By Rusty Allen — 1,347 moves completed, 380,000 km across Quebec, 8 years of experience
Every kilometer tells a story!
After 1,347 moves and 380,000 kilometers on Quebec's roads, I've seen every kind of move — the perfectly planned ones and the absolute disasters. The difference between the two? Almost always a checklist.
Not a fancy spreadsheet. Not an app. Just a clear plan of what needs to happen, when it needs to happen, and who's responsible for doing it.
I've watched families show up on moving day with nothing packed. I've seen people forget to transfer their Hydro-Quebec service and move into a dark apartment. I've delivered to addresses where the previous tenant hadn't left yet. On my six wheels, I've learned that a move without a checklist is like a road trip without a map — you'll get somewhere, but probably not where you wanted.
This is the checklist I wish every client had before I backed into their driveway.
"A truck that starts on a quarter turn doesn't have enough stories to tell."
8 Weeks Before Your Move
This is where smart moves begin. Eight weeks feels early, but trust me — your future self will thank your present self.
Get Your Quotes and Book Your Movers
Start by getting at least three written estimates from licensed moving companies. For local moves in Quebec, look for companies that are members of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) and have a solid BBB rating. For long-distance moves across Canada, ask whether the company is a carrier or a broker — it matters.
If you're comparing companies, my colleague wrote a full guide on this: How to Choose the Right Moving Company.
Book early. For summer moves, 8 weeks is the minimum. For a July 1st move in Quebec, book 12 weeks out if you can. Availability disappears fast.
Start Your Decluttering
The less you move, the less you pay. Simple math, even for a truck.
Every unnecessary box adds weight, time, and cost. Go room by room. Be honest with yourself about what you actually use. If you haven't touched it in a year, it's not coming with you — it's just taking up space on my truck.
Tria Serene is our decluttering specialist. Her 4-question method makes this process much easier: Does it serve your future? Have you used it in the past year? If you lost it in a fire, would you replace it? Can someone else love this more than your closet does?
Create a Moving Binder
Physical or digital — just pick one and stick with it. Keep all your estimates, receipts, contracts, and important documents in one place. You'll need these for your tax return if your move qualifies for a deduction.
Speaking of taxes — if you're moving at least 40 km closer to a new job, business, or school, you may be able to claim your moving expenses on Line 21900 of your tax return. Keep every receipt.
6 Weeks Before Your Move
Sort Out Packing Supplies
Figure out how many boxes you need now, not the night before. Scotty McBox wrote the definitive guide on this: How Many Boxes Do I Need for Moving?
For a typical 3-bedroom home, you're looking at 30-50 boxes plus specialty boxes for wardrobes, mirrors, and TVs. Start collecting free boxes from liquor stores and bookstores if you're budget-conscious, but invest in proper materials for fragile items. The cost of proper packing is nothing compared to the cost of replacing broken things.
Notify Your Landlord
If you're renting in Quebec, check your lease for the required notice period. Standard leases in Quebec typically require 3-6 months notice depending on the type of lease, but month-to-month arrangements need just one month.
Start Packing What You Don't Use Daily
Spare bedrooms. The garage. Holiday decorations. Books you've already read. Guest towels. These can go in boxes now. Label every box with its contents AND the room it's going to — on the side, not just the top. You'll understand why when the boxes are stacked.
4 Weeks Before Your Move
Government Address Changes
This is the part people forget until it's too late. In Quebec, the Service quebecois de changement d'adresse (SQCA) lets you update your address with 7 government departments in a single online step. Do it.
