Every year on July 1st, thousands of Quebecers move, turning the day into a dance of moving trucks and cardboard boxes across the province. But why has this specific date become such a popular time to switch homes? The answer lies in a mix of history, practicality, and culture.
Historical background: a long-standing tradition
The fixed-date moving tradition in Quebec goes back to the 18th century and comes from French legal customs. In 1750, an ordinance was introduced to set a common lease end date to prevent families from having to move during winter.
For over a hundred years, most residential leases ended on April 30, which meant moving on May 1.
That changed in 1974, when the government moved the lease end date to June 30 to avoid disrupting the school year and make things easier for families.
Since the law came into effect in 1975, July 1st has become the go-to moving day in Quebec, with an estimated 200,000 to 250,000 households moving every summer.
Lease expiration: a symbolic time for home changes
Most leases in Quebec end on June 30. This shapes the entire rental calendar. People who aren’t renewing their lease must leave their homes on that exact date.
The next day, on July 1st, thousands of households move into new apartments or houses, usually booked weeks or months ahead.
This creates a massive and coordinated migration across the province. Streets fill up with boxes, furniture, and moving trucks, showing just how big the event has become.
Housing availability: peak season for rentals and sales
July 1st is the busiest day of the year for moving across Quebec. The end of lease terms leads to a wave of available rental units.
This doesn’t only affect renters. Many homeowners also take advantage of summer to list their properties for sale.
As a result, people looking to move have access to more options than during any other season.
Logistics: what’s good and what’s tricky about this date
Pros
There are several logistical benefits to moving around this time.
The date lines up with the end of the school year, so families can move without disrupting children’s routines. July 1st is also Canada Day, which means most people have the day off.
This makes it easier to get help from friends and family. Moving in the summer also avoids snowstorms and harsh winter weather.
Cons
Still, July 1st comes with some challenges. Demand for movers hits its peak, which drives prices way up. Rates often double or even triple, especially in cities like Montreal and Quebec City.
Finding an available crew is tough unless you’ve booked well in advance.
Getting a truck or movers can take longer, and traffic slows down with all the moving vans on the road.
Even though the weather is usually better in summer, heatwaves or storms can make the day physically exhausting.
How to make your July 1st move a success
To make your July 1st move smoother, plan around the June 30 lease deadline. Here are a few practical tips to help you manage your residential move in Quebec.
- 3 months before
Start early in spring. Notify your landlord, compare prices, and take time to pick a trustworthy moving company. You can read our guide: How to choose a reliable mover. - 1 month before
Confirm bookings and gather supplies like boxes and tape. Start sorting and packing. Don’t forget to notify your service providers about your address change. - 1 week before moving day
Pack up the last boxes, disassemble furniture if needed, and prepare a bag with essentials for moving day. Check access points and coordinate timing with your new landlord or tenant. - Moving day
Bring water, snacks, and keep an eye on the weather. Inspect the place you’re leaving and the one you’re moving into.
Planning to move in Montreal or elsewhere in Quebec on July 1? Contact us now to get a quick quote or book your move during the busiest season.
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