Tips for a smooth Moving Day on July 1
So, you’re one of the estimated 130,000 people moving out on July 1 in Montreal. It might be Canada Day, but for Montrealers who rent, it’s moving day as apartment leases begin and end. Whether this is your first or 10th time moving, there are some things you just need to get done when you move into a new dwelling.
CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS
Visit the Service québécois de changement d’adresse, a onestop-shop to change your address. Enter your personal information and your new address, and your address will be updated for agencies like Revenue Quebec and medicare through RAMQ. You can fill out the form at adresse. gouv.qc.ca.
TRANSFER HYDRO TO YOUR NEW ADDRESS
If you have never opened a Hydro-Québec account, you can sign up for the agency’s online billing service. To transfer your existing account to a new address, visit your portal and make the change. If you make the change online, it’s free — calling it in costs $20. Hydro- Québec recommends that you change your address at least seven days before your planned moving date.
GET RID OF YOUR STUFF SUSTAINABLY
The City of Montreal offers anyone with proof of residency an opportunity to dispose of their belongings sustainably at one of its seven Écocentres. These spaces help to reduce the volume of waste in landfills, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, according to the City of Montreal website. Écocentres accept items like construction waste, metal, electronic devices, clothing and reusable items. You can visit ville.montreal.qc.ca/ecocentres to find the location and hours of the Écocentre in your neighbourhood.
FIND YOUR NEW GARBAGE DAY SCHEDULE
Garbage, recycling and compost services vary not only from borough to borough, but from street to street in Montreal. You can check your new garbage, recycling and compost schedule at ville.montreal.qc.ca/collectes by entering your new postal code. Some boroughs offer food waste and garden waste collection, and others are in the process of implementing it. You can visit the city of Montreal’s website for more information.
FIND YOUR PET A HOME
Some landlords don’t allow pets. The Montreal SPCA sees close to three times more abandoned domestic animals around moving day, according to spokesperson Marie-Noel Gingras. Gingras recommends exploring every option to find a place that takes animals, trying to work out an agreement with the landlord, or relocalizing the animal with someone you find through social media, or with a family member.
ALSO, PIZZA AND BEER
Don’t forget to recruit friends to help you move, buy them the traditional pizza and beer, bring lots of water and sunblock, and organize your movers well in advance. Happy moving, Montreal.