Why everyone moves on the same day
In Québec, the vast majority of leases run from July 1st to June 30th. As a result, demand for trucks, movers and helping hands concentrates on a single weekend.
Understanding that is understanding you need to book early and leave nothing to the last minute.
Book the truck and movers weeks in advance
Rental trucks and moving companies fill up long before July 1st. Book ideally in May, early June at the latest.
If you are moving with friends, confirm who will be there well ahead: on that day, everyone is moving at once, including them.
Manage the lease overlap
Your old lease often ends the same day the new one begins. You will not have a two-week buffer — often you have to move out and move in on the same day.
Plan the order: load early, coordinate with the tenant coming in after you, and expect that your new place may only free up in the afternoon.
Change your address in time
- Canada Post: mail forwarding (set up in advance)
- SAAQ and RAMQ: update your address
- Banks, employer, schools
- Electricity, internet and utilities: transfer or new install
- Subscriptions and recurring deliveries
The July 1st period is also when internet and electricity technicians are busiest. Schedule transfers early so you do not spend your first week without a connection.
Do a move-in inspection
When you arrive, take dated photos of every room, especially existing marks, damage or stains. That is your protection when you get your place back, and at the end of the lease.
Note anything that does not work and report it to the landlord in writing quickly. For your rights and obligations, refer to the Tribunal administratif du logement.
