Your 4-Week Moving Plan for Metro Vancouver
Four weeks is the sweet spot for planning a local move in Metro Vancouver. Enough time to do everything properly, not so much time that you lose momentum. Here is exactly what to do each week.
Week 4 (28–21 Days Before)
Book your moving company. This is the most time-sensitive task. During peak season and at month-end, moving companies fill up quickly. Get quotes from 2–3 companies and confirm your booking.
Declutter. Go through every room and set aside items to donate, sell, or discard. The less you move, the less you pay and the less you unpack.
Gather packing supplies. Buy boxes in small, medium, and large sizes. Get packing tape, a tape gun, packing paper, bubble wrap, and markers. Check Facebook Marketplace for free boxes.
Notify your landlord (if renting) of your move-out date. Review your lease for notice requirements.
Arrange utilities. Contact BC Hydro, FortisBC, and your internet provider to schedule disconnection at the old address and connection at the new one.
Week 3 (21–14 Days Before)
Start packing non-essentials. Books, seasonal clothing, decorative items, out-of-season sports equipment, and anything you will not need in the next 3 weeks.
Set up mail forwarding. Go to canadapost.ca and set up mail forwarding from your old address to your new one. This costs a small fee and buys you time to update other contacts.
Update your address. Start notifying important contacts: your bank, credit cards, employer, CRA, and any subscriptions.
Book the freight elevator (if applicable). Contact your building manager to reserve the elevator for moving day.
Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day if needed.
Week 2 (14–7 Days Before)
Pack the bulk of your belongings. By the end of this week, most rooms should be packed except for daily essentials.
Update your address with ICBC/BC Services Card. This is important for your driver's licence and vehicle registration.
Confirm your moving company booking. Verify the date, time, both addresses, and any special instructions.
Defrost the freezer. Do this at least 24 hours before moving day.
Disassemble large furniture if you plan to do it yourself (bed frames, large desks, shelving units).
Week 1 (7 Days Before and Moving Day)
Finish packing. Everything except the items you need for the last few days (bedding, toiletries, a few kitchen items).
Prepare your first-night bag. Pack essentials for the first night at the new address separately so you do not have to dig through boxes.
Confirm the freight elevator booking with your building manager.
Moving day: Do a final walkthrough of every room before the truck leaves. Check closets, cabinets, and under beds.
After the move: Update any remaining address contacts and explore your new neighbourhood.
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