8-Week Moving Checklist for Metro Vancouver

Eight weeks sounds like a long time, but it goes fast. This week-by-week checklist keeps you organized from the moment you decide to move to the day you hand over the keys.

8 Weeks Before

• Confirm your move date
• Research moving companies and request quotes
• Begin decluttering — donate, sell, or discard items you will not move
• Notify your landlord (if renting) or list your home (if selling)
• Start collecting free boxes from liquor stores, grocery stores, and Facebook Marketplace

7 Weeks Before

• Book your moving company
• Research your new neighbourhood — transit, grocery stores, schools, parking
• Begin gathering packing supplies (boxes, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap)
• Start a moving binder or folder to keep all documents organized

6 Weeks Before

• Start packing items you use least: seasonal clothing, books, decorative items, out-of-season sports equipment
• Arrange for storage if needed
• Research schools if you have children and begin enrollment process
• Notify your employer of your new address

5 Weeks Before

• Continue packing non-essentials
• Arrange for disconnection/connection of utilities at both addresses (BC Hydro, FortisBC, internet, cable)
• Notify Canada Post — set up mail forwarding
• Begin notifying important contacts of your address change

4 Weeks Before

• Pack approximately half of your belongings
• Confirm your moving company booking
• Update your address with your bank and credit cards
• Update your address with CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)
• Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day

3 Weeks Before

• Pack all non-essential rooms (guest bedroom, storage areas, garage)
• Update your address with ICBC / BC Services Card
• Arrange for any specialty item moves (piano, safe, hot tub) — confirm with your moving company
• Book the freight elevator at your condo building (if applicable)

2 Weeks Before

• Pack all but the essentials in every room
• Defrost and clean the freezer
• Confirm utility connections at the new address
• Return library books, rented items, and borrowed items
• Collect any items you have lent to others

1 Week Before

• Finish packing all non-essentials
• Confirm your booking with the moving company (date, time, addresses)
• Prepare a "first night" bag with essentials for the first night at the new address
• Disassemble large furniture (bed frames, desks) if you plan to do it yourself
• Clean out the fridge and use up or donate perishable food

Moving Day

• Do a final walkthrough of every room before the truck leaves
• Check inside all closets, cabinets, and under beds
• Hand over keys to landlord or new owners
• Confirm all items are unloaded at the new address
• Do a walkthrough of the new address with the crew

After the Move

• Update your address with any remaining contacts
• Register for BC health insurance if you are new to BC
• Explore your new neighbourhood
• Return any borrowed moving supplies

Ready to Book?

Get a free quote or call 778-200-8825. We serve all of Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas, 7 days a week.