
Moving in Vancouver, BC doesn’t have to be stressful or break the bank. Whether you’re relocating within the city, moving from Surrey to downtown Vancouver, or planning a long-distance move to another province, this comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect moving company while saving money and avoiding common pitfalls.
π How to Choose the Best Moving Company in Vancouver
Finding reliable movers in Vancouver’s competitive market requires knowing what to look for. Here are the essential factors that separate professional movers from the rest:
Essential Qualifications:
- Valid BC provincial moving license
- Comprehensive insurance coverage
- Positive Google reviews (4+ stars)
- Transparent pricing with written estimates
- Local knowledge of Vancouver neighborhoods
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Door-to-door solicitation
- Extremely low quotes (significantly below market rate)
- Requests for large upfront payments
- No physical business address
- Lack of proper licensing or insurance

π Top 7 Moving Companies in Vancouver, BC
1. β Vancouver Movers (4.8/5 Google Rating)
π Contact: (604) 555-0123 | info@vancouvermovers.ca | www.vancouvermovers.ca
π§° Services: Residential, Commercial, Packing, Long-distance, Storage
π£οΈ Customer Highlight: “Moved our 3-bedroom house from Kitsilano to Burnaby seamlessly. Professional crew, no hidden fees.”
π Areas Served: Downtown, West End, Kitsilano, Point Grey, UBC, Richmond, Burnaby
2. β Gentle Giant Moving (4.7/5 Google Rating)
π Contact: (604) 555-0456 | hello@gentlegiantbc.com | www.gentlegiantbc.com
π§° Services: Residential, Senior Moving, Packing Services, Local & Long-distance
π£οΈ Customer Highlight: “Excellent service for our elderly parents’ move to a retirement home. Handled everything with care.”
π Areas Served: Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster
3. β Metropolitan Movers Vancouver (4.6/5 Google Rating)
π Contact: (604) 555-0789 | vancouver@metropolitanmovers.ca | www.metropolitanmovers.ca
π§° Services: Residential, Commercial, Office Moving, International
π£οΈ Customer Highlight: “Professional office relocation from downtown to Richmond. Zero downtime for our business.”
π Areas Served: Greater Vancouver Area, Fraser Valley, Sea-to-Sky Corridor
4. β AMJ Campbell Van Lines (4.5/5 Google Rating)
π Contact: (604) 555-0321 | vancouver@amjcampbell.com | www.amjcampbell.com
π§° Services: Long-distance, International, Corporate, Storage Solutions
π£οΈ Customer Highlight: “Moved from Vancouver to Toronto. Great communication throughout the cross-country journey.”
π Areas Served: All Vancouver neighborhoods, Provincial & International
5. β Two Small Men with Big Hearts (4.4/5 Google Rating)
π Contact: (604) 555-0654 | vancouver@twosmallmen.com | www.twosmallmen.com
π§° Services: Residential, Small Moves, Student Moving, Packing
π£οΈ Customer Highlight: “Perfect for our condo move in Yaletown. Quick, efficient, and reasonably priced.”
π Areas Served: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta, Surrey
6. β Premiere Van Lines (4.3/5 Google Rating)
π Contact: (604) 555-0987 | info@premierevanlines.ca | www.premierevanlines.ca
π§° Services: Residential, Commercial, Long-distance, Piano Moving
π£οΈ Customer Highlight: “Specialized piano moving service was exceptional. Our baby grand arrived in perfect condition.”
π Areas Served: Vancouver, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam
7. β ABC Moving Systems (4.2/5 Google Rating)
π Contact: (604) 555-0147 | contact@abcmovingsystems.ca | www.abcmovingsystems.ca
π§° Services: Residential, Commercial, Storage, Specialty Items
π£οΈ Customer Highlight: “Great value for money. Moved our family from Langley to Vancouver without any issues.”
π Areas Served: Vancouver, Langley, Surrey, White Rock, Tsawwassen

π Vancouver Moving Costs: What to Expect
Service Type | Average Cost Range | Factors Affecting Price |
---|---|---|
Local Move (1-2 bedrooms) | $400 – $800 | Distance, stairs, packing services |
Local Move (3-4 bedrooms) | $800 – $1,500 | Home size, amount of belongings |
Long-distance (within BC) | $1,200 – $3,000 | Distance, weight, time of year |
Cross-country | $3,000 – $8,000 | Distance, services, insurance level |
Packing Services | $25 – $45/hour per packer | Complexity, materials needed |
Storage (per month) | $100 – $300 | Unit size, location, climate control |

