Check out our detailed moving checklist for your next move in British Columbia.
Let’s be real. No one likes moving. Whether you’re moving next door or moving to BC from another province, it’s a stressful experience.
Packing and organising your life into boxes is just the tip of the iceberg. So much of your personal information is tied to your current address, from personal subscriptions to insurance policies - everything needs to be updated to show your new address.
With this in mind, BlueCouch has created a comprehensive checklist for moving in BC to help make your move much less painful.
Moving comes with a lot of moving-parts (hehe). So it’s important to keep track of all your documents, dates, and tasks related to the move.
You can kick it old-school and use a binder to manage everything, or you could use free online tools like Google Sheets or ToDoist.
You can definitely get fancy with your packing supplies, but at the very minimum, you’ll need:
Packing tape (and lots of it)
A tape gun
Scissors
Exacto Knife
Sharpies
Different-sized cardboard boxes or tote bins
A dolly
Air pillows, packing peanuts, or bubble wrap
Old blankets or rags to prevent scratches
Pro Moving Tip: You’ll definitely want to grab yourself a shoulder dolly or moving straps if you’ve got a lot of heavy items to lift.
Remember that shirt you bought 3 years ago and never wore? How about that exercise bike of yours that has been gathering more dust than sweat? Moving gives you the perfect excuse to sift through all your belongings and decide if they’ll stay or go.
Once you’ve decided to get rid of all your stuff, you can either sell or donate them. Our landfills already get enough waste, so do your best to rehome your items.
Pro Moving Tip: If you can, try to measure your furniture and figure out if it will fit in your new space. No one wants to move a couch, only to find out it won’t work in their new space.
Try to book at least one day off with work. The more time you have, the easier it will be to unpack and settle into your new home after moving.
If you live in a condo or townhome, your strata might require you to book your elevator for the move. Depending on your strata, they may require you to pay a fee or make a deposit to book the elevator.
Pro Moving Tip: Do this before booking a moving truck or moving company, then coordinate those reservations after. It’s easier to reschedule an elevator reservation than it is a moving service.
Whether your rental agreement or sales contract requires it, or you just don’t have it in you to clean up your old home, you’ll want to make sure to book a cleaning company as soon as possible. Cleaners can get booked up very quickly, especially during the Spring and Summer months.
Here are a few reputable cleaning companies that service most areas in British Columbia:
Pro Moving Tip: Try to time your move, at least one day before you have to hand over your keys to avoid creating more mess that you’ll have to tidy up after moving your stuff.
Let’s keep it real. Your friends really don’t want to help you move. No, not even if you supply the best pizza and beer that money can buy. So, you’re probably better off booking a moving company.
Similar to cleaners, moving companies need to be booked well in advance. March to September are usually high-demand months for moving companies, so don’t sleep on it!
Here are some highly-rated moving companies in British Columbia:
You might need a storage unit if you’re downsizing or unable to get rid of some of your larger unwanted belongings.
Here are a few storage companies you can use in BC:
Don’t want to fork up that hard-earned cash for a moving company? Fair enough. Seeing as most people don’t own a moving truck, you’ll probably want to book one asap. Also, don’t skip out on insurance coverage. These things aren’t easy to drive, so be sure to cover your butt and avoid a hefty bill in case an accident happens.
Here are a few moving truck rental companies you can use in BC:
Make sure you book the right-sized moving truck to avoid racking up extra costs, and wasting time on additional back-and-forth trips. And if you have a lot of stuff, book the next size up to be safe.
Here’s what U-Haul Suggests:
1. 10 Foot Moving Truck: Studio to 1 bedroom apartment
2. 15 Foot Moving Truck: 1 bedroom home to 2 bedroom apartment
3. 17 Foot Moving Truck: Home up to 2 bedrooms
4. 20 Foot Moving Truck: 2 bedroom home to 3 bedroom apartment
5. 26 Foot Moving Truck: 3 bedroom home to 4 bedroom home
2) When you’re picking up your moving truck, make sure to do a thorough walk-through to ensure there aren’t any damages on the truck that weren’t declared. Last thing you’d want is to be on the hook for damages someone else caused.
