August 22, 2024

How to plan your residential move effectively

Are you planning a residential move but don't know where to start? Successful moving requires good planning. This detailed guide will accompany you every step of the way to prepare your move, helping you establish a clear schedule and follow a precise timeline for a smooth transition to your new home.

It will also help you choose the right moving method while sticking to your budget. And most importantly, this guide will help you avoid pitfalls related to movers and prevent any potential fraud.

Establishing an overall schedule with a timeline of important steps

Six months before the move

Research moving companies: Look for companies experienced with the route you are taking.
Start decluttering: Ask yourself about the importance of each item. If it’s not essential, donate or sell it.
Set your budget: Plan a budget to avoid surprises, including an extra margin for unforeseen expenses.

Three months before the move

Officially choose a moving company: Take the time to select a reliable moving company. It's also the right time to inform your landlord of your departure if you're a tenant.
Book the truck or container: If you opt for renting, book three months in advance, especially for busy dates like July 1st.
Start packing: Gradually begin with the items you use the least.
Research essential services: Find a new school for your children, a medical clinic, associations, etc., and register.

One or two months before the move

Handle administrative tasks

Change of address: Use services with an address change tool like MovingWaldo to make this process easier.
Transfer insurances and services (mobile phone, cable, internet, Hydro-Québec, etc.): This is a good time to change providers if necessary.
Continue packing: Pack more and more non-essential items and consider a storage service for some items (if necessary).

Two weeks before the move

Finish packing: Also plan the moving of pets and plants, which will not be handled by the moving teams.
Dispose of hazardous or damaged items: Get rid of toxic products, faulty electronics, batteries, etc., by taking them to the ecocenter, checking if your city offers home collection, or calling a waste collection company.
Reserve the elevator: If you live in a condo, make sure to reserve the elevator so the property manager can put up the necessary protections.

One week before the move

Confirm with movers: Prevent unforeseen issues by confirming the time and date of the move. Ask if a parking spot needs to be reserved.
Clean the home: Out of respect for the new tenants or owners, do a basic cleaning (counters, vacuuming, mopping, dusting).

One day before the move

Prepare the appliances: Unplug the refrigerator 24 hours in advance, as well as other appliances.
Prepare a bag and a box of essential items: You won’t want to search through all the boxes on moving day.
Plan a schedule for moving day: This will help you stay organized on the big day.
Prepare the tip: While not mandatory, it's common to tip the movers if they’ve done a good job. Also, prepare some water for them.

	Tips and tricks Need a detailed checklist? A complete moving checklist like the one from MovingWaldo could be useful. You can download, print, and even check it off.

Evaluating the moving budget

Choosing the mode of transport is an important decision that will have a direct impact on your budget. To help you evaluate the necessary moving budget, ask yourself the following questions:

What distance will you be moving? (local or long-distance move)
What is the volume of your belongings?
What is your maximum budget?
Are you willing to pitch in or prefer to delegate some tasks?

Based on your answers, you can choose between renting a truck, hiring professional movers, or opting for an intermediate solution like a moving container.

Option #1: rent a moving truck

Renting a moving truck is the most affordable solution, costing around $120 for 6 hours with a 10-foot truck (sufficient for a 3 ½), with 110 kilometers to go. However, you will need to gather some help and hurry to fill it up, as the rental is billed by the hour. If you have time, patience, strength, and a tight budget, this is the best option for you.

Moving truck
Pros	Cons
Very affordable You decide the time and date of your move	You will need to hurry to load the truck, as it is often rented by the hour You risk damaging items due to lack of expertise You will have to drive the truck yourself A lot of physical effort

Option #2: rent a moving container

Renting a moving container offers fewer responsibilities and more flexibility! A company like GoCube or PODS will drop a container at your place, and you can take as much time as you want to fill it up. Once finished, they will pick it up and drop it at your new address. The cost, for the contents of a 3 ½, for example, is $169 for one month's storage at your place, plus delivery at $149.

Moving container
Pros	Cons
Semi-affordable No need to rush to load the container You don't need to transport the container	You will need strength to fill it up You will need expertise to pack it properly so nothing breaks during transport Insurance options for your belongings are limited It's cumbersome

Option #3: hire a moving company

Hiring a residential moving company is very helpful, especially if you have a big house, as you will benefit from their expertise. You think it's too expensive and unnecessary for a small move?

Actually, it's much more affordable than you think, and according to MovingWaldo, often less than $1,000 for a 3 ½ (1 bedroom) apartment. You can calculate between $120 and $180 per hour for 2 movers. Plus, it greatly reduces stress. Hiring professionals is the winning formula!

It is important to compare multiple quotes from movers to find the best price according to your needs.

Moving company
Pros	Cons
Basic insurance for your belongings included and additional options available Less stress Little physical effort required No need to drive a truck Experts by your side	Less affordable, sometimes expensive Less control over the exact time and date of your move

Other fees to consider

In addition to the cost of movers or the rental of a truck or container, moving can involve other costs.

Packing and unpacking

To save on packing and unpacking, consider getting free boxes (Marketplace, grocery stores) or buying them in bundles at your nearest hardware store. Renting plastic boxes is convenient but more expensive. For fragile items, it's better to hire professionals.

Special item fees

Fragile or special items like pianos, pool tables, artwork, and hot tubs require special care during a move. Packing these items requires specific materials, which can be costly, and precise techniques to ensure their protection.

