Complete Moving Checklist
Everything you need to plan, pack, and settle into your new home — from 8 weeks out to move-in day and beyond.
8-Week Timeline
60+ Items
Vancouver-Specific
Moving is one of the most significant events in your life — and one of the most stressful if you're not prepared. Whether you're moving across Vancouver, relocating within the Lower Mainland, or making a long-distance move within British Columbia, having a detailed moving checklist is the single most effective way to stay organized, reduce stress, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
At 4 You Moving Services, we've helped hundreds of families and businesses move throughout Metro Vancouver. This checklist is built from real moving experience — the same process our professional movers follow on every job.
Step by Step
Your Moving Timeline
Work through each phase in order. A well-planned move is a stress-free move.
8 Weeks Before
- Book your professional moving company — reputable movers in Metro Vancouver fill up fast, especially in peak season (May–September)
- Confirm your moving date and get a written quote from your movers
- Begin decluttering — donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need before packing
- Research your new neighbourhood: schools, transit, grocery stores, and local services
- Notify your landlord or list your current home for sale if applicable
- Start collecting free or low-cost moving boxes from local stores, Facebook Marketplace, or buy new ones
- Create a moving binder or digital folder to track all moving-related documents, receipts, and contacts
- If moving long distance, research storage options in your destination city
6 Weeks Before
- Begin packing non-essential items: seasonal clothing, books, décor, and rarely used belongings
- Label every box clearly with its contents and destination room
- Notify Canada Post of your address change — set up mail forwarding
- Update your address with Service Canada, CRA (Canada Revenue Agency), and provincial government services
- Notify your bank, credit card companies, and financial institutions of your new address
- Transfer or cancel local memberships: gym, library card, community centre
- Contact your insurance provider to update home, tenant, or auto insurance for your new address
- Arrange for transfer of medical, dental, and veterinary records if changing providers
4 Weeks Before
- Confirm all details with your moving company: date, time, address, access instructions, and parking
- Pack the majority of your belongings, room by room — keep a colour-coded labelling system
- Disassemble large furniture pieces you plan to move yourself
- Arrange childcare and pet care for moving day to keep everyone safe and out of the way
- Notify your children's school of the upcoming move and request transfer of school records
- Contact utility companies to schedule disconnection at your current address and connection at your new one (BC Hydro, FortisBC, Telus, Shaw/Rogers, etc.)
- Confirm elevator booking if moving from or to a condo or apartment building
- Take photos of all electronics and their cable setups before disassembling
2 Weeks Before
- Confirm parking permits or reserved parking for the moving truck at both addresses
- Pack all remaining items except daily essentials
- Prepare a "first night" box with essentials: toiletries, phone charger, change of clothes, snacks, coffee maker, toilet paper, and bedding
- Return borrowed items to neighbours, friends, or family
- Collect any items you have lent out
- Defrost and clean your refrigerator and freezer — allow at least 24 hours
- Drain and disconnect washing machine hoses
- Confirm your new home is ready for move-in: keys, access codes, and any required inspections
1 Week Before
- Confirm your moving appointment one final time — verify arrival time and any last-minute details
- Finish all packing — only leave out what you need for the final days
- Disassemble beds, shelving units, and other large furniture
- Charge all electronics and back up important data
- Gather all important documents: passports, birth certificates, SIN cards, lease or mortgage documents, insurance papers
- Prepare cash or payment for your movers (tip is appreciated for a job well done)
- Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, cabinet, and storage area
- Clean out your car and fill up with gas for moving day
Moving Day
- Be present and available when your movers arrive — greet them and walk through the home
- Point out fragile, high-value, or specialty items that need extra care (pianos, safes, artwork, antiques)
- Keep children and pets safely out of the way during loading
- Do a final walkthrough of every room before the truck departs — check closets, attic, garage, and outdoor areas
- Confirm the destination address with your movers before they leave
- Keep your moving documents, keys, and valuables with you — not on the truck
- Take photos of your belongings loaded in the truck if desired
- Sign off on the bill of lading and keep a copy for your records
At Your New Home
- Do a walkthrough of your new home before unloading — note any existing damage and photograph it
- Direct movers to place boxes and furniture in the correct rooms
- Check all items off your inventory list as they are unloaded
- Inspect furniture and boxes for any damage before signing off
- Locate your main water shutoff valve, electrical panel, and gas shutoff
- Change the locks or rekey the doors — you never know who has a copy of the old keys
- Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers
- Unpack your "first night" essentials box and get settled before tackling the rest
First 2 Weeks After
- Update your driver's licence and vehicle registration with your new BC address (ICBC)
- Register to vote at your new address with Elections Canada
- Update your address with your employer for payroll and tax purposes
- Register children at their new school
- Find a new family doctor, dentist, and other healthcare providers if needed
- Introduce yourself to your new neighbours
- Explore your new neighbourhood: parks, transit routes, grocery stores, and community centres
- File any insurance claims for damaged items promptly — document everything with photos
Pro Tips
Expert Moving Advice
Tips from our professional movers to help your move go as smoothly as possible.
