Your Greater Vancouver moving checklist
Whether you are moving from a condo in Burnaby, an apartment in Vancouver, a house on the North Shore, or an office across town, a little preparation saves time on moving day. Use the sections below as a starting point and adjust them to your move.
Four weeks before your move
- Book your movers once you know your preferred date. Earlier is helpful for month-end and busy weekends.
- Sort through storage lockers, closets, garages, and office supplies before you start packing. Donate, recycle, or dispose of what is not coming with you.
- Make a simple inventory of larger pieces, fragile items, and anything that might need to be disassembled.
- Check your building rules. Many apartments and condos require a booked elevator, loading bay, move-in deposit, or proof of insurance.
- Arrange time off, pet care, child care, or help with any part of the day that needs a second set of hands.
One to two weeks before
- Start with the rooms and items you use least. Seasonal clothing, books, decor, and storage areas are usually good places to begin.
- Pack one room at a time. Clearly label each box with its destination room and a short note if it contains fragile items.
- Use smaller boxes for heavy things like books. Keep boxes manageable so they can be carried safely.
- Keep important documents, medications, chargers, keys, and valuables in a separate bag that stays with you.
- Confirm utility changes, internet installation, mail forwarding, and any service appointments at the new address.
For apartment and condo moves
Apartment and condo moves often come down to access. Confirm the elevator booking, loading bay window, parking rules, and the route from the truck to your suite. If your building has move-in paperwork, send it in early and share any timing limits with your moving team.
It also helps to measure doorways, hallways, and elevators for large furniture. A sofa that fits in the old building may need a different route in the new one.
For office and commercial moves
Start with a floor plan and a list of what is moving, staying, recycling, or being donated. Mark furniture and equipment by destination so the new space can be set up with less guesswork. Building access, loading bays, elevators, IT equipment, and handover dates should all be part of the plan.
If the office needs to keep operating, decide which equipment must be available first at the new location. A staged move may make more sense than trying to move everything at once.
Two days before moving day
- Defrost and dry the fridge if it is moving. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for large appliances.
- Finish the last packing and leave out only what you need for the next two days.
- Set aside cleaning supplies, toilet paper, snacks, water, and a basic toolkit for the new place.
- Confirm your moving start time, addresses, elevator reservations, parking plan, and the best contact number for the day.
- Photograph any furniture that needs special care and make a note of existing marks or damage.
On moving day
Be ready to point out what is moving, what is staying, and anything that needs extra care. Keep important items with you, including keys, documents, medications, and devices. Before leaving each location, take a final look through cupboards, storage spaces, balconies, and parking areas.
At the new address, direct boxes to the right rooms as they arrive. It makes unpacking much less frustrating later.
Packing tips that make a difference
- Use sturdy boxes and packing tape. Avoid worn boxes that may not stack safely.
- Cushion glassware and breakables, then label those boxes on the side and top.
- Keep hardware from furniture in labelled bags and attach them to the furniture where practical.
- Do not put food, liquids, or cleaning products in boxes with electronics or paperwork.
- Pack a first-night bag with bedding, toiletries, a change of clothes, and anything you will need before the boxes are opened.
Items to discuss before booking
Large, heavy, delicate, or unusual items are best discussed early. This includes pianos, safes, hot tubs, large appliances, antique furniture, motorcycles, and oversized office equipment. Share photos, measurements, stairs, and access details so the right plan can be made.
Need help with the plan?
Every move has a few details that do not fit a generic checklist. If you are unsure about packing and unpacking, elevator access, moving storage, specialty items, or timing, tell us about the move and we will help you work through it.
More moving guides
For more practical advice on planning, furniture, moving costs, and choosing a moving company, visit our moving guides.
Related moving services
- Planning a home or apartment move: Residential Moving
- Coordinating a workplace relocation: Office and Commercial Moving
- Preparing large or difficult items: Specialty Moving
- Clearing out items before a move: Recycling and Disposal Support