If you are not sure you can master these techniques, it is best to hire professional packers. They will adapt their methods to the nature of each item and minimize the risk of breakage.

Condo fees

Sometimes, your condo may charge you moving fees for reserving the elevator, as they need to install protective covers. Check with your condo manager in advance.

Tips to save on your move

Declutter before moving: Organize a garage sale, use online platforms, or donate your unused items. This will reduce the volume to be moved and might even earn you some money.
Rent or borrow equipment: Instead of buying specialized equipment (dolly, moving straps, moving blankets, etc.) for a one-time use, consider renting it or borrowing from your network.
Compare movers' offers: Use online platforms like MovingWaldo to get multiple free quotes and compare prices.
Transport some items yourself: For small or fragile items, consider personal transport. This will reduce labour costs.
Coordinate with others: If you know people moving at the same time as you, consider sharing a rental truck.

How to find a trustworthy mover?

With all the bad experiences you hear about residential movers, it's normal to have doubts and not know how to choose the right company. The first step to finding a trustworthy mover is to prioritize moving companies with a solid online reputation. A professional website, positive customer reviews on Google and other platforms are reliable indicators of their reliability.

To refine your search, make sure the potential mover:

Offers liability insurance of at least 1 million dollars and legal protection for transported goods. These guarantees protect you in case of damage.
Bills after the service is performed. A small deposit of $100 may be required, but the balance should be paid at the end of the move.
Inspires confidence from the first contact. Clear and professional communication is essential.
Has significant experience in the field. Several years of experience demonstrates proven expertise.
Offers competitive rates. Avoid offers that are too enticing, as they may hide unpleasant surprises

	Tips and tricks Want to simplify this process? Platforms like MovingWaldo are designed to make your life easier. With a few clicks, you can find reliable movers, compare several quotes instantly and book your move online. A dedicated agent will accompany you throughout the process, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Tips for sorting and packing

Before you start packing your belongings, it's essential to sort your items. Otherwise, you risk wasting space and money by buying too many boxes or paying packers for unnecessary items.

To help you sort and decide what to give away or sell, ask yourself the following questions:

Will this item be useful in my new home?
Is it worth the cost, time, and effort to move it from my current home?
Does this item have significant sentimental value? Is there another way to honor this sentimental memory?
Could someone else benefit from this item since I don't use it?
Do the donation center, eco-center, my own garbage, or my recycling accept this item?

You are now ready to start packing. It is recommended to start as early as possible, gradually, and speed up the process as the moving day approaches. If you hire professionals, you can entrust them with this task, but know that it will cost you about the same hourly rate as the labor for moving items.

To pack well, here are some tips:

Start by packing your boxes with the items you use the least: decorations, seasonal items, books, seldom-used kitchen appliances, collections, games, and hobbies.
Label your boxes correctly: Use a marker to indicate the contents and the destination room.
Pack your clothes in wardrobe boxes: These boxes are often provided for free by movers.
Use large compartments for non-fragile items: For example, suitcases, coolers, and storage bins. Make sure they are well sealed during transport.
Put fragile and heavy items in small boxes: This will prevent them from breaking and injuring you.
Wrap your small fragile items in clothes: This can include plates, glasses, photo frames, figurines, and more.

Tips for moving day

Before leaving your home:

Wake up early and dress comfortably.
Stick to your moving schedule, but don't get discouraged if things don't go exactly as planned.
Communicate well with the movers and be present if they have any questions.
Stay hydrated and take small breaks from time to time.
Make sure nothing is left behind.

Upon arrival at the new home:

Inspect your boxes before unpacking. Unpack your essentials first, such as dishes and toiletries (toothbrush, soap, towels).
If it's a rental, take photos of the initial condition.
Assemble the most important furniture, such as the table and beds. Leave the decoration for later, even if it's tempting.
Cooking might be too complicated, so order food.
Get enough sleep at night to have the necessary energy to unpack the next day.

Good planning for an efficient move

The end of your residential move has arrived. Planning your move is now much easier with this guide!

To integrate well into your new neighborhood, meet your neighbors; this can be beneficial for feeling good in your new community. Also, check with the city for upcoming events via social media. Explore nearby services such as parks, trails, and bike paths. Finally, decoration is recommended as the final step; have fun!

FAQ

1. How can I make my move environmentally friendly?

Use reusable packaging such as blankets, rent a large truck to avoid multiple return trips, use reusable water bottles, and dispose of your belongings correctly. Consult the RECYC-QUEBEC guide (French only) to discover the full range of actions to reduce your ecological footprint when moving.

2. What should I do if something is damaged or lost during the move?

Inspect your belongings immediately and document any problems with photographs in the event of damage or loss during the move. Inform the moving company in writing and fill out a claim form according to their instructions. Consult your contract and insurance policy to find out what your rights are, and get estimates for any necessary repairs or replacements. If the situation remains unresolved, consider filing a lawsuit.

3. How can I make my move easier with a pet?

Search for a babysitter in your area or a boarding kennel available on D-day, remember to transfer veterinary records to the new clinic, buy products to help with motion sickness, and finally try to follow the same routine in the new home to ease the transition.

Article written in collaboration with:

MovingWaldo is a technology company that specializes in simplifying the moving process for individuals and families. Our comprehensive suite of services includes booking trustworthy movers, comparing internet plans, and automating administrative tasks, which can save users hours of paperwork.