What to Expect on Moving Day: A Hour-by-Hour Timeline
Moving day is one of those experiences that feels chaotic the first time and manageable once you know what to expect. Here is a realistic timeline of how a professional move unfolds in Metro Vancouver.
The Night Before
Finish packing. Everything should be boxed, sealed, and labelled before you go to sleep. Moving day is not the time to be packing the last few items.
Prepare a first-night bag. Pack a separate bag with everything you need for the first night at the new address — bedding, toiletries, phone charger, a change of clothes, snacks.
Confirm the booking. Check that you have the crew's contact number and the confirmed start time.
Clear the path. Make sure hallways and doorways are clear at both addresses. Move cars out of the driveway.
Moving Day Timeline
7:30am — Final Preparation
Do a final walkthrough of every room. Check inside closets, cabinets, and under beds. Make sure nothing is left behind.
If you are in a condo, confirm the freight elevator booking with the building manager.
8:00–9:00am — Crew Arrives
The crew calls ahead when they are 15–20 minutes away. When they arrive, they will:
- Introduce themselves and confirm the scope of the move
- Walk through the home to assess the volume and any specialty items
- Ask about access at the new address (stairs, elevator, parking)
- Begin wrapping furniture in moving blankets
9:00–11:00am — Loading
The crew works systematically through the home, loading the truck. Heavy items go in first, fragile items last. Furniture is wrapped in moving blankets and secured with straps.
Your job during loading: stay available to answer questions, point out fragile items, and do a final check of each room as it is cleared.
11:00am–12:00pm — Drive to New Address
The crew drives to the new address. For a local Metro Vancouver move, this is typically 20–60 minutes depending on distance and traffic.
Use this time to drive ahead to the new address and prepare: unlock the door, clear the path, and be ready to direct the crew on where items go.
12:00–2:00pm — Unloading
The crew unloads the truck and places items in the rooms you direct. Furniture is placed where you want it. Boxes go to the labelled destination room.
Be specific about furniture placement. Once a heavy piece is in place, moving it again takes time. Have a rough floor plan in mind before the crew arrives.
2:00–2:30pm — Final Walkthrough and Wrap-Up
Before the crew leaves:
- Do a final walkthrough of the new address to confirm everything is in place
- Check that all items from the truck have been unloaded
- Inspect furniture for any damage and note it before the crew leaves
- Sign the completion paperwork
After the Move
The clock stops when the crew returns to their base location (portal-to-portal billing). You will receive your final invoice.
If you want to tip the crew, cash is appreciated. A common amount is $20–$40 per mover for a standard move.
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.