The Ultimate Moving Day Checklist for Vancouver Residents

Moving day is the culmination of weeks of planning, packing, and preparation. But even the most organized movers can forget something critical when the chaos of the actual day hits. This checklist keeps you on track from start to finish.

The Night Before Moving Day

Before you go to sleep, make sure these are done:

• Pack your "first night" bag — essentials you will need before boxes are unpacked (phone charger, toiletries, change of clothes, medications, snacks, coffee supplies)
• Confirm your movers' arrival time and have their phone number saved
• Defrost and clean the fridge and freezer (if moving it)
• Disassemble any furniture you agreed to disassemble yourself
• Charge your phone fully
• Get cash for tips (standard tip: $20–$40 per mover for a full-day move)
• Confirm parking arrangements at both addresses
• If moving into a condo or strata, confirm elevator booking and move-in time

Moving Day Morning

Before the Movers Arrive

• Do a final walk-through of every room — check closets, cabinets, under beds, and in the garage
• Make sure all boxes are sealed and labelled
• Clear a path from each room to the front door
• Protect floors with moving blankets or cardboard if required by your strata or landlord
• Move your car out of the driveway to make room for the moving truck
• Have water and snacks available for the crew

When the Movers Arrive

• Walk the movers through the home and point out any fragile or high-priority items
• Show them any items that are NOT being moved (leave-behinds, items going in your car)
• Confirm the destination address and any access instructions
• Point out any tight corners, low ceilings, or tricky areas to navigate

During the Move

While Loading

• Stay available to answer questions — do not disappear
• Keep children and pets out of the movers' path
• Do a room-by-room check as each room is cleared
• Load your personal vehicle with items going separately (plants, valuables, documents)

Items to Keep With You (Not in the Truck)

• Passports, birth certificates, and important documents
• Jewellery and small valuables
• Medications
• Laptop and electronics you will need immediately
• Keys (old and new)
• Wallet and phone

Final Walk-Through of Your Old Home

Before you hand over the keys, do a complete walk-through. Check every single room:

Every Room:

• Closets — shelves, floor, and upper shelves
• Under beds and behind doors
• Light fixtures — any bulbs you are taking?
• Window coverings — are they staying or going?

Kitchen:

• All cabinets and drawers
• Under the sink
• Inside the oven, microwave, and fridge
• Pantry shelves

Bathrooms:

• Medicine cabinet
• Under the sink
• Towel hooks and rings

Garage / Storage:

• Shelving units
• Ceiling storage
• Wall-mounted tools and hooks

Outdoor Areas:

• Backyard shed
• Deck furniture and planters
• Hose and outdoor tools
• Mailbox (clear it out)

Leaving Your Old Home

Once the truck is loaded and you have done your walk-through:

• Take final photos of every room (for your records and damage deposit)
• Clean the home if required by your lease or sale agreement
• Return all keys, fobs, parking passes, and mailbox keys to the landlord or realtor
• Turn off all lights
• Lock all windows and doors
• Turn off the water at the main shut-off if the home will be vacant
• Cancel or transfer utilities effective today

Arriving at Your New Home

Before Unloading

• Do a walk-through of the new home before the movers bring anything in
• Check that all appliances are present and working
• Note any damage that was not there during your final walk-through (document with photos)
• Decide on furniture placement for major pieces before unloading begins
• Put down floor protection if needed

Directing the Unload

• Stand at the entrance and direct movers to the correct rooms
• Use coloured labels on room doors to match box labels
• Have large furniture placed first — it is much harder to rearrange once boxes are in the way
• Keep a clear path through the home for movers to work efficiently

End of Moving Day

After the Movers Leave

• Do a count of boxes — make sure everything arrived
• Check furniture and large items for damage
• Tip the movers if you are satisfied with the service
• Sign off on the bill of lading and keep your copy

Set Up Essentials Tonight

You do not need to unpack everything tonight — but you do need:

• Bed assembled and made (or air mattress inflated)
• Bathroom functional (toilet paper, towels, soap)
• Phone charging
• Something to eat and drink

Everything else can wait until tomorrow.

The Day After Moving Day

• Change the locks on all exterior doors
• Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Locate the main water shut-off, electrical panel, and gas shut-off
• Set up internet (if not already done)
• Begin unpacking room by room, starting with the kitchen

Moving Day Tips from Our Crew

After thousands of moves across Metro Vancouver, here is what our team sees make the biggest difference:

Label boxes on the sides, not the top. When boxes are stacked, you can not see the top. Side labels let movers read them at a glance.

Pack a "last on, first off" box. This box goes on the truck last and comes off first. Put in it everything you will need in the first hour at the new home — kettle, coffee, toilet paper, phone charger, snacks.

Do not pack your movers' path. Boxes stacked in hallways and doorways slow everything down. Keep the path clear.

Be decisive about furniture placement. Every time a mover has to move a piece of furniture twice, it adds time and cost. Have a plan before they arrive.

Feed and hydrate your crew. A moving crew that is well-fed and hydrated works faster and more carefully. It is a small investment that pays off.

Ready to book your Vancouver move? Get a free quote from 4 You Moving — we serve all of Metro Vancouver with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

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

What time do movers typically arrive in Metro Vancouver? Most moving companies offer morning starts between 8am and 9am. Afternoon starts are also available. Confirm your exact start time the day before your move.

What should I have ready when movers arrive? Have all boxes sealed and labelled, pathways clear, furniture disassembled if needed, and payment ready. If you are in a condo, have the elevator booked and parking confirmed for the truck.

What should I do during the move while movers are working? Stay available to answer questions and direct the crew. Do a room-by-room check as each room is cleared. Keep children and pets out of the way. Offer water to the crew, especially on hot days.

What should I check before the movers leave my old home? Walk through every room, closet, cabinet, and storage area. Check the attic, basement, garage, and outdoor storage. Take meter readings and photos of the empty space.

What should I check when movers arrive at the new home? Do a walkthrough before unloading to note any existing damage. Direct the crew on where each item goes. Check that all boxes and furniture are accounted for before the crew leaves.

What do I do if something is missing or damaged after the move? Document any damage or missing items immediately with photos. Report it to the moving company in writing the same day. Reputable companies carry liability insurance and will work with you to resolve the issue.