Summer in Montreal is associated with sun-drenched terasses, live music in city parks and an overall good time. With July marking the start of moving season, it's also a time of excitement, change and maybe a little bit of stress, too.
Whether you're moving to, within or out of the city, chances are you've heard of Montreal's busiest days of the year. As the streets fill with moving vans, overloaded bicycles and pickup trucks, know that there are steps you can take to make moving as stress free (and maybe even enjoyable) as possible.
From choosing local moving companies to getting a head start on your appliance shopping (and saving up to 50% off while you're at it), these nine tips can help you navigate Montreal's notorious moving season.
Make A List & Check It Twice
Ketut Subiyanto | PexelsWriting down what you need to pack — as well as how and when — sets the foundation for the rest of your move. It's all about organization. The more organized you are, the less stressful moving will be.
Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of ticking items off your list as you go. Just don't forget to make a copy of your list in case you misplace or delete it.
Don't Move What You Don't Need
cottonbro | PexelsMoving is a lot to take on as is, and there's no point adding more pressure by moving what you don't need (like old appliances that need an upgrade). If you have items you'd prefer to get rid of, don't wait until you've moved them. Do it now.
You can donate your items or, if they're particularly big and bulky, get rid of them using a collection service. To find out who to contact, use this resource from the city of Montreal.
Get A Head Start On Buying Appliances
Dmitry Zvolskiy | PexelsWhile some places include appliances, many don't and you'll need to bring your own. This can mean needing to buy several large appliances at once, which can become expensive very quickly. Getting a good deal on appliances is crucial, and it all comes down to where you shop.
You can save up to 50% on the things you'll need like a fridge, a washer-dryer set, an air conditioner and more at liquidation store BonPrix Électroménagers (and get next-day delivery too). They have bigs brands like LG, Samsung, GE and Frigidaire - and you can browse their products online or in store at BonPrix Électroménagers' Montreal, Laval or newly opened Longueuil locations before you move.
If your next home doesn't come with any appliances you can save over $1,000 by buying a kit from BonPrix Électroménagers. For $2,799 you can get a fridge, washer and dryer, oven and dishwasher delivered to your new place.
Start With The Small Stuff
Vlada Karpovich | PexelsWhen you're finally ready to pack, you might be tempted to load your biggest items first. Instead, opt to pack the small stuff, then move onto your larger items.
Packing small items tends to be the most tedious and time-consuming, so if you can get that out of the way (even a week in advance) then everything else will feel easier to tackle.
Move On A Weekday
Ketut Subiyanto | PexelsWeekends are generally the busiest days of the week to move in Montreal. The rationale is simple: people tend to have more free time then. If you want to avoid the crowds, and if your rental agreement allows it, try moving earlier in the week — like on a Monday or Tuesday.
Keep building rules in mind too. Check with your landlord or management team beforehand to make sure there are no issues with your move-out and move-in dates.
Avoid Moving On A Long Weekend
Handiwork NYC | UnsplashIf moving on a weekend is busy because people have more time, then moving on a long weekend is sure to be even busier. If you can, avoid it at all costs and schedule your move for a different day. This goes doubly for July 1.
Plus, long weekends are made for lounging, not hauling your life across town.
Ask For A Helping Hand
Blue Bird | PexelsWhat are friends for if not to help you move? As long as you're willing to return the favour when the time comes, and throw in some pizza and beer, it's totally okay to ask your friends to lend you a hand.
It's also a great opportunity to show off your new place or, if you're leaving the city altogether, say goodbye or see ya later.
Support Independent Moving Companies
Bust A Move Moving | FacebookIf you can't find friends or family to help you move, consider hiring a local moving company instead. This will be especially helpful if you have bulky furniture to move or if you're doing it solo.
Montreal has dozens of independent moving companies. Hiring some help will take the weight off your shoulders (literally and figuratively).
Clean As You Go
Because you're not likely to clean behind furniture once you've settled in, make sure you wash the floors and walls before arranging your furniture. As you're emptying boxes, clean the area so that when you're fully unpacked, you can kick back and relax.
If you have the time, you can clean the old place you're leaving. It's kind of like paying it forward, giving whatever new tenant will be occupying your place a bit of a break on their busy moving day too.
Planning is key to a stress-free move (or as close to one as possible). If you're shopping for a new microwave, cooktop or a fancy mini fridge to keep your drinks cool at your housewarming party — you can get them up to 50% off with BonPrix Électroménagers.
BonPrix Électroménagers' fully functional appliances are discounted because they were taken out of their packaging, refurbished, were inventory surplus or have slight imperfections (like minor scratches or dents). Every appliance sold comes with a 100% guarantee on parts and service for one year with extended warranties available for extra peace of mind.
You can browse products online in store at BonPrix Électroménagers' Montreal, Laval or newly opened Longueuil locations before you move. Don't forget to schedule next-day delivery to your new pad to make moving day as easy as possible.
BonPrix Électroménagers
Price: Various
Details: Get next-day delivery and up to 50% off fridges, dishwashers, dryers, ovens and more for your new home with BonPrix Électroménagers' clearance products.