10 Practical Moving Tips for the Lower Mainland

A moving date is only the start of the plan. In the Lower Mainland, the details that can hold you up are often much smaller: a key that is not ready, a truck entrance that is too low, or an elevator reservation that ends before unloading is finished. Work through these ten checks while there is still time to change the arrangements.

1. Confirm when you can enter both homes

Write down possession and key-release times. A purchase completion date or lease start date alone may not tell the crew when it can unload. Keep the person releasing access reachable on the day.

2. Reserve the elevators as a pair

Ask both buildings for their allowed hours, loading instructions, fees, deposits and insurance-document requirements. Send the windows to the provider before booking them. Loading at 9 a.m. does not mean the truck can be unloading across town at 10.

3. Check the truck-to-door route

Walk it at each address. Record stairs, narrow turns, loading-bay clearance and the distance to the entrance. A photo taken from the proposed truck position can explain more than “easy access.”

4. Arrange lawful loading space

Check posted restrictions and the building’s instructions. In Vancouver, the City advises applying seven days ahead when a temporary permit is needed for reserved spaces or meters. Other municipalities have their own processes. Paying a meter or putting out cones does not by itself reserve a suitable truck space.

5. List what is actually moving

Include lockers, balcony furniture and boxed items as well as the obvious pieces. Remove unwanted goods before the final quote where possible. Fewer items may reduce the work, but a minimum charge or fixed scope can limit the saving.

6. Compare the whole quote

For hourly work, record crew and truck, the minimum, travel, tax and extras. For an upfront quote, check the inventory and permitted changes. Use the same job description for each provider; a single-item starting offer is not a whole-home estimate.

7. Assign preparation tasks

Agree who packs, dismantles furniture and prepares appliances. Check the actual service before assuming those tasks are included. Tingsapp’s published service covers loading, transport and unloading; packing, assembly and storage should not be assumed to come with it.

8. Label for delivery, not just packing

Mark the destination room and a short contents description on two sides of each box. Keep heavy loads manageable. Numbering boxes gives you a simple way to check the load without opening everything.

9. Keep the first night with you

Carry keys, documents, medication, phone chargers, basic toiletries and the things children or pets need immediately. Add bedding and simple meal supplies. Keep this kit out of the load so it remains usable if the truck or unpacking is delayed.

10. Leave room for the route and weather

Check the actual crossing and current road conditions. Bridge traffic, a ferry or unsafe steps can change the sequence; a blanket “start early” rule cannot solve every route. Confirm any ferry arrangements and the truck’s vehicle category with the provider. For winter routes, use the applicable posted tire and chain requirements.

The week-before check

Confirm	Keep in the booking record
Inventory and preparation	Final list, awkward-piece dimensions and agreed tasks
Keys and buildings	Access contacts, elevator windows and loading instructions
Price and changes	Accepted scope, payment and rescheduling terms
Arrival and delivery	Agreed window and the person receiving the load

Do the address changes separately

For an existing BC licence or identification record, update your address with ICBC within ten days. New residents should check the separate rules: the usual licence-exchange period is 90 days, while a vehicle brought into BC generally needs registration, licensing and insurance within 30 days, subject to applicable exceptions. Health coverage, mail forwarding and utility accounts have their own steps.

For a Tingsapp move, prepare early and check dates inside the advance booking window of up to 30 days. Enter the full job for a quote and review its confirmation status before relying on the arrangement.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wait until I have keys to ask about the elevator?

Ask for the building’s instructions while the date is being arranged. Confirm possession and key release separately before moving day.

How far ahead can I book Tingsapp?

The published window is from the next day up to 30 days ahead, subject to route and mover availability. You can prepare before that.

Are the licence and vehicle deadlines the same when moving to BC?

No. The usual licence period is 90 days, while a vehicle brought into BC generally needs registration, licensing and insurance within 30 days. Check ICBC’s rules and exceptions for your circumstances.