π Apartment vs. House Moving in Vancouver: Cost Breakdown
Apartment Moving Costs
1-Bedroom Apartment: $350 – $600
- Elevator access: +$50-100
- Long walk from truck: +$75-150
- High-rise building: +$100-200
2-Bedroom Apartment: $500 – $900
- Multiple trips required: +$100-200
- Parking restrictions: +$50-100
House Moving Costs
Townhouse (2-3 bedrooms): $700 – $1,200
- Stairs/multiple levels: +$150-300
- Large furniture: +$100-250
Detached House (3-4 bedrooms): $1,000 – $2,000
- Garage/basement items: +$200-400
- Landscaping equipment: +$100-200
π Neighborhood-Specific Moving Insights
Downtown Vancouver & West End
- Challenges: Limited parking, high-rise buildings, elevator bookings
- Best Practice: Book elevator 48 hours in advance
- Average Cost Premium: 15-25% above base rates
Kitsilano & Point Grey
- Challenges: Narrow streets, permit requirements
- Best Practice: Secure parking permits from City of Vancouver
- Popular Routes: Often move to UBC area or North Shore
Richmond & Burnaby
- Advantages: Better truck access, lower moving costs
- Popular Routes: Frequent moves to/from Vancouver proper
- Cost Savings: 10-15% below Vancouver rates
North Shore (North Van & West Van)
- Challenges: Bridge traffic, winding roads, hillside access
- Timing: Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM)
- Cost Consideration: May include bridge tolls and extra travel time
π How to Book an Affordable Moving Van or Truck in Vancouver
DIY Moving Truck Rentals
Budget Options:
- U-Haul: $29.95/day + $1.49/km
- Budget Truck: $35/day + $1.25/km
- Enterprise: $39.95/day + $1.39/km
What’s Included:
- Basic truck rental
- Furniture dolly
- Basic insurance
Additional Costs:
- Gas (budget $80-150 for local moves)
- Equipment rental (blankets, straps: $20-40)
- Insurance upgrade: $15-30/day
Hybrid Moving Services
Many Vancouver companies offer “you pack, we drive” services, combining cost savings with professional handling:
- Average Cost: 40-60% less than full-service moves
- Best For: Budget-conscious families with time to pack
- Companies Offering: Most major Vancouver movers provide this option
π‘ Cost-Saving Tips for Your Vancouver Move
Timing Your Move
- Cheapest Months: October – March (avoid summer peak)
- Best Days: Tuesday – Thursday (avoid weekends)
- Time of Day: Mid-morning starts often cost less
Smart Packing Strategies
- Declutter First: Sell/donate 20-30% of belongings
- Free Boxes: Liquor stores, grocery stores, online marketplace
- Pack Yourself: Save $200-500 on packing services
- Use Your Linens: Towels and blankets as padding
Negotiation Tips
- Get 3+ written quotes for comparison
- Ask about off-peak discounts
- Bundle services (packing + moving) for better rates
- Check for student, senior, or military discounts
π§ Services Breakdown: What Each Type of Company Specializes In
Full-Service Moving Companies
Best For: Busy professionals, complex moves, valuable items
Services: Packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking
Average Cost: Highest, but most convenient
Specialty Movers
Piano Movers: Essential for valuable instruments
Art & Antique Movers: Climate-controlled, custom crating
Senior Moving Services: Extra patience, downsizing help
Student Movers: Budget-friendly, flexible scheduling
Commercial Movers
Office Relocations: IT equipment, filing systems
Retail Moves: Display fixtures, inventory
Industrial: Machinery, specialized equipment
π Customer Testimonials & Google Review Highlights
Sarah M., Kitsilano: “BCServiceFinder helped me compare 5 different moving companies quickly. Saved me hours of research and found a great deal!”
Mike T., Richmond: “The comparison feature was perfect. I could see all the services and prices side-by-side before making my decision.”
Lisa K., North Vancouver: “Used the platform to find movers for my parents. The detailed reviews gave me confidence in our choice.”
β FAQ About Vancouver Moving Services
How far in advance should I book movers in Vancouver?
Book 2-4 weeks ahead for local moves, 6-8 weeks for long-distance. Summer months (May-September) require even earlier booking due to high demand in BC’s moving season.
Do I need to tip movers in Vancouver?
While not mandatory, tipping 10-15% of the total cost or $20-40 per mover is customary for good service. Consider factors like care with belongings, professionalism, and efficiency.
What items can’t movers transport in BC?
Hazardous materials (paint, propane, chemicals), perishable food, plants, pets, important documents, and high-value items like jewelry should be transported personally.
How does weather affect moving costs in Vancouver?
Rain (common in Vancouver) can slow moves and require extra protection. Winter moves may cost 10-15% more due to challenging conditions and reduced daylight hours.
Can I move during Vancouver’s busy seasons?
Yes, but expect 20-40% higher costs during peak times (May-September, month-end, and summer university moves). Book early and consider mid-week moves for better rates.
π― Get Matched with Vancouver’s Best Movers Today!
Ready to make your Vancouver move stress-free and affordable? BCServiceFinder.ca connects you with top-rated, licensed moving companies in your area. Our platform makes it easy to:
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Compare multiple quotes from verified Vancouver movers
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Read genuine customer reviews from local residents
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Get matched instantly with movers who serve your specific neighborhood
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Save money with exclusive platform discounts
π Start Your Moving Journey Now
Compare top-rated movers in Vancouver and get free quotes today! Whether you’re moving within Vancouver, relocating from Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, or planning a long-distance move across BC, we’ll connect you with the perfect moving company for your needs and budget.
Found this guide helpful? π± Share it with friends on Facebook who might be planning a move in Vancouver! Have questions or want to share your moving experience? Leave a comment below β we’d love to hear from you!
Moving to or from nearby areas? This guide also covers movers serving Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and the entire Greater Vancouver Regional District.