Packing Fragile Items
- Wrap each fragile item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap
- Use dish pack boxes (double-walled) for dishes, glasses, and ceramics
- Fill empty space in boxes with packing peanuts or crumpled paper
- Mark boxes "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP" clearly on all sides
- Pack heavier items on the bottom, lighter on top
Moving Large Appliances
- Defrost your fridge/freezer at least 24 hours before moving day
- Secure washing machine drum with transit bolts before transport
- Disconnect and properly coil all hoses and cords
- Tape appliance doors shut to prevent swinging during transport
- Measure doorways and hallways before moving day to avoid surprises
Protecting Your Floors & Walls
- Use floor runners or cardboard to protect hardwood and tile floors
- Apply corner guards to doorframes and wall corners
- Remove doors from hinges for large furniture pieces
- Use moving blankets to protect walls when carrying furniture through hallways
- Take photos of any pre-existing damage before movers arrive
Vancouver-Specific Tips
- Book elevator access in advance — most Vancouver condos require 48–72 hours notice
- Check strata bylaws for moving hours (typically 8am–8pm on weekdays)
- Arrange parking permits for the moving truck through the City of Vancouver
- Plan for rain — have tarps and plastic wrap ready for rainy moving days
- Peak season (May–September) books up fast — reserve your movers early
Stay Organized
Address Change Checklist
Don't forget to update your address with these important organizations after your move.
Government & Legal
- Canada Post (mail forwarding)
- Service Canada (SIN, EI, CPP)
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Elections Canada (voter registration)
- ICBC (driver's licence & vehicle registration)
- BC Services Card / CareCard
- Passport Canada
Financial
- Bank accounts & credit cards
- Investment & retirement accounts (RRSP, TFSA)
- Life insurance & benefits provider
- Mortgage lender or landlord
- PayPal, e-transfer, and online payment accounts
- Accountant or financial advisor
Utilities & Services
- BC Hydro (electricity)
- FortisBC (natural gas)
- Telus / Shaw / Rogers (internet & phone)
- Strata or property management
- Home security company
- Waste collection (municipality)
Personal & Medical
- Family doctor & walk-in clinic
- Dentist & orthodontist
- Optometrist
- Veterinarian (pets)
- Pharmacy (prescription transfers)
- Children's school & daycare
- Employer (payroll & HR)
Subscriptions & Memberships
- Amazon, Costco, and online retailers
- Gym or fitness club
- Library card (Vancouver Public Library, etc.)
- Magazine and newspaper subscriptions
- Streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, etc.)
- Loyalty programs (Air Miles, PC Optimum, etc.)
Insurance
- Home or tenant insurance
- Auto insurance (ICBC)
- Life & disability insurance
- Extended health & dental benefits
- Business insurance (if applicable)
- Travel insurance provider
Save Time & Stress
Why Hire Professional Movers?
Protect Your Belongings
Professional movers use proper packing materials, moving blankets, and techniques to prevent damage to your furniture and valuables.
Save Your Back
Moving heavy furniture and appliances is physically demanding and a leading cause of injury. Let trained professionals handle the heavy lifting.
Faster & More Efficient
Experienced movers work quickly and efficiently. What might take you a full weekend can often be completed in a single day.
Fully Insured
4 You Moving Services carries $2 million in liability insurance, giving you peace of mind that your belongings and property are protected.
Right Equipment
Professional movers bring dollies, straps, ramps, and the right-sized truck — no renting equipment or making multiple trips.
Stress-Free Experience
Focus on your family and your new home while our team handles the logistics, heavy lifting, and transportation.
Ready to Book Your Move?
Let 4 You Moving Services handle the heavy lifting.
Starting from $125/hr · 2 Movers + Truck · 7 Days a Week