Week-by-week Montreal moving checklist covering permits, building logistics, and local services so you stay ahead of peak booking windows.
March 12, 20247 min read
Complete Moving Checklist for Montreal
Moving in Montreal? Follow this local-first plan to navigate Plateau staircases, downtown elevator bookings, and borough parking permits without stress.
8 Weeks Before Your Montreal Move
Lock in core logistics while availability is wide open. Demand spikes at month end and during summer, so early planning keeps pricing and scheduling predictable.
Research Montreal moving companies and compare at least three flat-rate quotes.
Review building moving policies, especially for downtown condos with service elevators.
Create a Montreal-specific moving budget that accounts for parking permits and stair carries.
Study your destination neighbourhood to flag restrictions or condo associations.
Start decluttering--most Montreal apartments have tighter storage than suburban homes.
6 Weeks Before Moving
With your shortlist in place, start locking resources and documenting building requirements.
Book your preferred Montreal moving company and confirm crew size plus truck access.
Reserve elevator time if you are moving to or from a high-rise.
Order moving supplies early; quality boxes sell out around July 1.
Notify your landlord or property manager and review lease obligations.
Apply for or research the parking permits required for moving day curb access.
4 Weeks Before Moving
Transition into paperwork and service transfers so essential utilities go live on time.
Submit your change of address with Canada Post to forward mail.
Update Hydro-Quebec for electricity service at both addresses.
Schedule Bell or Videotron transfers for internet and TV.
Notify Revenu Quebec and the CRA of your upcoming address change.
If you have children, research schools and update enrolment requirements.
Register for local health services such as your new CLSC clinic.
2 Weeks Before Moving
Finalize logistics, begin focused packing, and keep municipal paperwork accessible.
Confirm move day arrival time, crew list, and parking permits with your movers.
Pack non-essential items and label boxes by room plus Montreal borough.
Arrange daycare or school transfers to avoid gaps in coverage.
Update the Quebec health insurance board (RAMQ) with your new address.
Review STM transit routes or parking options near your new home.
Montreal Moving Day Essentials
Stay close to the action so you can answer questions, manage permits, and keep elevators on schedule.
Double-check elevator reservations at both pickup and drop-off locations.
Keep printed parking permits and building access forms in a move-day folder.
Carry important documents, leases, and identification with you--not on the truck.
Photograph electronics before disconnecting so you can rebuild setups quickly.
Prepare for Montreal's unique staircases and alley access by staging items near exits.
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Neighborhood watch-outs before you book
Different boroughs mean different logistics--plan for these local quirks:
Plateau-Mont-Royal
Spiral staircases and narrow alleys require slimmer crews and hoisting gear.
Ville-Marie
Downtown loading docks need elevator reservations booked weeks ahead.
Westmount
Luxury buildings expect certificates of insurance and concierge coordination.
Old Montreal
Historic streets limit truck access--plan for longer carries or shuttles.
Cote-des-Neiges
Diverse building mix demands flexible crew sizes and bilingual support.