3) If you’re moving a considerable distance, try to arrange picking up your moving truck close to your old home and a drop-off destination near the new one. Moving truck rental companies charge you per kilometer and you do have to fill the tank back to its original capacity before returning it.
If you’re renting a moving truck, you probably won’t be hiring a moving company.
Your friends probably have a lot going on in their lives, so try to ask them as early as possible. And yes, you should definitely supply food and beverages.
Be sure to ask if anyone has any particular food sensitivities or allergies. Most importantly, be sure to treat them to some good eats and try to support local BC businesses.
Here are a few awesome Pizza shops in metro Vancouver:
Your old furniture might not fit the vibe of your new place. Or, maybe you’re just looking for an excuse to buy some new stuff.
Since the pandemic, furniture has been high in demand and order times have been taking much longer than normal. Now’s the time to start looking at new furniture, unless you don’t mind using a moving box for a coffee table.
Pro Moving Tip: Check out, British Columbia’s own, Article for trendy, high quality, furniture that won’t break the bank!
If you’ve got young kids, or fur-babies, you’ll probably want to avoid having them around while you move. Not only can they add additional stress to your move, but they can get seriously hurt if an accident were to happen.
Pro Moving Tip: If you don’t already have a daycare for your pup, consider using an app like Rover to find a local pet-sitter.
Imagine sitting down after a long day of moving and turning on your TV only to realize that you forgot to set up your cable and internet services at your new home. Better yet, forget that nightmarish thought and call your internet and cable provider as soon as you can.
Pro Moving Tip: If you’re moving on a weekend, you’ll want to make sure to book your reservation as far in advance as possible. In an ideal world, you should try to arrange getting your installation booked a day or two before you move in.
It’s not uncommon for stuff to get broken during a move. Make sure to protect your belongings and ensure that your current home insurance provider covers your move.
In addition to that, you’ll need to either:
Update your coverage with your existing provider
Shop around for a new home insurance provider
Pro Moving Tip: Use BlueCouch AI to find the best home insurance rates in BC in less than 90 seconds. Finding home insurance is usually more painful than moving - not with BlueCouch. You can get your new home insured while you wait on hold with your existing provider or wait to get a quote from a new one.
It might sound a little premature, but the earlier you get started on ticking boxes off your moving checklist, the better. Start scanning through your home for any items you won’t be using before you move.
Pro Moving Tip: Take some time to organize your stuff into boxes by different categories, so that when you start packing the rest of your stuff you can easily add to the ones you have already packed.
You’re not going to want to move with a fridge full of food, keeping everything cool would be enough of a challenge let alone making sure nothing spills. Try to use up as much of your food as possible before your move, especially if it needs to be refrigerated.
Even in the technological age we live in, mail is still a very prevalent form of delivery. It’s recommended that you sign up for mail forwarding at least 30 days before your move. You can choose what date it will take effect and feel good knowing all your important mail will get delivered - even if you forget to update your address.
Setting up mail forwarding is easy. Just hop on over to your local post office or sign up online on the Canada Post website.
In BC, our public medical insurance is called the “BC Medical Services Plan” and is available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
When: Having up-to-date medical information is very important, notify the government within 10 days of moving.
Where: Apply on the BC Government website
When: You have 90 days to switch to a BC driver’s licence within 10 days of moving addresses.
Where: The ICBC website
Much like a car, you need a license for your boat. Therefore, having your address up to date before you hit the waves is a must.
When: Give yourself a week or two before your move.
Where: You can submit any updated information online on the Transport Canada website.
Depending on where you are in BC or if you have gas utilities in your home you will be dealing with either BC Hydro and FortisBC, sometimes you might have an account with both
When: You should give yourself at least a month in advance so you don’t arrive at your new
house without gas or electricity. Giving yourself a month in advance also gives you leeway if any issues arise.
