Cost to Move a 3-Bedroom House in Metro Vancouver
A 3-bedroom house move is a full-day job. Here is what to expect on your bill, how to plan your time, and how to avoid the most common budget surprises.
Typical Cost Range
With 4 You Moving, most 3-bedroom house moves cost $900–$1,500 total.
This is based on:
- Rate: $169/hr for 2 movers and a 5-ton truck
- Time: 6–9 hours total (moving time + travel time)
- Minimum: 2-hour minimum applies
Moves with high volume, difficult access, or specialty items will be at the higher end of this range.
How Time Breaks Down
| Phase | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Travel to your address | 20–40 min |
| Loading | 2.5–4 hours |
| Drive to new address | 15–60 min |
| Unloading | 2–3 hours |
| Return travel | 20–40 min |
| Total billed time | ~6–9 hours |
Why a 5-Ton Truck?
A 3-bedroom house typically has:
- 3 beds and frames
- A full living room set
- A dining room set
- Kitchen appliances and boxes
- 50–80 boxes of household items
- Garage and storage items
A 3-ton truck may require two trips for this volume. A 5-ton truck handles most 3-bedroom houses in a single trip, which is faster and more cost-effective overall.
2 Movers vs. 3 Movers
For a 3-bedroom house, 3 movers are recommended. Here is why:
- Loading and unloading is significantly faster with a third person
- Heavy items (sectional sofas, large appliances, dressers) are safer with 3 people
- The total time saved often offsets the higher hourly rate
At $169/hr, 3 movers for 7 hours = $1,183. Two movers for 9 hours = $1,183. The cost is similar — but 3 movers finish faster and with less physical strain on the crew.
What Adds to Your Total
Garage and storage. Many 3-bedroom houses have a garage, basement, or storage area that adds significant volume. Mention this when getting a quote.
Specialty items. A piano, hot tub, large safe, or pool table requires extra time and equipment. Always disclose specialty items when booking.
Stairs. A two-storey house with stairs at both addresses adds 60–90 minutes compared to a single-storey move.
Long distance within Metro Vancouver. A move from Vancouver to Langley or Abbotsford takes longer than a local move within the same city. The drive time is billed portal-to-portal.
Tips to Keep Your House Move on Budget
Start packing 2–3 weeks early. A 3-bedroom house has a lot of stuff. Leaving packing to the last few days creates chaos and adds time on moving day.
Purge before you pack. Every item you donate or discard is one less item to move. A 3-bedroom house move is an excellent opportunity to declutter.
Disassemble large furniture in advance. Bed frames, large desks, and sectional sofas that you take apart before the crew arrives save significant time.
Pack the garage and storage areas first. These areas are often the most disorganized and take the longest to pack. Start there weeks before moving day.
Have a clear path at both addresses. Move cars out of the driveway, clear hallways, and make sure the crew can access all rooms easily.
Get a Quote for Your House Move
Get a free quote or call 778-200-8825. We serve all of Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas, 7 days a week.