Moving Timeline Planner: 12 Weeks to Moving Day in Metro Vancouver

Starting your move planning 12 weeks out gives you the most flexibility and the least stress. Here is a complete week-by-week timeline.

12 Weeks Before

• Confirm your move date
• Research moving companies and request quotes
• Begin decluttering — donate, sell, or discard items you will not move
• Notify your landlord (if renting) or list your home (if selling)

10 Weeks Before

• Book your moving company
• Research your new neighbourhood
• Begin gathering packing supplies

8 Weeks Before

• Start packing items you use least: seasonal clothing, books, decorative items
• Arrange for storage if needed
• Research schools if you have children

6 Weeks Before

• Continue packing non-essentials
• Arrange utilities at both addresses (BC Hydro, FortisBC, internet)
• Set up Canada Post mail forwarding
• Begin notifying contacts of your address change

5 Weeks Before

• Pack approximately half of your belongings
• Confirm your moving company booking
• Update your address with your bank and credit cards
• Update your address with CRA

4 Weeks Before

• Pack all non-essential rooms (guest bedroom, storage, garage)
• Update your address with ICBC / BC Services Card
• Arrange for childcare or pet care on moving day
• Book the freight elevator (if applicable)

3 Weeks Before

• Pack all but the essentials in every room
• Confirm utility connections at the new address
• Return library books and borrowed items

2 Weeks Before

• Pack all but daily essentials
• Confirm your booking with the moving company
• Defrost the freezer
• Disassemble large furniture (if doing it yourself)

1 Week Before

• Finish packing all non-essentials
• Prepare your first-night bag
• Confirm the freight elevator booking
• Do a final check of all rooms

2 Days Before

• Confirm the booking with the moving company
• Lay floor protection (rosin paper or cardboard)
• Move cars out of the driveway

Moving Day

• Final walkthrough of every room before the truck leaves
• Check all closets, cabinets, and storage areas
• Hand over keys
• Confirm all items are unloaded at the new address

After the Move

• Update remaining address contacts
• Explore your new neighbourhood
• Register for BC health insurance if new to BC

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.