The tradition of moving on July 1st is disappearing in Quebec
People are increasingly choosing different dates to move to a new address.
Quebec is experiencing a shift in its traditional moving day, which used to be on July 1st. According to moving companies, residents are increasingly choosing other dates to change their residence.
Pierre-Olivier Cyr, co-owner of Clan Panneton, notes that July 1st has become relatively quiet in Montreal. However, the two weeks before and after this date are characterized by high activity. Cyr cites renovations and evictions as the main reasons for this change.
"This year is unique: we've never filed so many eviction requests with the Régie du logement," says Cyr.
Clan Panneton is seeing a significant increase in demand for moving services in 2024 compared to the previous year, which saw a 30% decrease.
The changing trends in the moving industry are leading to a more even distribution of demand, allowing companies to better control their costs. As a result, service prices for consumers may decrease.
According to the Quebec Institute of Statistics, the number of moves in the province has reached a record low. In 2023, only 7.8% of the population changed addresses, significantly lower than the 10.3% figure four years ago.
Experts cite the housing crisis, lack of affordable housing, and rising rent prices as the main reasons for the decline in moves
