How to Prepare Your Move into Your New Condo

Congratulations on your new condo! A big day is looming: moving day. But don’t panic, the Esplanade Cartier team is sharing tips and advice so you can prepare for moving day in an effective and organized manner. 

Ready to start planning your move into your new condo? Get out your to-do list and let’s begin!

T-Minus 4 Months: Book Your Move

The sales team will contact you to confirm your condo possession date about six to eight months before. This will give you the time to choose when you want to move. We suggest scheduling moving day on a different day than the possession date.  

Please note that three-hour windows were specifically set aside to facilitate your move. During these times, you will have exclusive access to an elevator and a security guard will be on hand to assist you. There are two time windows available during the week: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. On weekends, you can choose between three times: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Once you have decided, please make sure to inform the sales team or customer service team so we can reserve the time for you.

T-Minus 3 Months: Pick Your Movers

You have two choices: you can rely on your friends to help or hire professionals. If you decide to hire a moving company, make sure to research its reputation and reliability. We recommend reading this article by the Office de la protection de consommateur to help you make an informed decision. And get a head start so you can compare quotes from different moving companies. If you go the friend route, make sure to reserve your moving truck early. 

In either case, the sooner you start planning the better.

T-Minus 2 Months: Packing Your Boxes

First, start sorting through your belongings. Consider selling or donating things you no longer use. The goal? Move light keeping only what you really need. 

Next, get moving boxes, packing tape, black and red markers, and packing paper (unless you have enough towels and hand towels). Opt for medium-size boxes as they will be easier to carry once full.

Start packing the things you do not use daily. For example, books, seasonal clothing, some of your dishes, and so on. Fill boxes as much as you can so things do not shift around. And remember to use “fragile” stickers to identify any boxes with breakable items. Then write the destination address on the side of the box. Last, use the red marker to identify boxes that should be unpacked first, and the black marker for those that can wait.

Prepare a cleaning kit and “survival kit” so you do not need to unpack all your boxes on the first night.

Depending on the size of your freezer, this is also a good time to start eating up frozen food.

T-Minus 1 Month: Paperwork

Now that your boxes are packed, it’s time for administrative tasks. First, fill out the change of address forms with the following institutions:

• Financial institution
• Insurance company
• Employer
• Energy provider
• Telecom company

Depending on your situation, you might need to add these organizations to your list as well:

• Healthcare provider
• School
• Car dealership

For other services such as your Quebec health insurance (RAMQ), Revenu Québec, Élection Québec, SAAQ, and so on, you can do a single change of address request by using the Service québécois de changement d’adresse. You also need to update your address with the Government of Canada’s services and departments.

For renters, now is the time to clean up before you vacate the premises. Take care of the few required repairs (e.g., plastering the holes you made in the walls to hang up paintings, mirrors, etc.) to ensure you will not be charged any fees.

The Eve of Your Move

Tomorrow, you will sleep in your new condo! 

Don’t forget your cleaning and “survival” kits. 

And, remember moving day is a great opportunity to discover your new neighbourhood’s pizzerias: after all, pizza is a great way to thank your friends for helping you!