Here's the full list of who needs to know:
Quebec Government:
| Agency | What to Update | Deadline | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAAQ | Driver's licence, vehicle registration | Within 30 days | saaq.gouv.qc.ca |
| RAMQ | Health card | Within 30 days | Via SQCA |
| Revenu Quebec | Tax records | As soon as possible | Via SQCA |
| Elections Quebec | Voter registration | As soon as possible | Via SQCA |
Federal Government:
| Agency | What to Update | How |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Revenue Agency | Tax records, benefits (CCB, GST/HST) | CRA My Account online |
| Canada Post | Mail forwarding | canadapost.ca |
| Service Canada | SIN record, EI, CPP | Service Canada online |
Other Important Notifications:
| Who | Why |
|---|---|
| Banks and credit cards | Billing address, branch transfer |
| Insurance (home, auto, life) | Policy transfer, new address |
| Employer | Payroll, tax documents |
| Schools | Registration, records transfer |
| Doctor, dentist, pharmacy | Records transfer, prescriptions |
| Internet, cable, phone | Service transfer or cancellation |
| Gym, subscriptions, memberships | Address update |
Transfer Your Utilities
| Service | What to Do | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro-Quebec | Transfer or cancel your electricity | hydroquebec.com/moving |
| Energir (gas) | Transfer or cancel | Contact directly |
| Internet/TV | Transfer or set up new service | Your provider |
Do the Hydro-Quebec transfer online through your Customer Space and save $25 compared to doing it by phone. Notify them at least 7 days before your move.
Set Up Canada Post Mail Forwarding
Buy the Mail Forwarding service at least a month before your move. It can take 5-10 business days to activate. Choose the 12-month option — annual mailings like tax slips come when you least expect them.
Important: Mail Forwarding does not cover packages. Update your address separately with Amazon, online stores, and any subscription boxes.
Confirm Details with Your Moving Company
Call your mover and confirm: exact date and arrival time, both addresses including access details, elevator bookings if applicable, parking reservations, any specialty items, and what's included in the quote vs. what's extra.
With my vieille transmission, I appreciate clients who tell me about that third-floor walkup BEFORE I show up. Access surprises are the number one cause of extra fees. Le Grand Peate covered this in detail: Hidden Costs of Long-Distance Moving.
2 Weeks Before Your Move
Pack Room by Room
This is where most of your packing happens. Work systematically:
- Start with rooms you use least (spare bedroom, dining room, office)
- Move to secondary rooms (living room, kids' rooms)
- Leave kitchen and bathroom for last — you need these until the end
Packing rules from the road:
- Heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes
- Fill every void — a box that rattles is a box that breaks
- Wrap fragile items individually, never stack them flat
- Electronics: photograph the cable setup before disconnecting
- Reinforce the bottom of every box with extra tape
For detailed packing techniques, check out the GCVL packing video series on our Resources page — expert tips straight from the president of Great Canadian Van Lines.
Prepare an Essentials Box
Pack one clearly labeled box (or suitcase) with everything you'll need for the first 24-48 hours in your new place: toiletries and medications, phone chargers, change of clothes, basic kitchen supplies (kettle, mugs, plate, utensils, dish soap), toilet paper, cleaning supplies, important documents, snacks and water, pet supplies and kids' comfort items.
This box goes in your car, not on the truck. Trust me on this one.
Take Photos of Your Current Place
Photograph every room, every wall, every pre-existing scratch and mark. Do the same at your new place before the movers arrive. This protects you from damage deposit disputes and gives you documentation for any cargo protection claims.
1 Week Before Your Move
Clean and Prep Both Locations
Confirm that your new place is accessible, clean, and ready to receive furniture. If previous tenants are still there on your walkthrough day, escalate immediately. Know the exact time you get the keys.
Handle Food and Plants
Empty and defrost your refrigerator at least 24 hours before the move. Use up perishable food. Clean the fridge and freezer and leave the doors open to prevent mold.
Plants in Quebec can be tricky during transport. On my six wheels, plants stress me out more than the toughest staircase — too hot in summer, too cold in winter, and they don't appreciate being sideways. If possible, transport plants yourself in your car.
Disassemble Large Furniture
If you're disassembling furniture yourself, do it now. Keep all screws and hardware in labeled zip-lock bags taped directly to the furniture piece they belong to. Photograph the assembly before you take anything apart.
Confirm Everything One Last Time
Call your mover 3-5 days before and confirm: date, time, addresses, crew size, estimated duration, payment method, and any last-minute changes.
