Find the Best Moving Companies in Vancouver and the Surrounding Area

The cost of hiring movers in Vancouver, BC generally ranges from $120 to $180 per hour. Most companies require a minimum of 3 hours of labor. Keep in mind that if you have unusually large or fragile items, or if your location presents access challenges, the cost may vary.

While MovingWaldo takes care of this for you by listing only Waldo Verified moving companies, here are some steps you can follow to choose the right moving company and avoid scams:

1. Check Ratings and Reviews: Look for companies with at least 4 stars and a minimum of 20 reviews on Google and MovingWaldo.
2. Verify Their Online Presence: Ensure they have a professional website and an active social media presence.
3. Confirm Insurance: Contact them to verify that they have at least the minimum legal insurance coverage of $0.60 per pound, without additional charges.
4. Check Accreditations: Look for accreditations from CAM, BBB (with a rating of B+ or higher), or Waldo Verified on MovingWaldo. Having at least one of these is a positive indicator.
5. Assess Their Experience: Make sure the company has been in the industry for a few years or is well-established.
6. Evaluate Pricing: Be wary of unusually low or high prices. Rates below $100 per hour or above $300 per hour may be red flags.
7. Trust Your Instincts: If you have any doubts, do not hire the company. Avoid movers found on platforms like Kijiji or marketplace sites, as they may present risks such as holding your items hostage.

Additional tips to avoid moving scams:

• Seek Referrals: Get recommendations from friends or family who have had positive experiences with moving companies.
• Use MovingWaldo: Rely on our service to simplify the process and ensure you choose a verified, trustworthy moving company.

Stay safe and make informed choices!

Choosing a Waldo Verified company ensures you receive top-tier reliability and peace of mind. Our thorough screening process guarantees that:

• Legality and Credentials: Movers are fully licensed and insured.
• Quality Assurance: You benefit from exceptional service with transparent, upfront pricing.
• Safety and Security: Comprehensive protection is provided, including a clear cancellation policy.
• Dedicated Support: Whether you book online or by phone, you receive personalized assistance from A to Z throughout the entire process.

To discover how we further safeguard your move, visit our 10 Point Moving Protection page for complete details.

Hourly pricing is the most commonly used pricing model in Vancouver. It’s simple: the moving company will provide you with an hourly rate and charge you based on the time it took to complete your move. They’ll also provide you with an estimated labor time, so they can precisely estimate the final cost, helping you stay within your moving budget.

Flat rate pricing is less common for local moves in Vancouver but is often employed by companies like FlatRate Moving for large white-glove or long-distance moves to cities like Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. 

To provide a flat rate, the company needs to assess various factors, including:

• A detailed inventory list to estimate the weight of your items, especially if you have large, heavy furniture.
• How they will access your home, particularly if it’s located in a densely populated area like Downtown Vancouver or West End.
• Detailed information about special, unique items that need to be disassembled and reassembled, such as pianos or large appliances.
• Information about traffic conditions to and from your locations, especially during peak hours in Greater Vancouver.

On top of it all, they need to consider everything that could turn sideways on moving day, including weather conditions, which are especially relevant in Vancouver. All of these factors cause flat-priced moves to typically be more expensive than hourly-priced moves, especially for complex relocations.

There are two types of moving insurance protections: release value protection and full value protection.

Release value protection covers damages occurring in the moving truck and can cover $0.60 per pound of the damaged item. The cost is typically included in the price, and there is no deductible, making it a popular choice for smaller moves within Vancouver.

On the other hand, full value protection applies to damage done in the moving truck and in your home. This can cover anywhere between $5 to $10 per pound of the damaged item. Expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for full value protection, and note that there is a deductible which varies. This type of insurance is recommended for relocations involving valuable or fragile items, especially for long-distance moves or relocations involving multiple stops in places like North Vancouver and Richmond.

All moving companies in Vancouver have diverse fee-related policies. Generally, packing and unloading specialty items will be an added cost to your moving bill due to their fragility (extra protection required), weight (more workers required), and the extra space they may take up in the truck (additional truck required).

The moving company may charge extra fees for heavy items like sports equipment, pianos, and appliances. Extra stair fees (above the 2nd floor) and overnight or storage fees (if the move is not completed in one day) may also be charged. Additionally, fuel fees could apply, especially for long-distance moves or moves across the Lower Mainland.

In Vancouver, moving trucks are permitted to park on the streets as long as they are in valid parking spots and the items are being either loaded or unloaded from them. Without a valid parking spot, you will need to apply for a temporary parking permit, which is allocated for a maximum of 3 consecutive days.

If a commercial vehicle is being parked on the street, it can be parked in a commercial vehicle loading zone for a maximum of 2 hours. This is especially important in busy areas like Downtown Vancouver or Granville Island.

Note that movers will usually take care of booking a parking permit for you. It is recommended that you discuss this with them as soon as possible to avoid potential fines, which can be a common issue in densely populated areas like Kitsilano or Yaletown.

The best time to move in Vancouver to get a low price is from December to March. While the best time to move in Vancouver is completely dependent on your availability, you might want to consider the following before scheduling. 

• Low season: The low season begins in December and ends around March. School is in session and there are many holidays, making movers less busy and the prices are more flexible. 
• Weekdays: From Monday through Thursday, you will find the cheapest rates to move as generally people are working and not available to move. It is strongly suggested not to move during the end of the month and weekends as rates are more competitive. If you are living in an apartment or condo, during the week, you will be able to properly reserve the elevator and parking spots accordingly. Note: The City of Vancouver offers temporary street occupancy permits for move-in days, as long as they are notified 7 to 10 business days in advance.
• The weather: Although Vancouver does not receive much snow, it does rain for a huge portion of the year. If you plan to move during the months of January, February, March, April, October, November or December, be prepared to have proper waterproof gear as your furniture can easily get wet.