Where: You’ll have to create a profile online for either website. If you are moving to the province’s Southern interior, you will likely be able to choose Fortis or BC Hydro.
Your bank and credit card company(ies) will need to know your new billing and mailing information once you move. This keeps everything up to date and ensures you won’t miss any important information or documents.
When:
Best to give yourself a week or two in case there’s any issue, but the process should be fairly quick.
Where: Log onto your personal banking account or give your local branch a call to get everything changed. Be sure to call early as banks usually close by 5.
The CRA is Canada’s Tax agency, arguably the most important part of updating information, updating your address information on your tax forms is a must.
When: If you’re receiving individual or family benefits it’s best to do it as soon as possible to avoid payment delays. Otherwise, just get it done before tax season.
Where:
You can either use a My Service Canada Account (MSCA) or My Account for Individuals. From there you can choose your login options.
Make sure to update your streaming service billing information so you don’t find yourself out of a subscription because your credit card wasn’t being charged.
You’re likely going to need to schedule an installation with your provider for an internet and TV package, especially if you decide to change providers.
When: It’s best to call at least a month in advance so you don’t have to move into a new house without internet access or TV. That’d be pretty boring.
Where: On your provider's website or service phone number
When: Have it done in between monthly billings so there’s no issues with your account being charged.
The Canadian Firearms Program is what permits you to own and operate a firearm. It is extremely important you have this information updated lest you want your door kicked in at 3 in the morning.
When: The RCMP should be notified within 30 days of any address change
Where: You can change your address online through the RCMP website and sign in through your bank or GCkey. Alternatively, you can call 1- 800-731-4000, the CFP’s business number.
Your hunting & firearms licenses (Fish & Wildlife ID) always need to be fully up to date with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
When: Before your next hunt
Where: You can visit a Service BC or Front Counter BC location, alternatively you can change it online with your BCEID or call a Service BC (1-800-663-7867), Front Counter BC office (1-877-855-3222) or Fish and Wildlife Branch (1-877-855-3222).
Elections are an important part of your civic duty as a Canadian citizen, it’s good to be on top of it before it’s too late. It’s not like they happen very often
Where: For BC provincial elections, you can go to MyAccount on the Canadian Government website or call 1-877-899-3599. For federal elections, go to the Elections Canada website
When: Both should be done before the next election period.
Student Aid can be a lifeline for students that don’t have the means to fully fund their academic career, if you use student aid make sure you’re on top of keeping all your info fully up to date.
Where: Call 1-800-665-3554 or visit the StudentAid BC website
When: One to two weeks before your move.
Much like student aid, you’ll want to have all your financial information up to date so you aren’t cut off for some time.
When: One to two weeks before you move, so there’s lots of time for everything to be updated accordingly.
Where: You can update your address on My Self Serve or call 1-866-866-0800
Your doctor’s office and pharmacy will need to know of your address change for your medical information and prescriptions.
Where: Either go to your Dentist/Doctor’s Office/Pharmacy’s website or give them a call. Additionally, depending on how far away you move, you might need to set up with a new office altogether.
When: Anytime before or right after your move.
Notifying your employer/union is always important in case you need to be sent important documents.
When: Anytime before your move.
Where: Call or if you have a portal you can use, change it there.
Employment insurance is always important to have ready as life can be unpredictable.
When: 2 weeks before your move
Where: You can change your address online, call 1-800-206-7218 or visit a service Canada centre.
Being on top of your WorkSafe information is very important as injury in the workplace can happen at any time.
When: You should have your address change at least a few weeks before you move since you’ll be dealing with snail mail.
Where: Visit the WorkSafeBC website to change your account details.
Making sure you have everything squared away with your movers, cleaners, etc.
Forgetting something important? Now’s the time to double-check
Pack your valuables yourself and make sure you know where it is at all times. That way you won’t have to worry about them being stolen or losing track.
