Safeload Coverage
By: Mackenzie Scibetta, Zoocasa contributor
In most parts of the world, a renter’s lease start date varies on a case-by-case basis. But what would happen if every renter’s lease start date was the same day? That’s essentially what happens in the Canadian province of Quebec, where a unique phenomenon takes place each year called Moving Day.
Most rental homes in Quebec end their lease June 30, which means that on July 1, the streets are filled with renters moving into their new homes. This flurry of activity is known as Moving Day or Jour du Déménagement.
If you’re planning a move to or within Quebec, you’ll need to be prepared for the chaos of Moving Day. Here’s an in-depth look at this distinctive Quebecois tradition and tips for managing one of the busiest moving days on the calendar.
The Origins of Moving Day
Although it’s not a legal requirement for rental homes to end their lease June 30, the tradition of Moving Day dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries and is still largely followed today.
To prevent landlords from evicting tenant farmers in the winter, the French colonial government of New France mandated that leases expire May 1. This marked the beginning of the tradition, and eventually, in 1866, it was codified into Quebec’s civil code that leases end April 30 and begin May 1.
In 1973, the National Assembly of Quebec abolished the law and allowed landlords and tenants to decide on their own lease start and end dates. This didn’t put an end to the tradition of Moving Day, however.
Instead, most lease start dates got pushed to July 1 to better align with the end of the school year. Moving Day also coincides with Canada Day, a national holiday, meaning most people already have the day off from work.
How to Prepare for Moving Day as a Renter
It goes without saying that July 1 is the busiest day of the year for moving companies in Quebec. This is particularly true if you’re moving within Montreal, the province’s largest and most populated city.
The Montreal Gazette estimates that more than 100,000 people move into new apartments on Moving Day in Montreal. Due to this high demand, it’s crucial to book moving services as early as possible to secure the help you need.
If you’re thinking of moving to or within Montreal, you’ll also need to start your apartment search as early as possible. With most of the city looking for a rental to be available in the same period, you’ll face steep competition.
Start looking in January or February to secure a home. Waiting until spring or summer could put you at risk of not finding a suitable apartment or getting priced out of the most desirable units.
Parking is another significant consideration, particularly in Montreal, where finding a spot can be challenging because of narrow streets and limited space.
If possible, reserve a parking space ahead of time or arrange for a friend or family member to hold a spot for you. It’s not uncommon for people to block off parking spaces with chairs and ropes the night before, so prepare for some friendly competition for these spots.
Pre-Move Checklist:
6 months before:
- Let your landlord know whether you plan to renew your lease
- Start your apartment search
3-4 months before:
- Arrange moving help, considering professional movers and any friends or family who can help
- Schedule any cleaning or repair services that might be needed before moving
1 month before:
- Familiarize yourself with your current and future building’s Moving Day rules
- Begin sorting through your belongings and donating items you don’t need
- Start gathering moving supplies such as boxes, packing tape, lifting straps, or bubble wrap
1 week before:
- Confirm moving arrangements
- Scope out parking spaces or make reservations if needed
- Pack non-essential items into clearly labeled boxes
- Coordinate moving times with any new tenants, if applicable, to ensure smooth transitions for everyone involved
- Arrange for child care or pet care during the move
- Set up utilities at your new address to ensure services like electricity and water are functioning when you arrive
Moving Day Tips and Etiquette
Wherever you look on Moving Day, you’re likely to see boxes, moving trucks, and people carrying furniture. Moving can be a highly emotional process, and with so many renters navigating this change at the same time, tensions will be high. To avoid unnecessary problems with fellow movers, it’s important to handle the day with care and consideration for others.
Be patient when making use of tiny stairwells and elevators, as you’ll likely encounter delays in shared spaces. Remember, everyone has the same goal today, so a little kindness can go a long way. At the same time, Moving Day can help foster a sense of community. Your neighbors will go through the same challenges as you, so embracing the day’s chaos and offering a helping hand can help bring you closer to your new community.
Given that Moving Day falls in the height of summer, the heat can add an additional layer of challenge to the move. This is where staying hydrated and planning for water breaks will come in handy. Having a cooler stocked with ice-cold drinks for your moving helpers can make the day go smoother and will certainly be appreciated by everyone pitching in.
Lastly, try to be considerate of those who aren’t moving. Although it might seem like everyone you know is packing up boxes, there will still be plenty of people going about their normal day. Try to avoid blocking hallways or doorways longer than necessary and keep noise to a minimum.
Moving Day might be long and tiring, but maintaining good relationships with neighbors from start to finish can help make the process more enjoyable.
Do you need help finding a new apartment or home? Zoocasa can help! Our qualified real estate agents are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.
Contributor’s Bio: Mackenzie is the Senior Specialist of Public Relations and Content Marketing at Zoocasa, an award-winning prop-tech company that uses technology to provide an intelligent, end-to-end real estate experience. As a dedicated real estate writer, Mackenzie is known for her comprehensive and data-driven reports, which track and analyze trends in local markets across North America.
