19 Essential Tips for a Successful Move in Montreal

A successful move in Montreal isn't improvised on the big day. The difference between a chaotic day and a smooth move? Methodical preparation and proven tips. Whether you are moving for the first time or are a seasoned pro, these 19 practical tips will help you save time, money, and energy while significantly reducing your stress level.

Our moving experts in Montreal have compiled these strategies tested over thousands of moves. Follow this guide to transform what is often seen as a chore into an organized and efficient transition to your new home.

1. Start collecting moving boxes at least a month in advance

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the number of boxes needed for a complete move. For a medium-sized apartment, easily count between 30 and 50 boxes, and this number increases quickly if you have lots of books, dishes, or decorations.

Rather than investing hundreds of dollars in new boxes, start collecting at least four weeks before your moving date. Free sources abound: grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box stores receive daily deliveries and are happy to give you their empty cartons. Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji groups in your neighborhood are also full of ads from people who have just moved and are looking to get rid of their boxes.

Spread the word to your circle: friends, family, colleagues. The earlier you start, the less stress you'll have approaching the big day and the more you'll save on packing material costs.

2. Do a major clear-out of what you no longer want to keep

A move in Montreal represents the perfect opportunity to declutter your life. Why pay to transport items you haven't used for years? Every box less means less loading time, potentially a smaller truck, and therefore substantial savings on your final bill.

Start sorting room by room, at least three weeks before the move. Create three categories: keep, sell or donate, and throw away. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and LesPACs allow you to quickly sell items of value: furniture, electronics, decor. Clothing and household items in good condition can be donated to local organizations like Renaissance.

Not only will you lighten your workload, but the money raised from your sales can directly fund part of your move. It's a winning strategy that transforms decluttering into a financial opportunity.

3. Move your wardrobe without wasting time

Packing clothes is often time-consuming if you take down each piece, fold it, then store it in a box. Yet there is a much more efficient professional mover technique for hanging clothes.

Keep your clothes hanging directly on their hangers. Take large heavy-duty garbage bags and make a hole at the bottom to let the hanger hooks through. Slide the bag over a group of 10 to 15 garments, tie the bottom with tape, and voilà, you have just created a "portable wardrobe" protected from dust!

This method is fast, economical, and your clothes arrive at their destination wrinkle-free. As soon as you arrive in your new home, simply remove the bags and hang directly in the closet. You will save hours of work and avoid ironing your entire wardrobe.

4. Label your boxes clearly and intelligently

An efficient identification system can make the difference between a quick unpacking and weeks of chaos in your new home. Don't just write "kitchen" on your boxes, be specific!

On each box, write three key pieces of information: the general content (e.g., "fragile dishes"), the destination room, and ideally a sequential number if you keep an inventory. The extra tip? Write this information on the side of the box, not just on top, because boxes are often stacked.

To maximize efficiency, adopt a color-coded system with tape. For example: red for the kitchen, blue for the master bedroom, green for the living room, yellow for the bathroom, etc. Your Montreal movers will thus be able to instantly place each box in the right room without constantly asking you where things go. This simple organization can reduce the total duration of your move by 30 to 45 minutes.

5. Gather all small parts in labeled bags

Disassembling furniture inevitably generates a multitude of screws, bolts, dowels, and small parts. Losing even a single critical screw can turn reassembling a piece of furniture into a nightmare and require a costly trip to the hardware store.

The professional solution? Ziploc bags of different sizes become your best allies. When you disassemble a piece of furniture, immediately place all its components in a bag, write the name of the furniture on it (e.g., "master bed - headboard"), and securely tape or attach this bag directly onto the furniture in question with strong tape.

Some movers even use different colored bags for each piece of furniture or each room. This method ensures that every screw finds its original furniture and completely eliminates the stress of reassembly. You will save valuable time and avoid the frustration of searching for hours for the right part.

6. Prepare an easily identifiable "first essentials" box

The first hours in your new home are always the most intense. You are tired, hungry, and the disorder is total. This is precisely the moment when you will need quick access to essential items without having to open 30 boxes to find a screwdriver.

Create a clearly identified box containing your essentials: basic tools (screwdriver, hammer, utility knife), toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, phone and computer chargers, basic utensils, disposable plates and glasses, garbage bags, spare light bulbs, and your essential medications.

Also add snacks, water bottles, and perhaps a coffee maker with coffee if you are an enthusiast. This box should ideally travel with you in your personal vehicle rather than in the moving truck. It will transform your first hours in your new home from an exhausting ordeal into a manageable transition.

7. Photograph all your electronic connections before unplugging

Modern technology means our homes contain dozens of connected devices: television, soundbar, game console, Internet router, computer, printer, home theater system. Each has its own HDMI, USB, audio, power cables, and other specific connections.

Before unplugging everything, take two minutes to take out your phone and photograph the back of each device as well as all connections. Take several angles if necessary. This visual documentation will save you hours during reinstallation in your new home.

You can also use colored or numbered adhesive labels to identify cables corresponding to each device. Coil the cables with reusable ties (avoid tape that leaves sticky residue) and place them in a labeled bag with their device. This meticulous organization transforms what is normally a headache into a quick and frustration-free reinstallation.

