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Moving to Surrey or Burnaby? here’s what you should know - Tingsapp Blog
Nov 8, 2025

Moving to Surrey or Burnaby, BC: Tips, Costs, and Trusted Local Movers

Planning a move to Surrey or Burnaby, British Columbia? You’re not alone. These two growing cities have become top choices for people seeking affordability, accessibility, and family-friendly living just outside Vancouver.

Before you start packing, it’s worth understanding what makes each city unique - and how to plan your move efficiently to save time, money, and stress.


Why People Are Moving to Surrey and Burnaby

Surrey: Spacious and Family-Friendly

Surrey is one of the fastest-growing cities in BC, offering a blend of suburban living, green parks, and newly developed communities. It’s perfect for families, first-time buyers, and anyone who values space and affordability.

With six major town centres - Fleetwood, Newton, Guildford, Cloverdale, Whalley (City Centre), and South Surrey - each area has its own unique atmosphere. South Surrey attracts families and retirees with its beaches and schools, while City Centre is becoming a modern urban hub with new condos and rapid transit.

Burnaby: Urban Access and Connectivity

Burnaby is ideal for those who want quick access to downtown Vancouver without paying downtown prices. It’s a city full of convenience - great transit through SkyTrain, excellent shopping at Metropolis at Metrotown, and vibrant neighborhoods like Brentwood and Lougheed.

Burnaby is more compact than Surrey, but still offers diverse options - from high-rise condos near transit to peaceful single-family areas in Burnaby Heights and Deer Lake.

For more on living and moving in Metro Vancouver, check out Tingsapp: Stress-Free and Transparent Moving Service in Vancouver & Lower Mainland.


Understanding the Cost of Moving Locally

Local moving costs depend on several factors, including home size, time of year, and distance. On average, hiring professional movers in Surrey or Burnaby ranges from $90 to $140 per hour for a two-person crew with a truck.

Cost factors include:

  • Home size: Larger homes take more time and labor.

  • Distance: Local moves within the same city usually take 3–6 hours.

  • Accessibility: Stairs, elevators, and parking distance can increase costs.

  • Timing: Peak months (May–September) and weekends often have higher rates.

Using Tingsapp, you can instantly compare movers, view fixed upfront pricing, and avoid hidden fees. This transparency ensures your total cost is clear before moving day - ideal for busy areas like Guildford, Metrotown, or Brentwood where timing matters.


Traffic and Timing Matter

Both Surrey and Burnaby experience traffic congestion during peak hours, especially on Highway 1, King George Boulevard, and near Metrotown.

To make your move smoother:

  • Schedule your move mid-week and mid-month, when demand is lower.

  • Choose morning time slots to avoid traffic delays.

  • Allow extra time if your move involves high-traffic routes or apartment loading zones.

Tingsapp helps by allowing you to select time windows and track your movers live in the app. Real-time updates make coordination easy and reduce waiting time.


Know Your Neighborhood

Before moving, research your neighborhood to understand traffic, amenities, and access rules.

Popular Areas in Surrey

  • Fleetwood: Quiet, family-friendly, with easy highway access.

  • Guildford: Great for shopping, schools, and convenient access to Burnaby.

  • South Surrey: Upscale homes, beaches, and strong community feel.

  • Newton: Affordable, diverse, and well-connected by transit.

Popular Areas in Burnaby

  • Brentwood: Rapidly growing with new condos, shops, and SkyTrain access.

  • Metrotown: Busy and convenient - perfect for professionals.

  • Lougheed: Central location with excellent transit connections.

  • Burnaby Heights: Historic charm, cafes, and strong community vibe.

If you have children, check school catchment areas through local school boards before finalizing your address. Also confirm parking, elevator access, and move-in policies with your building management ahead of time.


Tips for a Smooth Move

Moving can be overwhelming, but following these tips makes it manageable and efficient:

  1. Book movers early: Schedule your move 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during summer or month-end.

  2. Confirm access: For condos, reserve elevators and loading zones ahead of time.

  3. Label everything: Label boxes by room and importance for faster unpacking.

  4. Prepare for weather: BC’s rain is unpredictable. Use waterproof covers and plastic wrap for furniture and electronics.

  5. Be ready before movers arrive: Having everything packed ensures efficiency and keeps hourly costs low.

Tingsapp movers bring protective materials such as floor runners, blankets, straps, and waterproof padding, so your belongings stay safe even in rainy conditions.


Post-Move Essentials

Once you’ve settled into Surrey or Burnaby, there are a few key steps to make your transition complete:

  • Update your address with ICBC, BC Health, your bank, and utilities.

  • Register for waste collection and recycling through your city’s website.

  • Explore local parks and recreation centers: Try Central Park in Burnaby or Crescent Beach in South Surrey.

  • Get familiar with transit: Both cities are served by TransLink buses and SkyTrain for convenient commuting.

If you’re new to British Columbia, visit How Tingsapp Makes Your Move Easy and Stress-Free.


Average Moving Times in Surrey and Burnaby

Move Type Average Time Average Cost Range Notes
1-Bedroom Apartment 3–4 hours $350–$550 Includes travel and load time
2-Bedroom Apartment 4–6 hours $600–$850 Moderate packing and stairs
3-Bedroom House 6–8 hours $900–$1,400 Includes larger trucks
Small Moves (few items) 1–3 hours $150–$350 Perfect for furniture or appliances

Booking through Tingsapp ensures no hidden charges - what you see is what you pay.


Weather Tips for Lower Mainland Moves

The Lower Mainland’s mild, rainy climate can impact your move. To stay prepared:

  • Keep tarps or blankets handy for rain protection.

  • Use anti-slip mats for safety on wet surfaces.

  • Protect floors with disposable coverings in condos or homes.

  • Have movers park as close as possible to entrances.

Tingsapp’s vetted movers are experienced with BC’s climate and come equipped with proper gear to keep your belongings safe.


Why Locals Trust Tingsapp for Surrey and Burnaby Moves

Tingsapp is British Columbia’s trusted moving platform - connecting customers with verified, local movers offering fair pricing and reliable service.

Here’s why residents choose it:

  • Upfront pricing with no hidden fees

  • Verified local movers with reviews

  • Flexible scheduling and rescheduling options

  • Live tracking and updates on moving day

  • Secure payment and weekly payouts for movers

  • Full transparency from start to finish

Whether you’re relocating within Surrey, moving to Burnaby, or heading elsewhere in Metro Vancouver, Tingsapp ensures your move stays organized and stress-free.


Final Thoughts

Moving to Surrey or Burnaby is an exciting opportunity to enjoy more space, affordability, and vibrant communities while staying close to Vancouver. By planning ahead, comparing movers, and using smart technology, you can make your move smooth and budget-friendly.

Tingsapp simplifies every step - from getting quotes to live tracking - helping you move with confidence and peace of mind.

👉 Ready to book your local move?
Visit tingsapp.com to find verified movers in Surrey and Burnaby today. Move smarter, faster, and more affordably with Tingsapp.

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