Moving into a new home can be chaotic, stressful, and is often attended by emotional implications. You might be moving out of your parents’ house, starting a new job, or seeking a fresh start after going through a rough patch in your life.
During such an emotional time, making rational decisions might not come as easily to you. Still, it’s essential to remain grounded during the moving process. Be sure to stay on top of planning, budgeting, packing, and various housekeeping tasks.
One thing that makes this entire planning process even more challenging is the myriad of myths surrounding packing and moving. This article will discuss and debunk some of these myths while giving you better moving tips to make this process as stress-free as possible!
Myth #1: You Will Save Money by Moving on Your Own
We’ve all romanticized the notion of grabbing a couple of buddies to help us pack and move in exchange for a few boxes of pizza and a 12-pack. This might look cool in sitcoms, but it’s hardly practical in real life.
While you might be enticed by the idea of not paying upfront costs to moving companies, there are a lot of hidden costs to moving all by yourself:
- Gas costs
- Lodging costs (if moving cross-country)
- Truck/van rental fees
- Miscellaneous moving items (dollys, straps, pads, etc.)
- Extra insurance on the rental vehicle and for items in transit
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, labelling material)
You’ll also have to reimburse your good-natured friends and family members who agreed to help you move. After all, your hardworking movers will also require water and snacks throughout the day since moving is not easy work!
When these costs add up, you might find yourself paying as much or even more than you would have had you paid for professional moving services, except you don’t get to enjoy the extra security and expertise that moving companies provide.
Myth #2: All Moving Companies Are the Same
Moving companies are not all created equal.
Some will be licensed and insured, while others have yet to take that extra step to protect themselves and their customers. Some will offer varying rates, special packages, packing services, while some won’t. Some will have been in the business for years and have glowing reviews, and some will be considered newbies in the industry.
Due diligence is important when searching for a moving company. Read reviews (not just on the company site, either!), and ask friends for personal recommendations. When you’ve shortlisted your top choices, be sure to ask for quotes and onsite visits from each company. This will give you a sense of how they interact with their prospective customers and how knowledgeable they are about the services they offer.
Myth #3: The Cheapest Moving Company Is the Best
If you get a quote that seems too good to be true, it likely is. Reputable moving companies will provide a rate that they feel is fair for the quality service they provide. Any company willing to sell themselves short just to get a job often brings trouble for you and your belongings.
Some unscrupulous companies may offer attractive rates only to spring last-minute fees on you while deploying troublesome or lazy employees or showing poor business practices, poor planning skills, and carelessness towards your prized belongings.
Honest moving companies will provide a quote that covers all moving costs without any hidden fees or surprises. You may pay more, but at least you will get quality service and can rest assured that your belongings are safe, which is priceless!
Moving Soon? Call Our Experts at Simple Moves Today!
Our Vancouver-based team at Simple Moves knows that the vast number of myths surrounding moving can make the process that much more overwhelming.
We’re here to make it easy. We offer long-distance moving, local moving, cleaning, and storage services, all for your convenience.
Are you planning a big move soon? Give us a call at (604) 398-4680 or fill out our convenient contact form so we can get in touch with you.
Myth #4: It Does Not Matter When You Schedule Your Move
Many people assume that moving day is moving day, regardless of when it falls on the calendar. In reality, the timing of your move can significantly impact both cost and quality of service. Weekends and month-end dates are the busiest periods for moving companies across British Columbia. During these peak times, you may face higher rates, limited availability, and crews that are stretched thin from back-to-back jobs.
Scheduling your move mid-week, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, often results in lower rates and more attentive service. Mid-month dates are similarly advantageous, as most leases begin and end on the first or last day of the month, creating a surge in demand during those periods. If your schedule allows flexibility, moving during the off-peak season from October through March can also yield substantial savings.
In 2026, smart scheduling is one of the easiest ways to reduce your moving costs without sacrificing quality. At Simple Moves, we offer competitive rates year-round, but our mid-week and mid-month slots often come with shorter booking windows and more personalized attention from our crews.
Myth #5: You Do Not Need Moving Insurance
Some people skip insurance coverage, thinking that nothing will go wrong during their move. While professional movers take every precaution, accidents can happen. A box of dishes could shift during transit, a doorframe could catch a dresser corner, or wet weather could create slippery conditions on moving day.
