How to Compare Moving Quotes in Metro Vancouver
Getting multiple quotes before booking a moving company is good practice. But a quote is only useful if you know what you are actually comparing. Two quotes for the same move can look very different on paper — and the cheaper one is not always the better deal.
What a Good Moving Quote Should Include
A complete, honest moving quote should specify:
- Hourly rate — the cost per hour for the crew and truck
- Number of movers — 2 or 3 (more movers = faster move, higher hourly rate)
- Truck size — 3-ton or 5-ton (affects what fits in one trip)
- Minimum hours — most companies charge a 2-hour minimum
- Travel time policy — whether travel time is charged and how
- Materials included — moving blankets, shrink wrap, dollies
- Any additional fees — stairs, long carry, fuel surcharge, elevator wait
If a quote does not address all of these, ask. Vague quotes lead to surprise charges.
Hourly vs. Flat Rate
Most local moves in Metro Vancouver are priced hourly. The clock runs from when the truck leaves the company's location (or your first address) to when the crew returns — this is called portal-to-portal billing.
Some companies offer flat-rate quotes for moves where the scope is very predictable. Flat-rate can give you cost certainty, but make sure the quote is based on an accurate inventory. If you have more items than the company estimated, a flat-rate quote may not cover the full move.
For most local moves, hourly pricing is straightforward and fair — you pay for the time the move actually takes.
Red Flags in a Moving Quote
No mention of travel time. If a quote only shows an hourly rate with no mention of travel time, ask how it is charged. Some companies add a flat travel fee; others charge portal-to-portal. Either is fine — but you need to know.
Unusually low rate. A rate significantly below the market average (currently $140–$175/hr for 2 movers in Metro Vancouver) often means the company is cutting corners somewhere — subcontracted crew, minimal insurance, or fees that appear after the move.
No written quote. A verbal quote is not a quote. Always get the pricing in writing before booking.
Vague materials policy. "We bring everything you need" is not a materials policy. Ask specifically: are moving blankets included? Is shrink wrap extra? Are there charges for dollies or floor runners?
No insurance information. Ask what cargo insurance the company carries and what the claims process looks like. A company that is evasive about insurance is a company that does not handle claims well.
How to Make a Fair Comparison
To compare quotes accurately, make sure you are describing the same move to every company:
- Same home size and approximate volume
- Same origin and destination addresses
- Same access conditions (stairs, elevator, parking)
- Same specialty items (piano, safe, large appliances)
- Same service scope (move only, or move + packing)
If you give different information to different companies, the quotes will not be comparable.
What 4 You Moving Includes
At 4 You Moving, our quotes include:
- Hourly rate with no hidden labour charges
- Moving blankets at no extra cost
- Shrink wrap at $50/roll or $25 partial
- A crew that is employed directly (not subcontracted)
- Full liability and cargo insurance
Get a free quote or call 778-200-8825. We serve all of Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas, 7 days a week.