For a successful move: Guide and key steps

How to choose a reliable mover?

To choose a good mover, take the time to check a few essential points: 

• Is the company a member in good standing of the Commission des transports du Québec?
• Does it have a clearly identified physical address?
• Are its rates consistent with the market, with no hidden fees? Be wary of unusually low prices or ads that list only a phone number.
• Is the deposit required unusually large?

Some fraudulent movers appear around July 1 without offering real protection in case of damage or loss. Be careful.

How much does a local or long-distance move cost?

The cost of a move varies depending on the region, the number of movers (ideally three), the type of service, and the complexity of the job. 

Some companies offer a full service (packing, disassembling and reassembling furniture, transport), which is generally more expensive. Others offer transport only, a more affordable option:

• Local move (50km or less): A local moving company usually charges an hourly rate
• Long-distance move (more than 50km): An in-person assessment of the volume to be transported is often required

Billed kilometres and travel time are generally calculated between the two addresses, not from the moving company’s warehouse. 

To get a realistic estimate, provide as much detail as possible: 

• Number of floors
• Whether there’s an elevator
• Bulky furniture
• Doors that need to be removed
• Difficult access, etc.

Moving with a professional: What insurance should you check?

A professional mover should carry liability insurance covering their employees as well as your transported belongings. This protection can make a difference in the event of loss or damage during transport to your new address. 

Before entrusting your belongings, ask for proof of insurance and the name of the insurer. Also keep a copy of the moving contract and the receipt. 

If there’s damage, take photos to document the situation. The company’s insurance generally applies first, but the mover’s liability may be limited to a set amount per kilogram transported. Additional coverage may be available. 

Also let your home insurance provider know your moving date. Depending on your policy, your belongings may be covered during transport or during the transition between your two addresses. 

Prohibited items and belongings to keep with you during a move

Many companies refuse to transport propane tanks, gasoline, and certain chemical or flammable products in their moving truck. It’s also best to keep important documents, jewellery, and valuables with you. 

Preparing your move in 4 steps

1. Sorting and organizing belongings

1 to 3 months before the move: 

• Throw out what’s no longer good, donate or organize a garage sale, and take inventory of your belongings.
• Pack your first boxes with items you rarely use: 
• Seal each box.
• Label the ones containing fragile items.
• Indicate which room they should go in at the new home.

Preparing a basic floor plan of the new home can also help movers during unloading. 

2. Address change

3 to 6 weeks before moving day, notify: 

• Canada Post (mail forwarding available for a fee)
• Service québécois de changement d’adresse (update 7 government departments and agencies at once)
• Service providers: Hydro-Québec, phone, cable and internet, financial institution, credit cards, various subscriptions (gym, Amazon, Costco, and of course CAA-Quebec!)
• Employer, daycare, or your children’s school (or your own!)
• Driver’s licence, registration certificate, dealership (for your vehicle recalls)
• Hospitals and medical, dental, or other healthcare clinics

3. Packing boxes

In the weeks leading up to the move: 

• Get moving boxes and packing materials.
• Use small boxes for heavy items.
• Protect dishes with clothing or paper.

• Keep only the essentials accessible in the final days.

Also keep a few cleaning products and a broom on hand for a final clean. 

4. Preparing the day before and the day of the move

The day before your move: 

• Empty and clean the fridge and freezer.
• Prepare a cooler to keep food fresh.

On moving day: 

• Take meter readings (electricity, gas) at both homes.
• Be present during the truck’s unloading.
• Inspect your furniture before signing the invoice.
• Wait a few hours before plugging in your appliances.

Need a quick reminder? Watch our video, 7 tips for a successful move. 

Once your move is complete and your boxes are unpacked, take the time to settle into your new home at your own pace. Check out our home guides to help you take good care of it. 

Moving on your own?

The steps remain essentially the same if you choose to move on your own. The main difference is the logistics, which you’ll have to manage entirely yourself. 

You’ll also need to plan for: 

• renting or borrowing a vehicle;
• the necessary equipment: dolly, straps, protective padding; and
• labour.

What insurance coverage should you consider for a move on your own?

Before moving on your own, take the time to check your home insurance. Depending on your policy, certain damage to your belongings may be covered during transport. 

It’s also essential to understand your liability coverage. If someone helping you gets hurt, or if a third party’s property is damaged, this protection could compensate the person involved. 

To help you prepare, check out our tip: Moving? Don’t forget to notify your insurer. If in doubt, confirm your coverage directly with your insurer before moving day.