Moving Day
Before the Movers Arrive
- Do a final walkthrough of your entire home — every closet, shelf, cabinet, garage
- Check that all boxes are sealed and labeled
- Set aside items NOT going on the truck (essentials box, plants, valuables)
- Clear a path from every room to the front door
- Reserve parking for the moving truck
- Have cash ready if you plan to tip (not required, but appreciated)
When the Movers Are Working
- Be present and available for questions — don't leave during loading
- Walk the lead mover through fragile, heavy, or valuable items
- Check that the inventory list matches what's being loaded
- Note any pre-existing damage on furniture before loading
Chef Andre Vaillant has a full guide on taking care of yourself physically during the move: Preparing Your Body for Moving Day. Moving day is a marathon, not a sprint — stay hydrated, eat properly, and let the professionals handle the heavy lifting.
At Delivery
- Be there when the truck arrives
- Direct the crew to place furniture and boxes in the right rooms
- Check your inventory as items come off the truck
- Note any damage immediately on the inventory form — this protects your claim rights
- Do a final check inside the truck before signing off
For long-distance moves, Le Grand Peate explains the delivery process in detail: What Is a Long-Distance Move?
First Week in Your New Home
Unpack Strategically
Don't try to unpack everything the first day. Focus on kitchen (you need to eat), bedrooms (you need to sleep), and bathrooms (you need these functioning). Everything else can wait.
Verify All Services Are Working
Check that electricity, internet, gas, and water are all properly connected. If anything isn't working, contact the service provider immediately with your confirmation number.
Update Your Remaining Address Changes
Go back to your checklist and make sure every organization has been notified. The most commonly forgotten ones: streaming services (Netflix, Spotify — billing address), online shopping accounts, loyalty programs, professional associations, magazine subscriptions, and veterinarian records.
File for Tax Deductions (If Eligible)
If your move qualifies for the CRA moving expense deduction, organize your receipts now while everything is fresh. Keep documentation of transportation costs, packing materials, storage, travel expenses, temporary living costs, and connection fees. File using Form T1-M at tax time.
For the full breakdown, see the CRA Line 21900 page.
Know Your Rights
If something went wrong during the move, the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) can help you understand your rights and file a complaint. For damaged items, contact your moving company's claims department first. At Pro Action Transport, our basic cargo protection through Great Canadian Van Lines is $8 per pound per item — significantly better than the industry minimum of $0.60 per pound.
If you need to store items during the transition, Sheldon Storage has you covered: How to Prepare Belongings for Storage.
The Quick-Reference Printable Checklist
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 8 Weeks Out | Get 3+ moving quotes and book your mover. Start decluttering room by room. Create a moving binder for all documents. |
| 6 Weeks Out | Order packing supplies. Notify landlord (check lease terms). Start packing non-essential items. |
| 4 Weeks Out | Change address: SQCA, SAAQ, CRA, employer, banks. Transfer Hydro-Quebec and utilities. Set up Canada Post Mail Forwarding. Confirm details with movers. |
| 2 Weeks Out | Pack room by room (least used first). Prepare your essentials box. Photograph current and new place. |
| 1 Week Out | Defrost fridge and clean both places. Disassemble large furniture. Final confirmation call to movers. |
| Moving Day | Final walkthrough. Be present for loading and delivery. Check inventory at both ends. Note any damage immediately. |
| First Week After | Unpack essentials first. Verify all services working. Complete remaining address changes. Organize receipts for tax deduction. |
The Bottom Line
Moving doesn't have to be chaotic. With a plan, a timeline, and a little help from professionals who've done this 1,347 times before, you can get through this without losing your mind — or your grandmother's dishes.
Start early. Ask questions. Get everything in writing. And remember: the most organized move isn't the fanciest — it's the one where nothing gets forgotten.
Every kilometer tells a story. Let's make yours a good one.
Call us: 514-266-1239
Rusty Allen — Rusty's Chronicle
Since 2017 - 1,347 moves completed - 380,000 km across Quebec
Certified Great Canadian Van Lines Agent
"Every kilometer tells a story!"