The Ultimate Montreal Moving Checklist
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
The earlier you start planning, the smoother your Montreal move will be. Eight weeks out is the perfect time to research moving companies, get quotes, and lock in your date — especially if you're moving anywhere near July 1st, when demand skyrockets across the city.
Give your landlord written notice if you're renting. In Quebec, most leases require three months' notice before the end of the lease term (typically before March 31 for a July 1 move). Check your bail for the exact terms. If you're in a month-to-month arrangement, one month's notice is usually sufficient.
Start decluttering room by room. Donate items to Renaissance or Village des Valeurs, sell on Facebook Marketplace, or schedule a junk removal. The less you move, the less you pay — and Up & Out can help with decluttering hauls if you need a hand.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
A month out, it's time to handle the logistics. Book your elevator at both buildings if you're in a condo — many Montreal condos require reservations weeks in advance and charge a refundable deposit. Contact your syndicat de copropriété for the rules.
Begin your change of address notifications. Start with the SAAQ (for your driver's licence and registration), Revenu Québec, the CRA, and Postes Canada's mail forwarding service. We have a complete change-of-address checklist you can follow step by step.
Start gathering packing supplies. Montreal's SAQ stores often have sturdy free boxes, and you can find packing paper at most Canadian Tire or Home Depot locations on Sainte-Catherine or in the Marché Central area.
1 Week Before Moving Day
This is crunch time. Pack non-essential rooms first — guest bedrooms, storage closets, bookshelves. Label every box with the room it belongs to and a brief contents summary. Pro tip: use coloured tape to colour-code by room.
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Confirm your reservation with your moving company. At Up & Out, we send a reminder and arrival window 48 hours before your move. Make sure the movers have your new address, access codes, and parking info.
If street parking is needed, apply for a temporary no-parking permit from your borough at least 48 hours ahead. In boroughs like Le Plateau or Villeray, this is practically mandatory on moving day to guarantee truck access.
Moving Day: Final Tasks
Wake up early and do a final walkthrough. Check every closet, cabinet, and storage locker. Take photos of your old apartment to document its condition — this protects your security deposit.
Keep your essentials box accessible: phone charger, snacks, water, toilet paper, basic tools, and any medications. This box rides with you, not on the truck.
Once the truck is loaded, do a final sweep. Turn off all lights, lock all doors, and return keys to your landlord. Welcome to your new home — the hard part is done.