Moving Checklist for Surrey, BC: What to Do and When

6 to 8 weeks before

• Set your move date and keep it flexible if you can. Month-end and weekends fill up first.
• Request free written quotes from movers and compare crew size, hourly rate, the 3-hour minimum and travel time.
• If you live in a condo or townhouse complex, ask your strata about move rules and book the elevator or loading zone.
• Tell your landlord or give notice if you are renting.
• Sort every room and decide what to keep, sell, donate or recycle. You do not pay to move what you do not bring.
• Start collecting boxes, tape, paper and markers, or plan for packing help.

3 to 4 weeks before

• Confirm your booking with the movers and send any updates about stairs, elevators and large items.
• Book electricity, gas and internet for your new address.
• Set up Canada Post mail forwarding.
• Arrange storage if there is a gap between move-out and move-in dates.
• Start packing rooms you use least, such as the garage, storage lockers and spare rooms.
• Tell your insurer about the move and arrange tenant or home insurance for the new address.

2 weeks before

• Pack books, decor, out-of-season clothing and most of the kitchen. Label every box with its room.
• Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day.
• Use up food from the fridge, freezer and pantry.
• Confirm elevator or loading zone bookings for both buildings.
• Take down shelves and curtain rods, and plan which furniture needs to be taken apart.

The last week

• Finish packing everything except daily essentials. Seal and label boxes.
• Defrost the freezer and empty the washer and dryer.
• Pack a bag with essentials, medication, documents, chargers and valuables to keep with you.
• Confirm the arrival window and your phone number with the crew.
• Make sure the truck can park close to the door at both addresses.
• Clean or arrange cleaning of your old home as your lease or sale requires.

Moving day

• Walk through the home with the crew lead and point out fragile items and where everything goes at the new address.
• Keep your essentials bag, documents and valuables with you.
• Check closets, cupboards and storage areas before the truck leaves.
• At the new home, check for damage with the crew before they finish, then do a final walk-through.
• Return keys, fobs and parking passes for your old home.

After the move

Within 10 days, update your address with ICBC. Our guide to changing your address in BC covers ICBC, utilities, health coverage and everyone else who needs your new address.

• Update ICBC (licence and vehicle insurance), health coverage, CRA, your bank and your employer.
• Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first so you can function on night one.
• Break down and recycle boxes, or keep them for a quick second pass.
• Leave a review for your movers if you were happy with the service.