Every move is different, but if you’re relocating in Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, or Surrey, you’ll likely face challenges that can add unnecessary stress if you’re not prepared. Busy streets, limited truck parking, elevator reservations, strata rules, and tight building access are all common throughout Metro Vancouver. After completing hundreds of residential moves across the region, we’ve learned what makes a move efficient—and what causes the biggest delays. Whether you’re moving from a condo, apartment, townhouse, or house, these practical tips will help you stay organized and save both time and money.
1. Reserve Your Elevator as Early as Possible
Many apartment and condo buildings require residents to book a service elevator in advance. Some buildings also limit the length of each booking or only allow moves during certain hours.
Before moving day, confirm:
- Your elevator reservation time
- Loading dock availability
- Parking instructions for the moving truck
- Building move-in or move-out policies
- Whether your strata requires proof of insurance
A missed elevator booking can delay your move by hours.
2. Get Rid of What You Don’t Need
Moving is one of the best opportunities to declutter.
Sell, donate, recycle, or dispose of furniture and household items you no longer use before packing begins. Fewer items mean fewer boxes, less labour, and often a lower moving cost.
3. Pack Room by Room
Avoid mixing items from different rooms into the same box.
Clearly label each box with both the room and its contents, for example:
- Kitchen – Pots & Pans
- Kitchen – Pantry
- Primary Bedroom – Clothing
- Office – Electronics
This makes unloading faster and unpacking much easier.
4. Keep Your Essentials With You
Prepare one overnight bag or essentials box containing everything you’ll need during your first 24 hours.
Include:
- Phone chargers
- Medications
- Toiletries
- Wallet and important documents
- Basic cleaning supplies
- Snacks and water
- A change of clothes
Keep this with you instead of loading it onto the moving truck.
5. Protect Fragile Belongings Properly
Wrap glassware and dishes individually, fill empty space inside boxes, and never overload large boxes with heavy items.
Books belong in small boxes. Bedding, pillows, and clothing are better suited for larger boxes.
Proper packing reduces the chance of damage during transport.
6. Take Apart Large Furniture Beforehand
Beds, dining tables, desks, and shelving units often need to be disassembled to fit safely through doorways and elevators.
Professional movers can usually handle disassembly and reassembly, but knowing what needs to come apart before moving day helps prevent delays.
7. Reserve Parking for the Moving Truck
Parking can be one of the biggest challenges during a move, especially in downtown Vancouver and busy residential areas.
If possible:
- Reserve a loading zone
- Apply for any required parking permits
- Notify building management
- Keep walkways clear for the movers
The closer the truck is to your entrance, the faster and more efficient your move will be.
8. Expect the Unexpected
Even well-planned moves can encounter delays.
Traffic, elevator issues, weather, or last-minute changes happen more often than people expect.
Building a little extra time into your schedule can help reduce stress if something doesn’t go exactly as planned.
9. Hire the Right Number of Movers
Many people assume hiring fewer movers saves money.
In reality, larger homes often cost less overall when an additional mover is added because the work is completed much faster.
An experienced moving company can recommend the most efficient crew based on your inventory and access.
10. Work With a Local Moving Company
Choosing movers who know Metro Vancouver makes a noticeable difference.
Experienced local crews understand strata requirements, traffic patterns, difficult parking situations, and the logistics involved in moving throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, New Westminster, Richmond, Langley, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Delta, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and White Rock.
That experience helps avoid delays and keeps your move running smoothly.
Why Choose Easy Does It Moving Co.?
At Easy Does It Moving Co., we believe moving should be straightforward and stress-free. Every move includes experienced professional movers, furniture blankets, shrink wrap, and careful handling of your belongings from start to finish.
We provide:
- Residential Moving
- Apartment & Condo Moving
- House Moving
- Office & Commercial Moving
- Packing & Unpacking Services
- Furniture Delivery
- Junk Removal
- Internal Furniture Rearranging
Whether you’re moving across the street or across Metro Vancouver, our team is committed to providing reliable service, honest pricing, and the care your belongings deserve.
If you’re planning an upcoming move, contact Easy Does It Moving Co. for a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll help you choose the right crew, answer your questions, and make your next move as smooth as possible.
