Essential Guide to Residential Moving in Montreal and Laval

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Moving to a new home in the Greater Montreal area can be exciting but also stressful. This is a thorough guide to guarantee a seamless transfer :

Planning Your Move

1-3 Months Before Moving

• Declutter and donate : Montreal has excellent donation centers like Renaissance and Salvation Army
• Research moving companies : Get at least 3 quotes from licensed movers
• Notify important parties : Begin address change process with government agencies, banks, and subscriptions
• Check parking permits : In Montreal, you may need to reserve parking spots for the moving truck
• Plan for school transfers : If applicable, contact school boards in your new neighborhood

Choosing a Moving Company

Montreal/Laval Specific Considerations

• Verify the company has a valid Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ) license
• Ask about experience with Montreal’s unique challenges : narrow streets, spiral staircases, snow/weather considerations
• Check bilingual availability if needed (English/French)
• Read reviews specifically about Montreal area service

Recommended Companies Include:

• Professional movers with local expertise
• Residential moving companies like Brault Déménagement offering both Montreal and Laval service
• Those with proper insurance coverage

Legal & Administrative Tasks

Address Change Essentials

• Canada Post mail forwarding
• CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)
• SAAQ (driver’s license and vehicle registration)
• RAMQ (health insurance)
• Banks and insurance providers
• Municipal taxes (both departing and arriving cities)

Montreal/Lavel Specifics

• Register for municipal services (water, waste collection, recycling)
• Note different recycling rules between Montreal and Laval boroughs
• Research parking permit requirements (especially in Montreal’s dense neighborhoods)

Neighborhood-Specific Tips

Montreal Considerations

• Many apartments have spiral staircases – confirm movers have experience with these
• Check if your building has elevator reservation requirements
• Note restricted moving hours in some buildings (typically 8 AM – 8 PM)
• Summer moves are busiest – book well in advance

Laval Considerations

• Generally more suburban with easier parking
• Verify if your area has specific bulk trash pickup for moving debris
• Longer driveways may require different equipment

Moving Day Essentials

Must-Have Supplies

• Boxes, tape, and markers (label with room and contents)
• Mattress bags and furniture pads
• Basic tool kit for disassembly/reassembly
• “First night” box with essentials
• Snacks and water for moving day

Weather Considerations

• Winter moves : Have salt/sand available, protect floors from snow/salt
• Summer moves : Stay hydrated, plan for potential heat waves
• Rain plan : Have tarps ready for furniture protection

Settling In

After the Move

• Update your address with local borough/municipal offices
• Register for local library cards and community centers
• Explore public transit options : STM in Montreal, STL in Laval
• Find nearby healthcare providers and emergency services
• Locosest grocery stores, pharmacies, and essential services

Community Integration

• Join local neighborhood Facebook groups or community associations
• Check out borough-specific events and activities
• Visit local parks and community centers

Budget Considerations

• Moving company costs (typically $80-$150/hour for 3 movers + truck in Montreal)
• Parking permit fees (approximately $25-50/day in Montreal)
• Potential elevator fees in apartment buildings ($50-$150)
• New municipal taxes and utility setup fees

Additional Resources

• Montal Moving Info : City of Montreal website for parking permits
• Laval Services : Ville de Laval moving information
• Consumer Protection Office : For complaints about moving companies

Finally, by planning ahead and understanding the unique aspects of moving in the Montreal-Laval region, you can minimize stress and start enjoying your new home quickly. Bon déménagement !