Moving Planning Timeline for Metro Vancouver: Week by Week

A move in Metro Vancouver involves more moving parts than most people anticipate. Elevator bookings, strata approvals, parking permits, utility transfers, and address changes all have lead times. Miss one and it can derail your entire moving day.

This week-by-week timeline is built specifically for Metro Vancouver conditions — condo buildings, month-end demand, and the city's specific logistics.

8 Weeks Before Moving Day

Book your movers. Summer and month-end dates fill up fast. If you're moving between May and September, or on the last 3–5 days of any month, 8 weeks is not too early. Call and confirm availability before you do anything else.

Start decluttering. Go room by room and decide what's coming with you. Donate, sell, or discard anything you don't want to move. The less you move, the less you pay.

Notify your landlord or list your home. In BC, month-to-month tenants must give one full rental period of notice. If you're selling, coordinate your possession date with your realtor.

Start collecting packing supplies. Liquor stores, grocery stores, and Buy Nothing groups are good sources for free boxes. Start saving newspaper and bubble wrap.

6 Weeks Before Moving Day

Confirm your moving company booking in writing. Get a written confirmation with the date, start time, crew size, truck size, and rate.

Book the elevator. If you're moving into or out of a condo or apartment building, contact building management to reserve the elevator. Most buildings require 2–4 weeks' notice. Some have limited move-in windows (e.g., weekdays only, 9am–5pm).

Research your new neighbourhood. Find your nearest grocery store, pharmacy, transit stops, and any services you'll need immediately after moving in.

Start packing non-essentials. Books, seasonal items, decorations, and anything you won't need for the next 6 weeks can be packed now.

4 Weeks Before Moving Day

Arrange parking for the moving truck. Check for street cleaning schedules, no-parking zones, and whether you need a temporary parking permit. For downtown Vancouver buildings, contact the City of Vancouver about commercial vehicle permits.

Notify utilities. Contact BC Hydro, FortisBC, your internet provider, and any other utilities to schedule disconnection at your old address and connection at the new one. Give at least 2 weeks' notice.

Set up mail forwarding. Visit canadapost.ca or a post office to set up mail forwarding from your old address. It takes a few days to activate and lasts up to 12 months.

Update your address with key accounts. Start with your bank, employer, and any government accounts (CRA, Service Canada). These take the longest to update.

Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day. Children and pets are safest away from the activity. Book a sitter, friend, or boarding facility for moving day.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

Confirm your moving company booking. Call to reconfirm the date, start time, and any special requirements (piano, elevator booking, parking).

Continue packing. By now, most rooms except the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom should be packed. Label every box with the room and a brief description of contents.

Disassemble furniture you want moved in pieces. Bed frames, large wardrobes, and sectional sofas are easier to move disassembled. Keep all hardware in labelled bags.

Arrange for cleaning. If you're leaving a rental, schedule a professional clean or set aside time to clean thoroughly before handing back the keys.

Update your driver's licence address. In BC, you must update your driver's licence address within 10 days of moving. Do it online through ICBC or at a driver licensing office.

1 Week Before Moving Day

Finish packing all non-essential rooms. Only your daily-use kitchen items, toiletries, and a few days of clothing should remain unpacked.

Pack an essentials box. This box goes on the truck last and comes off first. Include: phone charger, toiletries, a change of clothes, coffee maker, kettle, a few dishes and utensils, medications, and any documents you need immediately.

Confirm elevator booking and parking. Call building management to reconfirm your elevator reservation. Check the parking situation at both addresses.

Take photos of your current home. Document the condition of walls, floors, and appliances before you leave. This protects your damage deposit.

Prepare payment. Know how you're paying (e-transfer, credit card, cash) and have it ready.

2 Days Before Moving Day

Defrost and empty the refrigerator. Movers will not transport a fridge with food inside. Defrost at least 24 hours before the move and leave the door open to dry.

Finish all packing. Everything should be in boxes or bags. Nothing should be loose.

Confirm start time with your movers. A quick call or text to confirm the next day's start time avoids any miscommunication.

Moving Day

Be present at both addresses. You or a trusted person must be at the pickup and delivery addresses to direct the crew, answer questions, and do walkthroughs.

Do a final walkthrough before the crew leaves your old home. Check every room, closet, cabinet, storage area, attic, basement, and garage. Take meter readings.

Check the new home before unloading. Walk through and note any existing damage before the crew brings anything in.

Do a final check before the crew leaves your new home. Confirm all items are accounted for and in the right rooms.

Return keys. Return all keys, fobs, and parking passes to your landlord. Get written confirmation.

First Week After Moving

Update remaining accounts. Subscriptions, insurance, professional associations, and any accounts you didn't update before the move.

Register with your new municipality if applicable (some services require local registration).

Set up BC Hydro and utilities if not already done.

File your BC driver's licence address change if you haven't already — required within 10 days.

Get a free moving quote from 4 You Moving — we serve all of Metro Vancouver 7 days a week. View all cities we serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book movers in Metro Vancouver? Book 4–8 weeks in advance for summer moves and month-end dates. For off-peak moves (weekdays, mid-month, October–April), 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient. The earlier you book, the more choice you have for start times.

How early should I book the elevator for a condo move in Vancouver? Contact building management at least 2–4 weeks before your move. Some buildings have limited move-in windows and only a few elevator slots per day. Confirm the booking in writing and reconfirm the week before.

When should I notify utilities when moving in BC? Give at least 2 weeks' notice to BC Hydro, FortisBC, and your internet provider. Some providers require more lead time to schedule a new connection, especially in newer buildings.

How long does mail forwarding take to set up with Canada Post? Canada Post mail forwarding typically activates within a few business days of your request. Set it up at least 2 weeks before your move to ensure no mail is missed during the transition.

What should I do with my fridge before moving day? Defrost and empty your fridge at least 24 hours before the move. Clean it out, leave the doors open to dry, and make sure it's completely defrosted. Movers will not transport a fridge with food or ice inside.

Do I need to be home on moving day? Yes — or have a trusted person present at both addresses. Someone needs to direct the crew, answer questions, and do a final walkthrough at both the old and new home before the crew leaves.