rules that must be followed. In particular circumstances, there might be a fixed time that you can and cannot move. Failure to respect those rules can lead to problems. It can even result in a financial penalty, in some cases.  

Losing items during the move

In many places, you will find multiple moves going on at the same time, all near each other. That can lead to your belongings getting mixed up with other people’s. That’s if we are being generous. Unfortunately, it’s also a day that sees a lot of theft. With everyone distracted, it’s easy to lose sight of your belongings.  

Running out of time to move

A single day to move is already tight. It’s even more frantic, if you are doing it on a day with thousands of other movers trying to accomplish the same thing as you are. You can’t add hours to the day, but you can plan to make things go smoother.  

No Plan B for moving

They say that you should always plan for the worst, while preparing for the best. That’s a good way to think about Moving Day in Quebec. If you assume that something is going to get lost or broken, then you can better roll with the punches if it happens. If it doesn’t, then all the better!

Only thinking about moving in

Moving into a new place is exciting. Moving out of the old is just work.  

So, many people only plan for the former, while looking to get the latter done as quickly as possible. You need to make sure your exit from your old place is as smooth and problem-free as the move-in. Failure to do that can result in you losing your security deposit or facing a financial penalty.  

What can you do to be ready for Moving Day in Quebec?

1. Have someone you trust read the lease conditions – it always helps to have a second pair of eyes to look things over

2. Buy a labeller and use it – Everything – and we do mean everything – should have your name and contact information on it  

3. Consider temporary storage – By renting a self-storage unit you can start the move early to avoid the rush of the day

4. Make sure you switch your home insurance – call your insurance provider as soon as you know your new address

5. Document everything – take lots of photos of the location you are leaving so that you have proof that it was left in good condition

Moving Day in Quebec doesn’t have to be stressful if you follow these simple rules.  

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