Moving can be a big job, but with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be stressful. From packing tips to setting up utilities, this section covers everything you need to make your move smooth and hassle-free.
How Do I Move In?
First, you have to decide how you want to move. You can do it yourself, or hire someone to do it for you.
Hiring a Moving Company
- Schedule a Moving Company: It’s often a lot easier to work backwards from your moving date, especially during common moving times (August-September and April-May). When you’re looking for a company to help move you in or out, take some time to research the company you’re planning to hire. Ask yourself:
- Does this company service my area?
- Does this company have good reviews?
- Does this company offer any additional services, like storage, packing, cross-country moves, or special item handling?
When it comes to moving your belongings, it’s essential that you find the right company for your needs, not necessarily the lowest price on a list. To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of moving companies for you to consider.
| Company | Service Area | Student Discount? | Discount Code | Contact Info |
| Centennial Moving | Long-distance (cross-Canada & International) | 5% off | Must book via portal | contact@atlanticcoastmovers.ca (800) 215-2044 |
| Metropolitan Movers | Halifax area & long-distance (cross-Canada & International) | 5% off | Quote: “studenthousing2024” | service@metropolitanmovers.ca (888) 587-5687 |
| Xtreme Moving Services | Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec | 20% off | Must show student ID to receive discount | info@xtrememovingservice.ca (902) 701-8343 |
Heads up! We aren’t directly affiliated with the companies in this list and we don’t receive incentives to list them in this guide. Contact information is provided for informational purposes only and can only be used at the reader’s discretion. While we can’t guarantee that the information above will be 100% correct, we do our best to keep this up to date.
Do it Yourself
- Rent a Moving Truck: Self-service moving companies may be an option for your move, but make sure that you research any extra fees that may not be part of the advertised price. Many self-service moving companies charge for the base rental, by the kilometer, by the hour, and for the fuel used, plus any additional insurance charges. You will also, of course, need to possess a valid driver’s licence. If you take this option, make sure you book one in advance, especially during common moving times (August-September and April-May).
- Purchase Supplies: You should consider purchasing supplies such as boxes, tape, markers, and any padding for fragile items.
Contact Your Service Providers
Once you know what date your movers will arrive, contact any utility companies you have or will need service from. It may not be possible to schedule a move or connection/disconnection on short notice, so more notice is always better. We’ve listed some common utility companies below. You may not need to contact every provider on this list. If you’re not sure, check with your current and soon-to-be landlord.
| Company | Services | Contact Info |
| Nova Scotia Power | Electricity | Nova Scotia Power (902) 248-6230 |
| Bell Aliant | Internet, cable, cellphone | Bell Aliant (866) 563-1863 |
| Eastlink | Internet, cable, cellphone | Eastlink (888) 345-1111 |
| Eastward Energy | Natural gas | Eastward Energy (866) 313-3030 |
| Water company (varies) | Water services | Nova Scotia Water Utility Map |
| Heating oil company | Furnace oil | Check for the label on your oil tank for contact information |
| Canada Post | Mail forwarding | Canada Post (800) 267-1177 |
Heads up! We aren’t directly affiliated with the companies in this list and we don’t receive incentives to list them in this guide. Contact information is provided for informational purposes only and can only be used at the reader’s discretion. While we can’t guarantee that the information above will be 100% correct, we do our best to keep this up to date.
How Do I Move Out?
It’s best to reverse the steps you took when moving in, but there are some best practices to keep in mind:
- When it’s time to move out, do so within the agreed timeframe.
- Make sure to leave the place clean and in the same condition as when you moved in. This will help you get your security deposit back and a good reference for future rentals.
- When moving out, it’s important to take photos of the same areas and details that you documented when you first moved in. This helps provide a clear record of the unit’s condition both before you arrived and after you leave.
Giving Notice
- Your lease will tell you how much notice, if any, you have to give when you intend to terminate/stop living somewhere. Ending your lease early is not always possible.
- For a yearly lease, you need to give at least 3 months’ notice before the end of the term if you plan to move out.
- For a monthly lease, you must provide a full month’s notice before your intended move-out date (specifically, by the day before the start of the last month you plan to stay).
- If you have a fixed-term lease, notice is not required. Your lease will simply end on the specified date. If you wish to stay longer, you must ask your landlord, who can either approve or deny your request.