BC Moving Checklist 2026 —
Complete Guide for the Lower Mainland

Book early — weekends and end-of-month dates in Surrey, Burnaby, and Vancouver fill up fast, especially in summer. Confirm your date, item list, and both addresses.

Sell, donate, or discard items you do not need. Facebook Marketplace and local Buy Nothing groups are active across the Lower Mainland. Less to move = lower quote.

If your move-out and move-in dates do not line up, find a local BC storage facility ahead of time.

Collect boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. Liquor stores and grocery stores in BC often give away free boxes — just ask.

Document the condition of your current unit with timestamped photos and video. In BC, this supports your damage deposit return claim at move-out.

In BC, most tenancies require one full rental period of written notice. Month-to-month tenants typically need to give one month's notice. Check your rental agreement and the BC Residential Tenancy Act for your specific situation.

If moving in or out of a strata/condo building, contact your strata manager to reserve the freight elevator. Most Lower Mainland buildings require 48–72 hours notice and restrict move times. Some charge a move-in fee — confirm this with your strata.

Check the strata bylaws for move-in restrictions — restricted hours, approved entrances, and any required insurance certificates from your movers. Common in Metrotown (Burnaby), Brentwood, and Coquitlam Centre towers.

Start mail forwarding at canadapost.ca. Do this at least two weeks before your move date to avoid missed deliveries.

BC law requires you to update your driver's licence and vehicle registration address with ICBC within 10 days of moving. Do this online at icbc.com or at any Autoplan broker in the Lower Mainland.

Update your address with the BC Ministry of Health at gov.bc.ca or call 1-800-663-7100. Your BC Services Card acts as your health card and government ID.

Notify CRA of your new address at canada.ca/cra or by calling 1-800-959-8281. Important for tax refunds, GST/HST credits, and Canada Child Benefit payments.

Update your address with your employer's HR department (for T4s and payroll), your bank, and credit card providers.

Contact your new school district to understand catchment zones and registration requirements. Each BC district (Surrey Schools, Burnaby School District, Vancouver School Board, etc.) has its own process.

Pack seasonal items, books, spare linens, and decorations first. Label every box clearly with the destination room and a short contents note.

Contact BC Hydro, FortisBC, your internet provider, and your municipality's water service. Transfer service to your new address or cancel and set up a new account.

Re-confirm date, time, both addresses, access details (elevator booking reference, parking plan, building entry code), and your item list. Good to catch issues before moving day.

Cities like Vancouver, Burnaby, and New Westminster may require a temporary no-parking zone for the moving truck. Apply to your city hall online at least 5–7 business days before your move date.

Update your address with streaming services, online subscriptions, Amazon, meal kits, gym memberships, and any recurring deliveries.

Return library books, borrowed tools, and items belonging to neighbours or friends before the chaos of moving week.

Pack a bag or box you keep with you: toiletries, medications, phone charger, change of clothes, important documents, kettle, coffee or tea. You will want these within the first hour of arriving.

Start defrosting 24–48 hours before moving day. Consume or donate perishable food you cannot transport.

Disassemble bed frames, modular wardrobes, large desks, and dining tables if possible. This saves truck space and load time — which reduces your overall move cost.

Pack kitchen, bathrooms, and remaining closets. Keep a few items unpacked that you need the night before — pack those last thing the night before moving day.

Let your neighbours know if the truck will temporarily block access. Confirm the truck can get close enough to both entrances to load and unload efficiently.

Moving day involves a lot of coordination — your mover, building manager, and landlord may all need to reach you. Keep your phone charged.

Check every room, closet, cabinet, bathroom, outdoor area, balcony, storage locker, and parking space. Do not leave anything behind.

Take timestamped photos and video of every room after it is cleared. In BC, landlords have 21 days to return your damage deposit — this documentation is your protection if they dispute the condition.

Return every key, parking remote, strata fob, and building access card to your landlord or building manager. Get written or email confirmation of receipt — protect yourself from claims that items were not returned.

Before unloading, photograph your new unit to document any pre-existing damage. Note anything that needs attention and send it to your new landlord in writing the same day.

Before your movers leave, walk through the new space to confirm all items were delivered and placed correctly. Report any issues on the spot.

Test water, hydro, heat, and internet on arrival. If anything is not on, contact BC Hydro, FortisBC, or your utility provider right away.

Your previous landlord has 21 days from your move-out date to return your damage deposit or serve you a Notice of Dispute. If you do not receive it, file a claim with the BC Residential Tenancy Branch.

BC law requires your ICBC address update within 10 days of your move. Do it online at icbc.com or at any Autoplan broker.

Contact your local school district for catchment zone confirmation and registration. Surrey Schools, Burnaby School District, and Vancouver School Board each have their own online process.

Update your address on the Elections BC voter registry at elections.bc.ca to ensure you are registered in the correct provincial and federal riding.

Introduce yourself to the building manager and a few neighbours. In BC strata buildings, a good relationship with your strata council can be very useful.

If your move went well, leaving a Google review helps local BC movers who depend on word-of-mouth to compete with national chains. It takes two minutes and makes a real difference for small local businesses.