Quebec is unique in the world with its tradition of July 1st as a moving date. According to the Tribunal administratif du logement du Québec, about 200,000 households move every year, with a massive proportion at the beginning of summer. This tradition creates significant logistical challenges — and cleaning is often an afterthought in the planning process. Here’s a complete schedule for a stress-free move.
The Ideal Cleaning Schedule for a Move
8 weeks before: Planning
Start sorting through your belongings. Every item you don’t move is cleaning time saved in both homes. Book your move-out cleaning service — the best slots around July 1st fill up very quickly. If you have an Airbnb, plan a break in bookings around the moving date.
4 weeks before: The big declutter
Empty the cabinets, basement, and garage. Organize a garage sale, donate to charities, or take items to the eco-center. Clean cleared areas as you go — when a closet is empty, clean it right away rather than waiting for moving day.
2 weeks before: Cleaning preparations
Buy or gather the necessary cleaning supplies: heavy-duty trash bags, multi-surface products, microfiber cloths, gloves. If you’re using a professional service, confirm the appointment and provide access details for both homes.
The day before the move: Cleaning the new home
If you have access to the new home before moving day, take advantage of it for a deep clean while the rooms are still empty. It’s the only window where you’ll be able to reach every corner without obstacles. Our house cleaners can take care of it while you finish your packing.
Moving Day + 1: Cleaning the old home
Once the furniture is gone, clean from top to bottom. This is the most important cleaning — the one that determines if you get your deposit back and the one that will be evaluated by your landlord or the next tenants.
Quebec’s July 1st Specifics
The “National Moving Day” creates unique conditions. Streets are crowded with trucks, movers are overwhelmed, and collective stress is palpable. In this context, every task you can delegate or plan in advance makes a major difference.
Book your professional cleaning at least one month in advance. Move-out cleaning services in Laval, Montreal, and the Laurentians are in high demand in late June and early July.
Table: Moving Cleaning Schedule
| Period | Task | Responsible | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-56 (8 weeks) | Book cleaning service | You | 15 min |
| D-28 (4 weeks) | Sorting and decluttering | Whole family | 8-12 hours |
| D-14 (2 weeks) | Confirm cleaning booking | You | 5 min |
| D-1 | Cleaning the new home | Pro service or you | 3-6 hours |
| Moving Day | Moving | Movers + you | Full day |
| D+1 | Cleaning the old home | Pro service or you | 4-8 hours |
| D+2 | Inspection with former landlord | You + landlord | 30-60 min |
| D+3 to D+7 | Setup and organizing | Whole family | Ongoing |
Tenant Rights and Obligations
In Quebec, the tenant is required to return the unit in a reasonably clean state. The Tribunal administratif du logement can be involved if the unit is left in a state of excessive filth. Conversely, if you move into a dirty home, document everything with photos and contact your new landlord to discuss responsibilities.
Special Situations
Moving with young children
With young children, the time and energy available for cleaning are limited. This is the scenario where a professional service provides the greatest value — you focus on the kids and logistics while the cleaning is taken care of.
Déménagement longue distance
If you are leaving the Rosemère, Blainville, or Saint-Eustache area for another region, a local cleaning service is practically indispensable — you won’t easily be able to come back and clean if the landlord finds issues.
FAQ — Frequently asked questions
Can I get my deposit back if I have it professionally cleaned?
A professional cleaning with an invoice to back it up demonstrates your good faith and satisfies the requirements of most landlords. Keep the invoice as proof.
Can my landlord withhold my deposit for cleaning?
In Quebec, security deposits have been prohibited since 1979, except for the last month’s rent. However, a home left dirty can lead to legal action at the Tribunal administratif du logement. A professional move-out clean eliminates this risk.
How long does it take to clean an empty home?
A 4½ in good condition: 3-4 hours. A 5½ or more: 5-8 hours. A very dirty home: a full day. A professional service with two people cuts these times in half.
Should I clean both homes or just the old one?
Ideally both. The old one to meet your obligations; the new one to start in a healthy environment. The new home should be cleaned before your furniture arrives for maximum access to all surfaces.
Can a regular house cleaner do a move-out clean?
Move-out cleaning is more intensive than regular maintenance. At Ménage Laurentides, we have specific packages for moves that take into account extra requirements (inside the oven, defrosting the fridge, empty cabinets, etc.).
Moving soon? Book your cleaning now at 450-489-8995 — spots go fast!
