The Ultimate Moving Checklist for Metro Vancouver

A good moving checklist is the difference between a move that feels controlled and one that feels like it is happening to you. This guide covers every step from the moment you decide to move through your first week in the new home — tailored for Metro Vancouver.

8 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Decide on your moving date. Weekday moves are often cheaper and easier to book than weekend moves.
• Research moving companies. Get at least 2–3 quotes. Check Google reviews and ask about insurance coverage.
• Book your movers. The best crews fill up fast, especially in summer. Book as early as possible.
• Start decluttering. Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Less stuff = lower moving cost.
• Notify your landlord (if renting) of your move-out date in writing.

6 Weeks Before

• Gather packing supplies. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, and packing paper. Buy more than you think you need.
• Start packing non-essentials. Books, seasonal items, decorations, and anything you will not need before the move.
• Arrange storage if needed. If there is a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, book a storage unit.
• Notify your employer of your new address for payroll and tax purposes.

4 Weeks Before

• Book elevator access if you are moving into or out of a condo or strata building. Most buildings require 48–72 hours notice; some require up to 2 weeks.
• Transfer or cancel utilities. BC Hydro, FortisBC, internet, and cable. Schedule transfers for your move date.
• Update your address with Canada Post (mail forwarding), your bank, CRA, ICBC, and any subscriptions.
• Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day if needed.
• Confirm your movers. Reconfirm the date, time, and address with your moving company.

2 Weeks Before

• Pack the majority of your home. Leave out only what you need for daily living.
• Label every box with its contents and destination room. Colour-coding by room saves time on moving day.
• Disassemble large furniture that will not fit through doorways assembled.
• Defrost the freezer if it is moving with you.
• Confirm parking for the moving truck at both addresses. In Vancouver, you may need a temporary no-parking permit from the city.

1 Week Before

• Pack your essentials bag. Everything you will need for the first 24–48 hours: toiletries, a change of clothes, phone charger, medications, important documents, snacks, and bedding.
• Confirm the move with your movers one more time.
• Clean out the fridge. Use up perishables or donate them.
• Back up your computer and any important digital files.
• Photograph your current home for your records (especially useful for rental damage deposit disputes).

Moving Day

• Be ready when the crew arrives. Have everything packed and accessible.
• Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and storage area before the truck leaves.
• Keep valuables with you. Jewellery, important documents, and irreplaceable items should travel in your car, not the truck.
• Tip your movers if they did a great job. $20–$40 per mover is standard in Metro Vancouver.
• Take meter readings at both addresses.

First Week in the New Home

• Set up essentials first: bed, bathroom, kitchen.
• Check that all utilities are working. If anything is not connected, call the provider immediately.
• Update your driver's licence and vehicle registration with ICBC within 10 days of moving (required by law in BC).
• Register with your new municipality if applicable (some cities require pet licensing updates, etc.).
• Introduce yourself to neighbours. A friendly hello goes a long way in a new community.

Ready to Book Your Move?

4 You Moving handles moves across Metro Vancouver 7 days a week. Call 778-200-8825 or get a free quote online.

Get a free moving quote from 4 You Moving — we serve all of Metro Vancouver 7 days a week. View our service areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does moving cost in Metro Vancouver? Moving in Metro Vancouver with 4 You Moving costs $149/hr for 2 movers and a 3-ton truck, or $169/hr with a 5-ton truck. There is a 2-hour minimum plus travel time. Most local moves cost $450–$1,200 depending on home size.

How far in advance should I book movers in Metro Vancouver? For summer and month-end moves, book 4–8 weeks ahead. For off-peak moves (weekdays, mid-month, October–April), 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient.

What should I do to prepare for movers in Vancouver? Have everything packed and labelled before the crew arrives. Disassemble furniture that needs to be moved in pieces. Clear pathways through the home. Confirm elevator booking if moving into a condo.

Does 4 You Moving serve all of Metro Vancouver? Yes — 4 You Moving serves all of Metro Vancouver 7 days a week, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, and surrounding areas.

What is included in the hourly moving rate? The hourly rate covers the crew and the truck. Moving blankets are always free. Packing materials (shrink wrap) are extra. There is no fuel surcharge.

How do I get a moving quote from 4 You Moving? Visit 4youmoving.com to get a free quote, or call 778-200-8825. Describe your home size, access conditions, any specialty items, and the distance between properties for the most accurate estimate.