Top Moving Mistakes Canadians Make and How to Avoid Them

Moving to a new home in Canada can be exciting, but it can also become stressful and expensive if you’re not properly prepared. Whether you’re relocating across British Columbia or to another province, understanding the most common moving mistakes can save you from costly setbacks.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top moving mistakes Canadians make and share practical ways to avoid them for a smooth, stress-free experience.

---

1. Waiting Too Long to Book Movers

One of the biggest mistakes Canadians make is waiting until the last minute to book movers. In busy cities like Vancouver, Surrey, and Toronto, reputable movers are often fully booked weeks in advance - especially from May to September, the peak moving season.

If you delay, you’ll likely face:

• Higher prices due to limited availability

• Fewer mover options to choose from

• Unreliable or inexperienced movers

How to avoid it:
Book your movers at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Platforms like Tingsapp make this easy by showing real-time availability of movers across BC. You can compare options, lock in your time slot, and skip the back-and-forth phone calls.

For more on booking timelines, visit How Far in Advance Should You Book Movers in BC.

---

2. Not Comparing Quotes

Another major mistake is hiring the first mover you contact. Moving costs vary greatly depending on company size, location, and services included. Some movers charge hidden fees for stairs, fuel, or weekend bookings.

How to avoid it:
Get at least three written quotes before confirming your mover. Ensure each quote includes:

• Hourly rate or flat price

• Truck size and crew details

• Additional charges (stairs, heavy items, mileage)

Tingsapp makes comparison simple by showing verified reviews, upfront pricing, and clear breakdowns — helping you choose the best fit quickly and confidently.

---

3. Packing Without a Plan

Rushing through packing is one of the most common and costly moving errors. Without organization, boxes get mislabeled, fragile items break, and essentials go missing.

How to avoid it:
Start packing at least two weeks in advance and:

• Pack room by room

• Label every box with its contents and destination

• Use sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper

• Create a “first-day essentials” box with toiletries, chargers, medications, and clothes

Having a system prevents confusion and speeds up unpacking in your new home.

For detailed packing strategies, see 10 Tips for a Stress-Free Move in British Columbia.

---

4. Overpacking and Moving Unnecessary Items

Many movers waste time and money transporting belongings they no longer use. This adds unnecessary weight, increases labor costs, and clutters the new home.

How to avoid it:

• Declutter before you pack. Sort items into donate, sell, or discard piles.

• Donate furniture, clothes, and household goods to local BC charities or thrift stores.

• For small apartments or condos in Burnaby, Coquitlam, or Victoria, this can reduce your moving load significantly.

Less clutter means faster moving, lower costs, and a cleaner start in your new space.

---

5. Ignoring Insurance and Damage Coverage

Many Canadians assume movers automatically insure their belongings. However, basic coverage often only covers a small percentage of an item’s value.

How to avoid it:

• Ask your mover for a written explanation of their insurance policy.

• Consider purchasing additional coverage for valuable items like electronics or antiques.

• On Tingsapp, movers clearly list coverage options so you can choose based on your comfort level.

This step ensures you’re protected if anything gets damaged during transport.

---

6. Forgetting to Update Your Address

It’s surprisingly easy to forget to update your address after moving - and it can cause serious problems with bills, banking, and government documents.

How to avoid it:
Create a checklist and update your address with:

• Canada Post (set up mail forwarding)

• Driver’s license and health card

• Banks, credit cards, and insurance

• Utilities and subscriptions

• Employer and tax records

Completing these updates early prevents missed payments and lost mail.

---

7. Trying to DIY a Big Move Without Help

Renting a truck and doing it yourself might seem cheaper, but it often leads to injuries, damage, and exhaustion — especially when moving heavy furniture up stairs or through tight spaces.

How to avoid it:
Hire professional movers for:

• Stairs or long carries

• Large furniture or fragile items

• Multi-floor apartments or condos

With Tingsapp, you can book full-service movers or hourly help for specific tasks, letting you balance cost and convenience.

---

8. Not Measuring Furniture and Doorways

Realizing your couch doesn’t fit through the door is a surprisingly common problem. It delays the move and may require last-minute disassembly.

How to avoid it:
Before moving day, measure:

• Doorways and hallways

• Stairwells and elevators

• Large items like sofas, bed frames, and appliances

Disassemble items if necessary, and label hardware for quick reassembly.

---

9. Ignoring Weather and Traffic Conditions

Canada’s weather can change quickly, and heavy rain or snow can ruin unprotected furniture. In cities like Vancouver and Montreal, traffic delays can also extend hourly charges.

How to avoid it:

• Check forecasts a few days before your move.

• Protect items with plastic wrap and blankets.

• Plan around rush hours and major city events.

Tingsapp’s local movers are experienced in handling all BC weather conditions and can adjust timing to keep your move on track.

---

10. Forgetting About Parking and Building Access

Many apartments and condos in Canada require pre-approval for parking or elevator use during moves. Skipping this step can delay your schedule or even result in fines.

How to avoid it:

• Reserve loading zones and service elevators in advance.

• Inform your movers about any building restrictions or access codes.

• Have all keys and entry fobs ready before move-in day.

This ensures a smooth start without last-minute surprises.

---

11. Not Confirming the Details Before Moving Day

Small misunderstandings - like incorrect addresses or missing time confirmations - can throw your move off schedule.

How to avoid it:

• Confirm pickup and drop-off locations the day before.

• Double-check contact numbers and special instructions.

• Review your mover’s arrival window.

Tingsapp automatically sends reminders and updates, so everyone stays on the same page.

---

12. Skipping a Final Walkthrough

It’s easy to forget something once the truck is loaded.

How to avoid it:
Do a final walkthrough of every room, including closets, garages, and balconies. Check:

• Outlets and drawers

• Behind doors and appliances

• Laundry rooms and storage spaces

A few extra minutes ensures nothing is left behind.

---

Conclusion

Moving in Canada doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. By avoiding these common mistakes - from booking too late to forgetting insurance or packing poorly - you can save time, money, and energy.

Using modern tools like Tingsapp allows you to plan smarter, compare reliable movers, and track your move from start to finish - all with transparent pricing and verified reviews.

👉 Ready to avoid costly moving mistakes? Book your next move on tingsapp.com and enjoy a stress-free relocation backed by trusted local movers across British Columbia and beyond.