University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier students face two brutal move-out periods every year: April (end of winter term) and August (end of spring/summer). Elevator bookings fill up fast, parking is limited, and most students don't have a truck. Here's how to make it manageable.
Book the Elevator Early
If you're in a high-rise building in Waterloo — Beechwood, Columbia Forest, King Street — elevator slots for April 30 and August 31 fill up weeks in advance. Book through your building management the moment you know your move-out date. Aim for early morning (8–10am) when the elevator queue is shortest.
Rent Totes Instead of Buying Boxes
For a student move, cardboard boxes create two problems: you need to find them (or buy them), and you need to get rid of them after. Rental totes from ToteRental.ca are delivered to your door and picked up when you're done — no sourcing, no recycling run. For a one-bedroom student unit, 20–25 totes is usually plenty.
Moving Without a Car
Many students rely on parents or rent a van. If you're renting a cargo van, totes are ideal — they stack cleanly and don't shift in transit. If you're moving entirely to a storage unit or a friend's place temporarily, totes protect your belongings and are easy to stack in a unit. ToteRental.ca can even deliver to your storage location for pickup.
What to Pack First
Start packing non-essentials 10–14 days before move-out: textbooks, off-season clothes, extra bedding, kitchen gadgets you rarely use. Leave everyday essentials (laptop, toiletries, a set of clothes) until the night before. A clearly labelled "open first" tote is your best friend on move-in day at your next place.
Moving Between Waterloo and Guelph (or Kitchener)
Many students move between Waterloo and Guelph for co-op terms, or relocate to Kitchener for a first job after graduation. ToteRental.ca covers all of these moves — we deliver to your Waterloo address and pick up from your new Guelph or Kitchener address (or vice versa) at no extra charge.
Don't Leave It to the Last Week
Tote rental availability fills up around April 25–30 and August 25–31 in Waterloo. Book at least two weeks out to guarantee your preferred delivery date and quantity. Last-minute bookings in peak periods may have limited availability.
Moving on or off campus in Waterloo? ToteRental.ca delivers free to UW, Laurier, and all Waterloo neighbourhoods. Book your totes →