Refill any prescriptions before your address change goes through so you won’t have the hassle of dealing with insurance or the doctor’s office
If it’s a long move, there are a few things you’ll need to consider
Think of where you’re going to have them in the moving truck
Figure out the temperature that best suits your plants and how to keep them at that temperature
E.g. If you have tropical plants, it’s best to keep them in the most heated areas
Some great tips can be found here.
Pro Moving Tip: If you’re booking movers, you’ve got to come to terms with the fact that accidents can happen. Take pictures of your furniture before the move in case something unfortunate does happen.
You have your entire house in the back of your moving truck, it would be foolish not to have a plan ready.
Create a layout where everything needs to go
Separate your boxes by room
Figure out what boxes should go in first
Which room should be unpacked first
Take a walk through the town, meet your neighbours, eat at the local shop. It’s a new place, so it’s best to get familiar with things.
Hygiene items will always be one of the first things you want unpacked, just in case. Toothbrush, deodorant, a razor, toilet paper, etc.
You’re probably not going to have everything unpacked in one day; having a duffel of your essentials will let you be prepared for emergencies or some general comfort moving into a half-unpacked home. Things like a phone charger, wallet, change of clothes are all good things to have in a ready-to-go duffel.
Make sure how many boxes/belongings you have in case any get lost in transit. A good way to keep track is a running count of each item put into the moving truck(s).
You’ve got a big day ahead of you, best to sleep well.
In case of emergency, your phone should be ready to go at all times
Keep things stress-free by having all your contact info in one place.
If you don’t want your items to “Accidentally” break, tipping your movers is a good idea. Everything gets where it needs to be, safe and sound.
Miss a few things right after everything’s been packed? Have a carry bag on you for any leftover items.
Be absolutely sure nothing of value is kept in the house
When moving, you should arrange with the property manager, real estate agent, or landlord where to put your old keys upon transfer of ownership.
Even if you don’t live there, break-ins or animals are still your issue until ownership is transferred.
A waste of electricity if no one is living there, make sure everything is off before you leave for one of the last times.
No need for heat when no one is living there; make sure everything heating your house is firmly set to off. The new owners/tenants of your old property won’t want to move into a humid jungle.
The actual process of moving will be a moot point if your keys aren’t even working. More so if there are locks to your new house that your keys won’t fit. Make sure you have access to everywhere once moving in, it is your new house after all.
Go through everything to make sure you still have everything that you left your old house with.
If you rented a moving truck, make sure to return it to the appropriate drop-off location to avoid getting hit with a late fee. Also, don’t forget to fill the tank back up to its original capacity.
The best way to stay organized is to compartmentalize where all your boxes need to be unpacked.
Check both your items and your new home to make sure nothing is damaged since you’ve arrived. It’s important to make sure the cleaners have done an appropriate job, the home inspector hasn’t missed anything and nothing was damaged since you last viewed the property.
Make sure nothing has broken or been damaged during the trip. For pre-furnished appliances such as the stove, check that they work and that the previous inhabitants didn’t break anything before you moved in. Spiteful owners perhaps?
Finally, you are ready to make your new home feel like home.
Whether you’re moving out of your parent’s basement for the first time or moving again for the third time this year, hopefully our guide will help you be just a little less stressed. In the meantime if you’re looking for moving insurance, or just want to switch providers check us out and we’ll be able to get you a new quote in just 90 seconds (faster than it will take to unpack a box).
When it comes to protecting your most significant investment—your home—choosing the right home insurance provider is crucial. In Canada, the home insurance market offers a wide range of options, making it essential to compare providers and policies carefully. This article will guide you through the key factors to consider when selecting a home insurance provider that suits your specific needs.
In the digital age, purchasing insurance online has become increasingly common. But with convenience comes the question of reliability. Is online insurance just as dependable as the traditional method? Let’s delve into the world of digital insurance policies to find out.
When it comes to protecting your condominium, understanding the ins and outs of condo insurance is crucial. Unlike traditional homeowners insurance, condo insurance must align with the unique aspects of condo living, where certain elements are covered by the condo corporation’s policy, and others fall under your personal policy.
