Moving Into a New Build Home in Metro Vancouver: What You Need to Know

Moving into a brand-new home is exciting — but it comes with a completely different set of challenges compared to a standard residential move. Whether you are taking possession of a presale condo in Burnaby, a new townhouse in Langley, or a detached home in Surrey, the process involves more coordination than most people expect.

At 4 You Moving Services Ltd., we have helped hundreds of Metro Vancouver families move into new builds. Here is everything you need to know to make your move-in day smooth and stress-free.

1. Book Your Elevator or Loading Bay Early

If you are moving into a new condo or highrise, the strata or property manager will almost always require you to book the elevator in advance. This is one of the most overlooked steps in a new build move.

• Most buildings allow only one move per elevator slot (typically 2–4 hours)
• Popular move-in dates — especially end of month — fill up weeks in advance
• Some buildings require a move-in deposit (usually $200–$500) that is refunded after inspection

What to do: Contact your strata manager or building concierge as soon as you have your possession date confirmed. Do not wait until the week before.

2. Attend Your Builder Walkthrough First

Before moving a single box in, you should complete your pre-possession walkthrough with the builder. This is your opportunity to document any deficiencies — scratches on floors, paint touch-ups needed, appliances not functioning — before your belongings are inside.

Why does this matter for your move? Because:

• Movers cannot be held responsible for pre-existing damage
• Once furniture is in place, it is much harder to spot and document issues
• Builders are more responsive to deficiency claims made before possession

Bring a phone or camera, take photos of every room, and note everything in writing. Submit your deficiency list to the builder the same day.

3. Understand Your Strata's Moving Rules

New strata buildings in Metro Vancouver often have strict rules around move-in day. Common requirements include:

• Padded elevator walls — your movers must use moving blankets in the elevator (we always do)
• Designated loading zones — parking your moving truck in the wrong spot can result in fines
• Time restrictions — some buildings prohibit moves before 8 AM or after 5 PM on weekdays, and restrict weekend moves entirely
• Certificate of insurance — some stratas require your moving company to provide proof of liability insurance before the move

At 4 You Moving, we carry $2 million in liability coverage and can provide a certificate of insurance to your strata upon request.

4. Plan for Longer Move Times

New builds — especially condos — take longer to move into than a typical house. Here is why:

• Elevator wait times add up quickly, especially if other residents are also moving in
• Parking restrictions may mean the truck cannot park directly at the entrance
• Long hallways and tight corners in new construction can slow furniture placement
• Appliance delivery coordination — if your fridge, washer, or dryer is arriving separately, you will need to plan around that

We recommend booking your movers for at least 30–60 minutes more than you think you will need on a new build move. It is always better to finish early than to rush.

5. Protect Your New Floors and Walls

Your new home has never been lived in — and you want to keep it that way. Professional movers should always:

• Use floor runners or cardboard to protect hardwood and tile
• Wrap all furniture in moving blankets before bringing it through doorways
• Use corner guards on walls when moving large items like sofas and appliances

At 4 You Moving, moving blankets are always included at no extra charge. We treat your new home with the same care we would want for our own.

6. Coordinate Utilities and Keys

This sounds obvious, but it catches people off guard more often than you would think:

• Hydro BC — set up your electricity account before possession day so the lights are on when you arrive
• Gas — FortisBC requires a new account setup for gas service
• Internet — Shaw, Telus, and Rogers often have 1–2 week lead times for new installations in new builds
• Keys and fobs — confirm with your realtor or builder exactly when and where you pick up your keys. Some builders do key handoffs at their office, not at the property

7. Do Not Forget the Little Things

A few things that often get overlooked on new build move-in day:

• Bring your own toilet paper and hand soap — the bathrooms will be empty
• Pack a "first night" box — bedding, phone chargers, a few kitchen essentials, and a change of clothes
• Take meter readings — photograph your hydro and gas meters on day one
• Change your locks or re-key — even on a new build, the builder and trades have had access to your unit

Moving Into a New Build in Metro Vancouver? We Can Help.

Whether you are moving into a presale condo in Vancouver, a new townhouse in Coquitlam, or a detached home in Abbotsford, 4 You Moving has the experience and equipment to make your move-in day go smoothly.

• Licensed and insured — $2M liability coverage, certificate available for strata
• Moving blankets always included — no extra charge
• Experienced with elevator moves — we know the drill
• Serving all of Metro Vancouver — Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Langley, and beyond

Get a free quote today and let us take the stress out of your new build move.

4 You Moving Services Ltd. is a licensed and insured moving company serving Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. We specialize in residential moves, condo moves, and new construction move-ins across all 18+ cities in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I check before moving into a new build in Metro Vancouver? Do a thorough walkthrough before moving day. Document any deficiencies — scratches, unfinished work, missing fixtures — in writing with photos. Submit a deficiency list to the builder before you move in.

How do I protect new floors when moving into a new build? Use floor runners or cardboard throughout the home during the move. Ask your movers to use felt pads on furniture legs. New hardwood and tile floors scratch easily — protection is essential.

What is a Tarion warranty and does it apply to new builds in BC? Tarion is Ontario's new home warranty program. In BC, new homes are covered under the BC Homeowner Protection Act, which requires builders to provide a 2-5-10 warranty: 2 years on materials and labour, 5 years on the building envelope, 10 years on structural defects.

When can I move into a new build in Metro Vancouver? You can move in on the possession date specified in your purchase contract. Confirm the date with your builder as construction delays are common. Do not book movers until the possession date is confirmed in writing.

What utilities do I need to set up before moving into a new build? Set up BC Hydro, FortisBC (if applicable), and internet at least a week before your move. New builds may require a new account setup rather than a transfer. Contact each utility provider directly.

Should I hire a home inspector before moving into a new build? Yes — a pre-possession inspection by an independent home inspector can identify deficiencies the builder may have missed. It is worth the cost to have a professional review the home before you take possession.

For a full list of cities and neighbourhoods we cover, see our Metro Vancouver service areas.