Top mistakes people make when moving in Canada (and how to avoid them)

Moving to a new home in Canada can be exciting-but it can also go wrong quickly if you're not prepared. Whether you're relocating within British Columbia or across provinces, there are some common mistakes that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. In this guide, we break down the top moving mistakes people make in Canada and how to avoid them for a smooth and stress-free experience.

 

Waiting too long to book movers

One of the biggest mistakes Canadians make is waiting until the last minute to book a moving company. In cities like Vancouver, Surrey, and Toronto, movers can get fully booked weeks in advance-especially during peak moving season from May to September. When you're forced to book late, you'll either pay premium rates or end up with an unreliable mover.

To avoid this, book your movers at least 3-4 weeks ahead of your move date. If you’re using a local platform like Tingsapp, you can easily compare available movers and secure your preferred time early-without calling around or guessing about availability.

Not comparing quotes

Another costly mistake is hiring the first moving company you contact. Movers in Canada can vary significantly in price and service quality. Some charge extra for stairs, fuel, or weekend moves without telling you upfront.

Always compare at least three quotes before booking. Make sure you get a written breakdown of what’s included. Tingsapp simplifies this step by showing side-by-side comparisons of local, vetted movers with transparent pricing and verified reviews.

Packing without a plan

Many people underestimate how long packing will take-or they pack in a rush without labeling boxes or organizing their items. This leads to broken items, lost essentials, and chaos on moving day.

Start packing at least two weeks in advance. Begin with non-essentials and label each box by room and content. Use quality boxes and padding to protect fragile items. Don’t forget to pack a “first day” essentials box with toiletries, chargers, documents, and a change of clothes.

Overpacking and moving unnecessary items

Hauling items you no longer need is a waste of money and effort. It adds weight to your move, increases packing time, and clutters your new space.

Before you move, go through every room and donate, sell, or discard items you no longer use. The less you move, the cheaper and faster your relocation will be. Downsizing is especially important if you’re moving to a smaller apartment or condo in cities like Burnaby or Victoria.

Ignoring insurance and damage coverage

Many Canadians assume their belongings will automatically be covered during a move—but this isn’t always true. Basic moving insurance usually covers only a small portion of the item’s value. If something valuable breaks, you could be left with nothing.

Check with your moving company about coverage options. Ask what’s included and what costs extra. With Tingsapp, coverage information is provided upfront, so you can choose movers based on your needs and risk level.

Forgetting to update your address

It’s surprisingly common to move and forget to update your address. This can cause issues with bills, banking, insurance, subscriptions, and even government documents.

Make a checklist of all the places where your address needs updating-driver’s license, health care, bank, phone provider, Canada Post, and any subscriptions. You can also set up a mail forwarding service through Canada Post for a few months after you move to catch anything you missed.

Trying to DIY a big move without help

While renting a truck and moving yourself may seem cheaper, it can end up costing more in time, stress, and even injury. Moving heavy furniture through tight staircases or elevators isn’t easy, especially if you’re doing it alone.

If your move involves stairs, long distances, or large furniture, consider hiring professionals-even just for the heavy lifting. Tingsapp allows you to book hourly moving help or full-service options depending on your needs and budget.

Not measuring furniture and doorways

Nothing slows down a move like realizing your couch doesn’t fit through the door. It’s a simple but common mistake.

Measure your large furniture and compare those measurements to doorways, staircases, and elevator dimensions in both your old and new home. If something won’t fit, disassemble it in advance or make alternative plans for moving it.

Ignoring weather and traffic in your move

In Canada, weather can be unpredictable. Rain, snow, or even extreme heat can make moving dangerous or damage your belongings. And in busy cities like Vancouver or Montreal, traffic can delay your move and raise costs.

Check the forecast and traffic reports ahead of time. For rainy or snowy conditions, wrap furniture and boxes in plastic or moving blankets. Most movers on Tingsapp are local experts who know how to work in all types of BC weather, ensuring your belongings arrive safely.

Conclusion

Moving in Canada doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. By avoiding these common mistakes-like booking late, skipping insurance, or trying to DIY everything-you can save money and protect your peace of mind. Plan ahead, compare your options, and use smart tools like Tingsapp to simplify your move.

Ready to avoid costly moving mistakes? Book your next move through Tingsapp and get reliable help from trusted local movers across BC and beyond.