📦 July 1 Moving Day Checklist — Montreal
40 tasks across 8 weeks. Tick them off as you go. Your progress saves in this browser.
The Montreal July 1 moving day survival guide
Quick answer: Around 225,000 Montrealers move on July 1 every year — the only city in North America with synchronized moving. Movers, U-Haul trucks and ideal-time bookings sell out by mid-April. Start your prep at least 8 weeks before if you want to avoid the chaos.
Why is moving day July 1 in Quebec?
Quebec’s standard residential lease runs July 1 to June 30. The tradition dates back to 1973, when the provincial government standardized lease end-dates to protect tenants (previously most leases ended May 1 — and landlords often used the moving disruption to displace tenants). Today, “le 1er juillet” is half national holiday, half moving Olympics.
Timing the 8-week countdown
| When | Key tasks |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks before (early May) | Notice to landlord, sign new lease, book movers |
| 4 weeks before (early June) | Parking permit, Hydro transfer, internet, start packing |
| 2 weeks before (mid-June) | Change address SAAQ, RAMQ, CRA, banks |
| Moving day (July 1) | 7am arrival, walk-through, swap keys, document damage |
| After (July–August) | Tax expense receipts, voter rolls, school |
How much does a Montreal move cost in 2026?
- DIY U-Haul (10-ft truck, in-city): $200–$400 including gas and a 1-night rental, IF you can find one available July 1. Friends with pizza: additional $100.
- Two movers + truck, half-day (1-bedroom): $600–$900.
- Full-service crew, 2-bedroom intra-city: $1,200–$1,800.
- Premium movers (white glove): $2,000–$3,500.
Tip: a move on June 30 or July 2 is often 30% cheaper than July 1 itself. Negotiate a 1-day overlap with your old or new landlord if possible.
The most-missed administrative tasks
- SAAQ driver’s license: you have 30 days to update. Free if done online or in person. Required by law.
- RAMQ (health card): update within 30 days to avoid coverage gaps.
- Canada Post mail forwarding: $75 (4 months) or $120 (6 months). Worth it — even 2026 you’ll still get tax slips and bills via mail.
- Voter rolls: Elections Quebec uses your registered address. If you don’t update, you can’t vote in municipal/provincial elections from your new address.
- SAAQ vehicle registration: linked to driver’s license but uses the vehicle owner’s address. Update both.
Tenant rights to know before signing
Before you sign the new lease:
- Verify Section G shows the rent the previous tenant paid. A jump of 20%+ may be challengeable at the TAL.
- Check the lease is the official Quebec form (forme prescrite). Custom landlord templates have weaker tenant protections.
- Confirm what’s included: heating, hot water, parking, appliances. “Heated” leases dramatically lower your Hydro bill.
- Take dated photos of every room before you move in. They’re your evidence in any deposit dispute.
Montreal Moving Day FAQ
Why does Montreal move on July 1?
Since 1973, Quebec law sets the default end date for residential leases at June 30. The standard tradition pre-dates the law — historically Quebec leases ended May 1. The provincial government standardized to July 1 to give families time to move after the school year and to avoid winter moves.
When should I book a mover for July 1 in Montreal?
Book by March or April for July 1. Most reputable Montreal moving companies are fully booked for July 1 by late April. U-Haul, Discount and Penske trucks for July 1 typically sell out in early May.
How much does a moving permit cost in Montreal?
Reserved moving truck parking through the city’s 311 service is free. Call 311 at least 5 business days before your move and request “panneaux temporaires pour déménagement” at your old and new addresses. The city posts no-parking signs.
Are moving expenses tax-deductible in Quebec?
Yes, if you moved at least 40 km closer to a new job, business or full-time student campus. Eligible expenses include moving company fees, truck rental, packing supplies, travel, and temporary lodging. Claim on federal Form T1-M and Quebec form TP-348. Keep all receipts.
How long does the landlord have to return my deposit?
Trick question — Quebec does not allow security deposits. Landlords cannot legally ask for a deposit beyond the first month’s rent paid at the start. If your landlord asks for a “damage deposit”, you can refuse and they cannot evict you for that.
Can my landlord refuse to renew my lease?
In most cases, no. Quebec law provides automatic lease renewal at the existing rent unless the landlord serves a valid non-renewal notice for specific reasons (e.g. they want to occupy the unit personally). Even then, they must follow the formal “reprise de logement” process.
Do I need to give notice to leave my apartment in Quebec?
For a 12-month lease, you must give written notice 3 to 6 months before the lease end. For month-to-month, 1 to 2 months. If you don’t give notice, the lease automatically renews and you’re locked in for another year at the proposed rent.
Related Montreal tools
- Quebec Lease (Form F) Checker
- Hydro-Québec Bill Estimator
- Montreal Neighborhood Match Quiz
- Garbage & Recycling Schedule Finder
Sources: TAL (Tribunal administratif du logement), SAAQ, RAMQ, CRA, Ville de Montréal. Last updated May 2026.