Booking a Strata Move-In or Move-Out in Surrey, BC
If you are moving into or out of a condo or townhouse complex in Surrey, your strata almost always has rules you must follow before the truck arrives. This guide covers what to ask, when to book and how to avoid delays on moving day.
Updated November 3, 2026
Why strata moves need booking
In British Columbia, a strata corporation can set bylaws and rules about how common property is used. For moves, that usually means the elevator, loading bay, hallways and parking. Most Surrey towers and townhouse complexes expect you to book your move ahead of time so the elevator is not blocked and neighbours are not caught off guard.
Rules differ from one strata to the next, so treat this guide as a checklist of questions rather than a rulebook. Your strata manager, caretaker or concierge has the final word, and your bylaws and rules are the place to confirm it.
What to ask your strata manager
Move-in and move-out hours
Many stratas limit moves to certain days and hours and may not allow moves on some holidays or late in the evening.
Elevator booking
Ask how to reserve the elevator, how far ahead you must book and how long your slot lasts. Some buildings use a service elevator, and some require padding in the car.
Loading zone and parking
Find out where the truck may park, whether a loading bay needs to be reserved and where the crew can leave the truck while loading.
Fees and deposits
Some stratas charge a move fee or hold a refundable damage deposit. Ask what the amount is, who pays it and when it is returned.
Forms and approvals
Ask whether a move form must be filled out. If you are a tenant, ask what paperwork the strata needs on file before you move in.
Insurance
Some stratas ask for proof of insurance from your moving company. Mention this when you request your quote so there is time to sort it out.
When to book
Start as soon as you have a move date, and ideally before you commit to it. Move-in slots at popular buildings, especially at month-end and on weekends, can be taken early. Confirm your elevator slot and any deposit first, then book the movers around it.
- Ask your strata manager about move rules as soon as you know your dates.
- Reserve the elevator or loading zone for both your old and new buildings.
- Pay any move fee or deposit and keep the receipt.
- Tell your movers the elevator slot, loading zone and any rules when you request your quote.
- Confirm the booking a few days before the move.
How your movers fit in
Your move is billed by the hour, so time spent waiting for an elevator or a parking spot costs you money. Telling us the elevator slot, floor numbers and loading zone in advance lets us size the crew and plan the order of loading. See our pricing guide for how hourly billing and the 3-hour minimum work.
On the day, we protect floors and walls and take care in lobbies, hallways and elevators, which keeps your strata happy and helps you get your deposit back.
Moving day checklist for strata buildings
- Meet the crew at the loading zone and confirm where the truck can park.
- Check that the elevator pads or protection your strata requires are in place.
- Keep hallways and stairwells clear and doors propped only as your strata allows.
- Do a walk-through with the caretaker or manager if your strata asks for a damage check.
- Take photos of common areas before and after, in case of any question about your deposit.
- Return fobs, keys and parking passes at your old building.
Plan your Surrey move with us
Condo moving
Strata elevator bookings, loading zones and careful moves in Surrey condos and townhouse complexes.
Local moving
Apartments, condos and houses across Surrey and the Lower Mainland.
Packing services
Full or partial packing with proper boxes, wrap and labelling.
Moving prices
How much do movers cost in Surrey? Hourly rates and typical totals.
Moving in: Surrey City Centre, Guildford, Newton
More moving guides
Common questions
Do I need to book the elevator for a condo move in Surrey?
Most Surrey condo towers and many townhouse complexes require it. Ask your strata manager how far ahead to book and how long your slot lasts.
Can I move in on a weekend or evening?
It depends on your strata's rules. Many limit move hours, so confirm allowed days and times before you set your move date.
Will my strata charge a move-in fee or deposit?
Some do. Ask your strata manager for the amount, who pays it and when a refundable deposit is returned.
Do the movers need to tell the strata anything?
Your strata may ask for the moving company's name, your move date and sometimes proof of insurance. Mention this when you request your quote.
Get a free moving quote
Tell us where you are moving and when. We reply with a written quote, not a ballpark. Prefer to talk? Call (604) 674-7874.