Top 5 Moving Day Mistakes Ottawa, Renters Make and How to Dodge Them
Whether you're relocating from Centretown to Westboro or downsizing from a high-rise in Vanier, the margin for error on move day can be razor-thin. We've helped hundreds of renters make the transition, and we've seen the good, the bad, and the completely avoidable.
Here are the top five mistakes Ottawa renters make on moving day—and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Booking the Elevator in Advance
If you're moving in or out of a condo or apartment, this is the most common (and costly) oversight. Many buildings in Ottawa require you to reserve the service elevator at least 3 to 7 days in advance. Forget this step, and you could be stuck hauling a sectional sofa up ten flights—or worse, delaying your movers and racking up extra fees.
Pro tip: Ask your building manager what’s required and if there are any time restrictions. Some buildings only allow moves between certain hours or on weekdays.
If you’re making a move between apartments, check out our apartment movers in Ottawa for help navigating the process.
2. Underestimating Parking Restrictions
Ottawa’s downtown core has strict parking regulations, especially during rush hours and winter snow removal bans. If you don’t secure a legal spot for your moving truck, you could face towing, fines, or a very unhappy moving crew.
The City of Ottawa offers temporary "No Parking" permits that allow movers to park curbside legally. But these need to be arranged ahead of time. Don’t assume you can just double-park for “a few minutes.”
Dodge the hassle: Get your parking permit early and double-check street signage before moving day.
3. Leaving Utilities to the Last Minute
You don’t want to arrive in your new place only to discover you have no electricity, no heat, and no Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, many renters forget to transfer or cancel their utilities until it’s too late.
What to do: Contact Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge, and your internet provider at least a week before your move. Schedule service changes to avoid delays or unwanted bills from your old unit.
4. Packing in Grocery Bags and Overstuffed Boxes
We get it—renters are often moving on a budget. But trust us, packing in old grocery bags or flimsy boxes from the LCBO is a recipe for broken dishes, lost items, and frustration.
Invest in proper moving boxes or consider renting plastic bins. They're stackable, durable, and easier to label. Your movers (and your staff) will thank you.
And if you're looking for dependable help from pros who’ve seen it all, check out our local Ottawa movers for a stress-free experience.
5. Forgetting to Label and Inventory
It might seem like a small thing, but not labelling your boxes can turn unpacking into a nightmare. When everything is sealed with identical tape and no clear system, you’ll be opening every box just to find a clean shirt or your kettle.
Use a simple colour-coded system or label each box with its destination room and a few notes about the contents. Take photos of electronics and serial numbers—especially for renters; it's a smart move if you ever need to file a damage claim.
Final Thoughts
Renting in Ottawa comes with its own moving-day challenges, but with a little planning, you can avoid the most common pitfalls. Reserve your elevator, secure your parking, transfer your utilities, and pack smart. And when in doubt, lean on professional movers who know the city inside and out.
Need a hand with your next rental move? Contact Ottawa Best Movers today for a free quote—we’ve got the tools, trucks, and experience to make your move smooth from start to finish.
