Before You Arrive: What to Pack for Moving to Montreal
Moving to Montréal is thrilling—but packing can quickly become overwhelming. What do you really need? What can wait? This guide is tailored for immigrants, international students, and temporary workers getting ready to start a new chapter in Québec’s largest city. We’ll cover essential documents, smart wardrobe choices for all four seasons, tech and comfort items, and give you realistic advice on what to leave behind.
1. Your Most Important Belongings: Documents
Start here. These are the items you should keep on you at all times when traveling:
Essential Documents to Carry (in your carry-on):
Passport with valid visa (if applicable)
Study/Work/Residence Permit confirmation letters
CAQ (Certificat d’acceptation du Québec) for international students or certain workers
IRCC Correspondence Letters like Port of Entry letters, biometrics confirmation
Proof of funds (printed bank statements, scholarship documents, letters from financial sponsors)
Educational credentials: Diplomas, transcripts, or certified translations
Work-related certificates or licensing documents
Vaccination records and prescriptions (with generic names and original packaging)
Driver’s license or International Driving Permit (if planning to drive)
Contact list with emergency numbers in Canada and abroad
Keep all originals in a waterproof folder and make digital copies stored in cloud storage.
2. Clothing for Montréal’s Four Seasons
You don’t need a fashion runway suitcase—but Montréal weather can be intense. Pack layers suited for your arrival season and prepare to buy additional clothes later (especially winter gear).
A. If Arriving in Fall (September–November):
Lightweight to medium jackets (waterproof is ideal)
Long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, layering pieces
Comfortable shoes and waterproof boots
Umbrella and warm accessories like scarves
B. If Arriving in Winter (December–February):
Insulated winter coat/parka rated to -25°C or lower
Snow boots with insulation and good grip
Thermal base layers (tops and leggings)
Wool socks, mittens, toque (hat), and neck warmer
Optional but useful: Ice cleats (you can also buy them here)
If your home country doesn’t sell proper winter gear, don’t panic—you can easily buy affordable, effective clothing at stores like Simons, Sports Experts, and even second-hand shops in Montréal.
C. If Arriving in Spring (March–May):
Raincoat or windbreaker
Mix of winter and spring layers
Sneakers or waterproof shoes
D. If Arriving in Summer (June–August):
Lightweight clothes, shorts, T-shirts
Light jacket or hoodie (nights can still be cool)
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Don’t overpack! Montréalers wear everything from casual jeans to business attire depending on the neighborhood and profession. Bring basics, and adapt over time.
3. Electronics & Connectivity
Must-Haves:
Unlocked smartphone and charger
Laptop or tablet with power brick
Adapters for Canadian 110 V outlets (Canada uses Type A and B plugs)
Optional but Helpful:
Portable power bank
Surge protector with multiple USB ports
Buy new electronics in Canada only if absolutely needed—import taxes can make it pricey.
4. Everyday Essentials
What You Should Bring:
A few days’ worth of toiletries (especially if arriving on weekends when some stores are closed)
Prescription medication with documents
Glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses
Reusable water bottle
What You Can Buy Cheaply in Montréal:
All kitchenware (plates, forks, pans) at Dollarama, Walmart, or IKEA
Bed linens and towels—affordable options everywhere
Small furniture from IKEA, Facebook Marketplace, or second-hand shops
Cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, personal hygiene
There’s no need to pack heavy or bulky household items—unless you have highly specific needs or limited access to stores upon arrival.
5. Adapting to Local Life: Culture and Comfort
What Might Be Worth Bringing:
A small set of cultural comfort items: spices, traditional clothing, or a book in your native language
Photos or small keepsakes to decorate your space
A journal or planner to stay organized
You’ll adapt over time, but these items can make the first few weeks feel more like home.
6. Your First Week Essentials
As soon as you arrive, you’ll likely need to:
Activate your SIM card (from providers like Fizz, Bell, or Rogers)
Pick up a OPUS transit card for metro and buses
Register at your university or workplace
Visit a pharmacy or walk-in clinic if you need care
Begin apartment hunting if temporary housing was arranged only for arrival
7. Where to Buy Winter Gear in Montréal
Don’t worry about finding the right coat or boots before arrival. Here’s where locals go:
Simons (fashionable and warm)
Sports Experts (specialized outdoor gear)
MEC (Mountain Equipment Company – higher budget)
Second-hand shops: Renaissance, Village des Valeurs, Fripe-Prix Renaissance
Expect to pay:
Coat: $120–$350 (quality will last years)
Boots: $100–$250
Accessories (hat, scarf, gloves): $40–$80 combined
These are solid investments to survive your first Montréal winter.
8. What NOT to Pack
Avoid packing:
Bulky kitchenware or household items
Furniture or heavy decor
Too many shoes or seasonal clothing irrelevant to your first months
Multiple books (download e-books or buy second-hand)
Instead, leave room for:
Gifts for your host/family/friends
Empty space for things you’ll bring back later
9. Bonus: Packing Tips
Use packing cubes or compression bags to maximize luggage
Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles
Label each bag with contact info, just in case
Don’t check in important documents or medication—keep them on you
Final Word
Landing in Montréal is the start of a new chapter. Your suitcase doesn’t have to carry your whole life—just enough to get you through the first few weeks. Focus on documents, weather-appropriate clothes, your essentials, and an open mind. You’ll have time to shop, settle, and discover your new rhythm.
Bienvenue à Montréal!
