A local move is short on distance but can still be long on effort if you're not ready when the crew arrives. Because local moves are billed by the hour, preparation isn't just tidier — it directly lowers your cost. Here's how to get set.
Two weeks before: plan and declutter
The best time to lighten your load is before you pack it. Two weeks out:
- Go room by room and set aside anything to donate, sell or toss
- Book your movers and confirm the date
- Gather boxes, tape, paper and markers (or arrange packing help)
- Start using up food, cleaning supplies and other consumables
- If you're in a building, book the elevator and loading bay
One week before: pack smart
Good packing makes the load-out fast and the unpack painless. Aim for:
- 1Pack room by room and label each box with its destination room
- 2Keep boxes a manageable weight — books in small boxes, linens in big ones
- 3Empty and secure dresser drawers and filing cabinets
- 4Disassemble what you can and keep hardware in labelled bags
- 5Set aside a clearly marked essentials box for the first night
The day before: final prep
- Finish packing everything except essentials
- Defrost the fridge and freezer if they're coming with you
- Disconnect and prep appliances
- Confirm the crew's arrival window and parking
- Set aside valuables and documents to carry yourself
Moving day: keep things flowing
On the day, your job is to keep the crew moving. Be ready at the start of the window, do a quick walkthrough to flag fragile and priority items, and keep pathways and elevators clear. A final sweep of every room, closet and cupboard makes sure nothing gets left behind.
Let us do the heavy lifting
Once you're prepped, our local moving crew handles the rest. Short on time to pack? Our packing and unpacking service can take that off your plate entirely. When you're ready, get a free quote and pick your date.
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Straightforward hourly pricing and careful, local service across Metro Vancouver.