Like every year, thousands of people move during the summer. The community sector does not provide moving services. But other issues can become obstacles for people who are vulnerable, with reduced mobility and in precarious situations. Choosing a moving company, packing boxes or even getting furniture: community and public resources can help you.
Attention!
For people's safety and the protection of personal property, the community sector does not provide moving services. Community organizations must be insured in case of injury, accident or damage to personal belongings. Thus, the cost of insurance, not to mention that of truck rentals and gas would be too expensive for the financial capacity of community organizations. It is also very hard to find volunteers able to lift heavy items.
Packing boxes
About a dozen of organizations provide help for packing boxes. However, please note that this service is mostly offered to seniors.
Where to find or give used items
A move is the perfect opportunity to get rid of certain things, some that might even be cumbersome. Many organizations will take these items, if you can deliver them yourself. Others will go pick them up from your home. It can be furniture, household items, clothes or any other object that can get a second life. Items are then sold or given for free to people in need.
If, on the contrary, you wish to furnish your appartement at low cost, you can also benefit from these services. To learn more about how donating or used item pickups work, read our article.
Recycling instead of throwing out
Municipalities generally make available to citizens Eco Centres where anyone can drop off household items, construction materials, organic matter, recyclable materials, electronics, hazardous household waste, sports and leisure equipment, vehicles and clothing.
Choosing your moving company
There is a high volume of requests for moving services during the period surrounding July 1st. This demand can really increase the risk of choosing the first available company, sometimes at the expense of quality of service.
To avoid unnecessary problems, we strongly encourage you to check with the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) to see if the company has had any complaints in the past: Office de la protection du consommateur.
Change of address
Finally, do not forget to make your change of address. It is important to notify your service providers in telecommunications (telephone, internet) and public utilities (Hydro-Québec, Gaz Métro, etc.).
Newcomers: Overview of Needs and Available Community Support
by: Équipe du 211
Thanks to funding from the Fonds d'initiative et de rayonnement de la métropole (FIRM), our team has been conducting follow-ups with certain vulnerable groups using our services for several months now.
