Moving season is upon us!
The beginning of summer in Montreal is a joyful time for festivals, barbecues, and finally getting outside after out long, cold winters. It’s also the time of year where, on and around July 1st, most people move. It’s exciting to move into a new place! Moving often heralds new beginnings. Whether you’re moving from your last apartment into your first family home, or helping your kids move into their first apartments, it’s always an exciting time.
But it’s not all fun and games! The days around July 1st are always hectic in the streets of Montreal. Heat, increased traffic, abandoned furniture and short tempers all add themselves to the already-bustling city life.
Are you moving this year? Here are some tips & tricks to make your life easier.
1. Making a Game Plan
It really helps to know as much as possible about the place you’re moving into. How many rooms does it have? Make a floor plan and start deciding where each piece of furniture will go.
Once you have that floor plan, you’ll know exactly how to label your boxes. Label them by destination so that when you arrive with them, you’ll know exactly where to put them down.
2. Boxes & Preparation
You’ll need lots of boxes for all of your stuff. Luckily, boxes are easy to come by at this time of year. Do you know a friend who’s moving? Maybe they have extra boxes left over.
If all else fails, go ask your local grocery or department store for their unused boxes. They always have some, and they usually give them away for free. But make sure to start looking right away! Boxes will be in high demand this time of year.
You can also try going out on the street in the early morning on recycling day. On main streets, many stores lay out their boxes for recycling in neat bundles. Grab one or two of these, and you’re good to go!
3. Big Stuff First
Don’t fall into the trap of moving the easy stuff first! All you’ll achieve is making a maze for yourself, especially when moving into a small apartment. Start with the big stuff first: large furniture, appliances, beds, and large boxes.
You’ll thank yourself later, when you have enough room to get around in your apartment with small boxes and loose objects.
4. Compensation for Helpers
You should plan to treat your helpers to some compensation for their efforts.
If you’ve hired movers, it’s a good idea to tip them. They’re selling you a service, and like other professions in the service industry, movers should be compensated for a job well done. Click here for more info on how to tip them, and how much.
If you’ve enlisted friends for help, it’s a different story! Pizza and beer should be more than enough to keep them happy. Careful, though! Don’t crack the beers until AFTER everything is moved in. Otherwise, it’ll only slow things down, or worse.
5. Utilities
It’s a good idea to sign up for utility providers such as Internet service providers, Hydro-Quebec and (where applicable) Gaz Metro BEFORE you move into a new place. That way, you’re sure to have light and power when you move in.
The Internet might be able to wait, but you should at least call up your ISP and check if they offer service in your new postal code. If not, you might need to switch.
6. Safety
Many safety needs should be considered while moving.
Have a pair of work gloves handy for moving heavy and/or sharp-edged objects.
Make sure you always lock your car or van between trips. Moving is the perfect occasion for thieves to make away with your things.
Make sure all staircases and railings are safe and secure.
Hire professional movers for objects that are too heavy to move on your own. Even if you are very strong, keep in mind that professional movers are equipped with straps and carts to facilitate their work. You should never attempt to do their work.
That should cover some of the most common mistakes! Make sure everything is well organized and planned BEFORE you start, and you’ll do just fine.
Most importantly, be safe, and have fun! Enjoy your new place.