New Home Moving Checklist for Metro Vancouver Residents

Moving into a new home in Metro Vancouver involves more than just getting your belongings from A to B. Utilities, address changes, inspections, strata rules, and first-night setup all need to happen in the right order.

This checklist covers everything — for both owners and renters.

Before Moving Day

4–6 Weeks Before

• Book your moving company and confirm in writing (date, time, crew, truck, rate)
• Book the elevator if moving into a strata building (contact building management)
• Arrange parking for the moving truck at both addresses
• Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post (canadapost.ca)
• Notify your employer of your new address
• Start packing non-essential rooms

2–3 Weeks Before

• Notify BC Hydro of your move date (transfer or new account)
• Notify FortisBC if applicable
• Set up internet and cable at the new address
• Notify your bank and financial institutions
• Update your address with CRA (online via My Account or call 1-800-959-8281)
• Notify your insurance providers (home, auto, life)
• Continue packing — aim for all non-essential rooms done

1 Week Before

• Confirm your moving company booking (date, start time)
• Reconfirm elevator booking if applicable
• Finish packing all rooms except daily essentials
• Disassemble furniture that needs to be moved in pieces
• Pack your essentials box (see below)
• Defrost and empty the refrigerator (24 hours before move)
• Take photos of your current home (walls, floors, appliances)
• Prepare payment for the moving company

Moving Day

At the Old Home

• Do a final walkthrough — every room, closet, cabinet, storage area
• Check attic, basement, garage, and outdoor storage
• Take meter readings (electricity, gas)
• Return keys, fobs, and parking passes to landlord (if renting)
• Get written confirmation of key return

At the New Home

• Do a walkthrough before unloading — document any existing damage
• Direct the crew on where each item goes
• Check all items are accounted for before the crew leaves
• Do a final walkthrough with the crew before they depart

First Week After Moving

Address Updates

• Update BC driver's licence address (required within 10 days — ICBC online or in person)
• Update vehicle registration address
• Update voter registration (Elections BC)
• Update BC Services Card address
• Update subscriptions (streaming, magazines, memberships)
• Update professional associations and licensing bodies

Home Setup

• Confirm utilities are active (BC Hydro, FortisBC, water)
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Locate the electrical panel and water shut-off valve
• Change the locks (for new homeowners — recommended)
• Set up internet and test connection
• Unpack essentials rooms first (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen)

For Strata/Condo Owners

• Introduce yourself to the strata council or building manager
• Get a copy of the strata bylaws and rules
• Register your parking stall and storage locker
• Get key fobs and access cards for all residents

For Renters

• Complete the move-in condition inspection with your landlord
• Get a signed copy of the condition inspection report
• Confirm your damage deposit receipt
• Get all keys, fobs, and parking passes

Your Essentials Box

Pack this last — it comes off the truck first:

• Phone charger and power bank
• Toiletries and medications
• A change of clothes for each person
• Coffee maker or kettle
• A few plates, cups, and utensils
• Dish soap and sponge
• Toilet paper
• Important documents
• Kids' or pets' essentials
• Snacks and water

For New Homeowners Specifically

• Register your home warranty (if new build — BC 2-5-10 warranty)
• Set up home insurance (required before possession in most cases)
• Review the property disclosure statement for any noted issues
• Schedule any repairs or improvements before moving in if possible
• Meet your neighbours — introduce yourself within the first week

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to update my driver's licence address after moving in BC? Within 10 days of moving. Update your BC driver's licence address online through ICBC or at a driver licensing office. Your vehicle registration address should be updated at the same time.

How do I set up BC Hydro at a new address? Visit bchydro.com or call 1-800-224-9376. You can transfer an existing account or set up a new one. Give at least 2 weeks' notice to ensure service is active on your move-in date.

Do I need to change the locks when moving into a new home in Vancouver? It's strongly recommended for new homeowners. You don't know how many copies of the previous keys exist. A locksmith can rekey existing locks for less than the cost of replacing them.

What is a condition inspection report for BC renters? A condition inspection report documents the state of the rental at move-in and move-out. Both landlord and tenant sign it. Without a signed move-in report, the landlord cannot claim damages against your deposit at move-out.

How long does mail forwarding last with Canada Post? Canada Post mail forwarding lasts up to 12 months. It redirects mail from your old address to your new one while you update individual accounts. Set it up at least 2 weeks before your move.

What should I do first when I arrive at my new home on moving day? Do a walkthrough before the crew starts unloading. Document any existing damage with photos. This protects you from being held responsible for damage that was already there.