The Canadian government mandates a minimum liability of 60 cents per pound for movers, which is shockingly low. Under this minimum coverage, a 50-pound television worth $2,000 would only be covered for $30. Reputable moving companies like Simple Moves offer significantly higher coverage, insuring your belongings at $6 per pound with no fuss about handling claims if issues arise.
Before your move, review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to understand what, if anything, is covered during transit. Some policies extend coverage to items being moved, while others explicitly exclude moving-related damage. Understanding your coverage options before moving day gives you peace of mind and protects your investment in your belongings.
Myth #6: Any Box Will Do for Packing
Grabbing free boxes from the liquor store or grocery store might seem like a smart way to save money, but these boxes were designed for a single trip from warehouse to shelf. They lack the structural integrity needed for the stacking, shifting, and jostling that occurs during a move. Worn, damp, or irregularly sized boxes are more likely to collapse, tear, or fail to protect their contents.
Professional moving boxes are constructed from thicker, double-walled corrugated cardboard designed to withstand the stresses of moving. They come in standardized sizes that stack efficiently in a moving truck, maximizing space and minimizing shifting. Specialty boxes for dishes, mirrors, wardrobes, and electronics provide additional protection for items that need it most.
Investing in quality packing materials is one of the smartest things you can do for your move. The cost of proper boxes and packing supplies is minimal compared to the replacement cost of damaged items. Simple Moves includes protective materials like pads, mattress bags, and wardrobe boxes with every full service move, so your belongings are properly protected from start to finish.
Myth #7: You Should Move Everything You Own
One of the most persistent myths about moving is that you should take everything with you. In reality, a move is the perfect opportunity to declutter and downsize. Moving items you no longer need, use, or want costs you money in packing materials, truck space, and time. It also means unpacking and finding space for things that will just collect dust in your new home.
Before your move, go through every room and honestly assess what deserves a spot in your new home. Items you have not used in the past year are strong candidates for donation, sale, or recycling. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local donation centres make it easy to find new homes for items you no longer need.
A good rule of thumb is that downsizing by even 20 percent can reduce your moving costs significantly. Fewer items mean a smaller truck, fewer hours of labour, and less packing material. Your move becomes faster, cheaper, and less stressful when you bring only what truly matters.
How to Find a Trustworthy Moving Company in 2026
With so many myths and misconceptions about moving, finding a company you can trust is more important than ever. Start by reading reviews on independent platforms like Google, Homestars, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for consistent positive feedback about punctuality, care with belongings, transparent pricing, and professional conduct.
Ask potential moving companies about their insurance coverage, licensing, and experience. A reputable company will be happy to explain their policies and provide written quotes that detail exactly what is included. Be wary of companies that give vague estimates over the phone without asking detailed questions about your move.
Request references and check whether the company has been in business for more than a few years. Longevity in the moving industry is a strong indicator of reliability and quality. Simple Moves has been serving British Columbia families for years, earning top ratings on every major review platform and building a reputation for honest, transparent service.
For your next move, whether it is a small local move in Vancouver or a full service relocation, trust the team that has been debunking moving myths through excellent service. Call Simple Moves at (604) 398-4680 or get a free quote online to experience the difference that a professional, honest moving company makes.
No. The cheapest quote often comes with hidden fees, inexperienced crews, or inadequate insurance. Reputable moving companies provide transparent pricing that reflects the quality of service, insurance coverage, and professionalism you receive. Always compare what is included in each quote, not just the bottom-line number.
Schedule your move mid-week or mid-month when demand is lower. Declutter before packing to reduce the volume of items being moved. Pack non-fragile items yourself and let professionals handle the heavy lifting. Get multiple quotes and choose a company that offers transparent, all-inclusive pricing.
Not usually. When you factor in truck rental, fuel, insurance, packing materials, equipment rental, and the value of your time, DIY moves often cost as much as or more than hiring professionals. You also take on all the risk of injury and property damage without the protection of a moving company’s insurance.
Yes. Accidents can happen on any move, regardless of distance. The Canadian minimum liability of 60 cents per pound provides almost no real protection. Choose a moving company like Simple Moves that offers higher coverage at $6 per pound, and review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for additional protection.
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Get a Free Moving Quote From Simple Moves
Simple Moves is a full-service moving company serving Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and all of British Columbia. We provide the experienced movers and the trucks — you do not need to rent a vehicle or recruit friends. Whether you are moving across the street or across the province, we make every move simple.
Call (604) 398-4680 or request a free quote online today.