8. Make your address changes several weeks in advance

Waiting until you are settled in your new home to change your address is a costly mistake that can lead to unpaid bills, lost mail, and administrative complications.

Establish a complete list at least three weeks before your move: Government of Quebec (driver's license, health insurance card, vehicle registration), Revenu Québec and Canada Revenue Agency, banks and financial institutions, insurance (auto, home, life), employer, service providers (electricity, Internet, phone), subscriptions (magazines, streaming services), and doctors.

Canada Post offers a temporary mail forwarding service for about $60 per year, which gives you a safety margin if you forget certain addresses. This small investment can prevent you from missing important documents during the transition period. Check off each change on your list as you go so you don't forget anything.

9. Have your children and pets looked after on moving day

Residential moving day is noisy, chaotic, and potentially dangerous with heavy objects constantly moving, doors slamming, and incessant comings and goings. It is definitely not a suitable environment for young children or pets.

Children can feel disoriented by the upheaval of their familiar environment, become anxious, or simply get bored and require constant attention that you cannot give them. Animals, particularly cats and dogs, can become stressed by the unusual activity and attempt to escape through an open door.

If possible, organize care at friends', family, or daycare for the day. Your stress level will decrease significantly, you can focus fully on coordinating the move, and your professional movers can work more efficiently without having to navigate around curious little ones or anxious animals. Everyone gains serenity.

10. Clean and completely empty your refrigerator 24 hours before

The refrigerator presents a particular challenge during a move in Montreal. If not properly prepared, you risk water damage, persistent odors, or even costly mechanical problems.

Start gradually emptying your fridge in the week preceding the move: eat leftovers, do not buy fresh produce, donate what will not be consumed. The day before the move, remove absolutely everything, including removable drawers and shelves that you will pack separately.

Unplug the appliance at least 24 hours before the move to allow complete defrosting. Clean the interior thoroughly with a water and baking soda solution to eliminate odors. Leave the doors ajar to allow air circulation and prevent mold formation.

Once installed in your new home, let the refrigerator rest for another 24 hours before plugging it back in, particularly if it was laid down or tilted during transport. This period allows the refrigerant liquid to stabilize, thus avoiding damage to the compressor. Patience today means years of good operation.

11. Choose a Reliable and Experienced Moving Company like Le Capitaine

Choosing your moving company in Montreal is probably the most important decision in the entire process. A competent mover transforms a potentially stressful day into a smooth experience, while an unreliable company can cause delays, breakage, and endless frustration.

Déménagement Le Capitaine combines over 10 years of experience in Greater Montreal with competitive rates and impeccable customer service. Our team of professional movers treats your belongings with the same care they would give their own, and our commitment to transparency means no hidden fees, ever.

Get your free quote today.

12. Absolutely Finish All Your Boxes Before the Movers Arrive (If You Didn't Choose the Packing Service)

This is a golden rule that too many people overlook: on moving day, every minute counts and is reflected directly on your final bill. If your movers arrive and you are still filling boxes, disassembling furniture, or running back and forth to finish your preparation, you are paying for their waiting time at the full hourly rate. At Le Capitaine, the furniture disassembly service is automatically included in a move.

Set a strict deadline: everything must be packed, sealed, and labeled the night before the move at the latest. The only unpacked items should be your bed, your morning toiletries, and your essentials box.

Complete preparation allows the moving team to work at full efficiency as soon as they arrive. Instead of paying for 6 hours, 2 of which are spent waiting for you to finish, you could finish in 4 hours, saving several hundred dollars. Discipline in preparation is directly rewarded with substantial savings.

13. Create a Detailed Moving Checklist

Even with the best memory in the world, it is impossible to remember every task required for a complete move. A written checklist transforms mental chaos into a structured and reassuring action plan.

Divide your list into three time sections: tasks to do 4-6 weeks before (researching movers, collecting boxes, sorting possessions), tasks 2-3 weeks before (progressive packing, address changes, parking reservation), and tasks for the last week (final packing, cleaning, appliance preparation).

Apps like Trello, Asana, or simply an Excel sheet can help you track your progress. Checking off each accomplished item not only provides immediate satisfaction but also gives you a clear vision of what remains to be done. This methodical organization eliminates the anxiety of forgetting something and allows you to move serenely toward your moving date.

14. Make a Detailed Inventory of All Your Valuables

Even with the most professional movers, accidents can happen. An object can fall, a piece of furniture can get bumped, or an item can be misplaced in the confusion. That is why a complete photographic inventory is your best protection.

Before packing, photograph all your valuables from several angles: antique furniture, artwork, expensive electronics, jewelry, collections, musical instruments. Also, document the condition of your large furniture by noting pre-existing scratches or imperfections. Keep purchase receipts and appraisals of valuable items.

Create a digital folder with these photos and store it in the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox) to access it even if your computer is packed. In case of damage or loss, this documentation will greatly facilitate insurance claims and allow you to demonstrate the exact value of the affected items. It is an investment of a few hours that can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

15. Master the Art of Packing Efficiently and Safely

Packing represents probably the most time-consuming task of the entire move preparation process, but it is also the most critical for protecting your goods. Sloppy packing results in broken objects, wasted time, and frustration.

