MOVING:
Do you have to vacate your current living space before you can move into your new home? Or would you like to take some furniture out of your house so it’s easier to show—and more appealing—to potential buyers? Or maybe you need to do some painting before you move into your new apartment?
Moving can be a complicated and stressful process because it involves so many steps. There’s the change-of-address notices you have to send, then the movers you need to hire or the truck you have to rent—and then there’s all the packing. The best way to relieve your tension is to get started as soon as you’ve confirmed your move. The sooner you begin, the less nervous you’ll get.
Book Your Truck or Movers
As soon as you know when you have to vacate your current home, decide whether you’re going to do the moving yourself or hire professionals. It’s always good to make a few calls to compare rates. Also check what the moving company’s insurance covers and doesn’t cover. Determine which company best meets your needs and make a reservation. Ask for confirmation via email and double-check that the date and time scheduled are correct—to avoid any unpleasant surprises or misunderstandings. You should also call your movers a few days ahead of time to make sure they have the right address.
Get Packing Supplies
You have two options: buying new boxes or finding used ones. You’ll also need adhesive tape and some kind of material to stuff your boxes—like bubble wrap, newspaper or some other kind of paper. You can wrap breakable items in towels, dishcloths, sheets or t-shirts. Remember to label the box as FRAGILE.
Sort & Pack Your Belongings
Take advantage of the fact that you have to pack everything you own to see what’s worth keeping, still in good condition and useful. Separate what you want to keep and what you want give away or sell. Organize a yard sale or sell your items on the Internet. You can also make donations to charitable organizations. Don’t wait till the last minute to start packing: start filling boxes several weeks ahead of time with things you won’t need before the move. Spend an hour each day sorting through your belongings and packing them up: this will make your move much less stressful, plus it’ll help you avoid a packing marathon three days before your move. Another approach is to set yourself a goal: for instance, packing 2 boxes each day. In other words, establish a routine as to the amount of time you spend or the number of boxes you pack per day… and try to stick to it!
Ask Your Children To Help
Involve your kids in the process by asking them to help you pack up their bedroom. By doing so, they’ll better understand what’s going on around them on moving day.
Secure a Self-Storage Unit
After packing ten or twenty boxes, you may realize you don’t have enough space to store them in your living space and go on with your daily activities. Renting a self-storage unit at this point, even if only for 1 or 2 months, can give you the breathing space you need before and during your move. If you’re storing boxes, make sure to only pack things you won’t need in the short term.
Take Time off Work if You Need To
If you need to take a few days off from work, or even a week, do so. The more time you have, the less stressful your move will be.
Send Out of Change-of-Address Notices
• Go to the “Mail Forwarding” page on the Canada Post website
• Change your address on your driver’s license and your vehicle registration
• Notify your employer, your service providers, and any publications you’re subscribed to
• Contact your bank and your credit card providers
• Go to the change of address section on the Quebec government website:
https://www.adresse.gouv.qc.ca/inscrire/FormulaireChangementAdresse.aspx?Etape=0&Lng=en
Disconnect Your Services
Before moving, call your service providers (electricity, telephone, television and Internet) to set a date to disconnect your services and a date to reconnect them at your new home.
Fill a Bin with Essentials for the First Night
Fill a bin or with the things you’ll need the first night after you’ve moved. You might want to include kitchen utensils, plates, cups, a toaster, a coffee pot, packing supplies (a felt-tip marker, tape, X-Acto knife), basic tools for furniture assembly, toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towels, personal hygiene products (toothbrush, soap), a change of clothes, pyjamas, sheets, a shower curtain, a cellphone charger, bottled water and snacks (granola bars, muffins). Pick a container that’s easy to identify—a clear plastic bin, for instance. You can put it in your car or van when you’re ready to move, so its contents are at hand when you need them.
Think About Your Pets
Remember that moving can also be stressful for your pet(s). If you have a cat, it’s a good idea to get some sort of pet carrier (a soft fabric bag or hard plastic crate) so you can take them with you in your vehicle.
Contact Us
Call us or fill out our online questionnaire. Our team can recommend solutions so you can store everything that doesn’t fit into your new shared home. We have units ranging in size from 25 to 200 square feet.
1215 Mini-Entrepôts is the biggest self-storage facility on the South Shore of Montreal. We offer very competitive rates, starting at just $50 a month. Our facilities are equipped with a hi-tech security system and state-of-the-art surveillance cameras. With your key card, you can safely access your belongings around the clock, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Our storage facilities are heated and pest-free.