Favor medium-sized boxes (about 40-50 cm on each side) rather than very large ones. A large box filled with books or dishes quickly becomes too heavy to lift and risks tearing. Medium boxes remain manageable and safer for your goods as well as for the people transporting them.

Fill each box to full capacity using newspaper, bubble wrap, or soft clothes as padding to fill empty spaces. A half-full box will collapse under the weight of boxes stacked on top of it. Seal the bottom AND the top with quality packing tape (not masking tape which peels off easily).

For dishes and fragile objects, wrap each piece individually, place the heaviest items at the bottom and the lightest on top, and clearly mark "FRAGILE" on all sides of the box. Plates travel better vertically, like vinyl records, rather than stacked flat. Don't forget, we offer a packing service for moves.

16. Anticipate All Possible Logistical Contingencies

Last-minute complications are the main cause of delays and additional costs during a move. A minimum of anticipation can avoid them completely.

Measure everything that could pose a problem: will your refrigerator fit through the doorway?

Will the sofa fit in the spiral staircase? Does your king bed fit in the bedroom of the new home? If you have doubts, precisely measure your furniture and openings, then compare. It is sometimes necessary to remove doors or even pass certain items through a window.

Also reserve all required access: parking in front of both addresses, service elevator in buildings, and obtain necessary authorizations from your property managers. In Montreal, several boroughs require temporary parking permits for moving trucks: inquire at least a week in advance.

Check the forecast weather conditions and have a plan B for rain or snow. In winter, ensure that sidewalks and stairs will be cleared of snow and ice. This preventive planning transforms potential unforeseen events into simple details managed in advance.

17. Move Bulky Items to the Ground Floor in Advance

If your current home has several floors, a basement, or an attic, bringing large furniture and heavy objects down a few days before the move will save you time and money.

Every round trip on the stairs with a bulky object takes valuable time. By gathering everything on the main level before the movers arrive, you maximize their efficiency on the big day. They will be able to load the truck smoothly and continuously rather than constantly going up and down stairs.

Be careful, however, not to create an obstacle for your daily life. Place these items strategically in a garage, a corner of the living room, or near the front door without completely blocking traffic. If you have particularly heavy furniture like a piano, a safe, or appliances, leave them where they are and inform us in advance: we will come prepared with the appropriate equipment.

18. Reserve the Service Elevator in Your Building

In condos or apartment towers, the service elevator is often the only practical and authorized way to move. And that is precisely why it is in high demand, particularly during the high season around July 1st in Montreal.

Contact your building manager or syndicate as soon as you know your moving date (ideally 4 to 6 weeks in advance). Some buildings require specific forms, security deposits, or restricted hours for moves.

Get written confirmation of your reservation with exact hours and conditions of use. Communicate this information immediately to your moving company so they can plan their day accordingly. Arriving on moving morning to discover the elevator is reserved by someone else turns a well-planned day into a costly logistical nightmare.

Do the same for your new home if necessary. This seemingly banal coordination can make the difference between a 4-hour move and an 8-hour move.

19. Secure Parking and Check Accessibility

Adequate parking for the moving truck is often overlooked until the last minute, creating avoidable stress and complications. A standard moving truck measures between 20 and 26 feet: that is much larger than a car.

Check the width of your street: is it sufficient for a large truck to park without completely blocking traffic? Is there a bike path protected by bollards that would prevent parking? Roadwork in progress? Fire hydrants or driveways prohibiting parking?

In several Montreal boroughs (Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont, Villeray), you will need to obtain a temporary parking permit from your borough. This permit, which generally costs between $50 and $100, officially reserves the space in front of your address and authorizes the truck to park even in a normally prohibited zone.

In winter, an additional consideration is added: snow removal. Ensure the space in front of both your addresses will be cleared on moving day. Ask your neighbors not to park in front of your place that day, or install traffic cones the day before to block the space.

These logistical details may seem insignificant, but a truck forced to park three blocks away adds hours of unnecessary work and hundreds of dollars to your bill. Better to invest an hour of planning now than an exhausting afternoon of back-and-forth later.

Preparation is the Key to a Successful Move

With these 19 tips proven by thousands of moves in Montreal by Le Capitaine, you now possess all the tools to transform what is often perceived as a stressful ordeal into an organized and efficient transition. The difference between a chaotic move and a smooth move essentially comes down to one word: preparation.

Start early, methodically follow each step, and do not hesitate to invest in a professional moving company to offload the most demanding physical work. The time and energy saved, not to mention the massive reduction in stress, are well worth the investment.

At Déménagement Le Capitaine, every move is a different project with its own challenges. Our experienced team has helped thousands of families and individuals successfully complete their transition, whether it is a small studio or a large family home. We offer turnkey moving services adapted to all budgets, always with the same promise: transparency, efficiency, and respect for your belongings.

Ready to plan your move? Get your free quote now or check our complete guide to moving prices in Montreal to better plan your budget.