Easy house move? Is there such a thing? If luck is an opportunity meeting preparation, then a successful house move is much the same. Preparing well in advance and using a carefully devised checklist is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out on any cost-saving opportunities or get overwhelmed on moving days. If you’ve had to relocate in the past, you’ll know that leaving things to the last minute often results in making rushed decisions, paying extra for services that would have been much cheaper if you’d factored them in sooner, and probably experienced less chaos unpacking once you finally got into your new place.
According to reports, house prices in Metro Vancouver are set to rise in 2020 – great news for sellers and investors. Perhaps you’ve just snagged a gorgeous property and are gearing up to move in the new year? Whatever is drawing you in or out of the city, there are several things you need to do to ensure that your move is efficient and stress-free. As your local removal specialists, we have a few tips to help you start preparing for your big move.
1. Plan the layout of your new property
The best way to approach the humongous task of packing up your old house is to envision what you want in your new house. Ensure you measure up all the rooms and spaces correctly so you don’t try to force a square peg into a round hole on a moving day.
On many occasions, we’ve seen clients realize – a little too late – that their quirky couch or oversized dining table does not work in the new space they are relocating to. This makes everything else super awkward as you have to work around a piece of furniture that will ultimately have to be moved again.
2. Channel your inner Marie Kondo
Decluttering is probably one of the most useful things you can do beforehand. If you begin working your way through each room in your home and clearing out all the things that no longer serve a purpose for you, you are going to have a much easier task packing.
Set some boxes aside for donation, gifting, and recycling and start filling them accordingly. There’s nothing worse than moving unwanted items into your new home just because you weren’t organized enough to sort through them on time. Plus, it can’t be that good for your feng shui.
3. Decide whether you need a moving company
You’d be surprised to learn how many people leave this decision to the last minute. Understandably, you can get preoccupied with sorting out contracts, notifying service providers of your move, and packing. But that’s precisely why you need to factor in this essential detail early on. If you rely on friends and family, you’ll need to give them notice. If you book a van, shop for the best prices. If you schedule a relocation company, you need a clear idea of what kind of service you want.
Things to consider when searching for move specialists:
- How many movers are you going to need?
- Would you like the company to help you dismantle and reassemble furniture?
- Are they available for your chosen date?
- Do they have a good rating and offer adequate insurance?
- Do they offer a move out cleaning service and disposal service?
- Do they have a cleaning service that you could use for the property you’re vacating or moving into?
The sooner you look at your options, the more likely you will get your desired removal partner on the date that best suits you. What’s more, you’ll have the reassurance of an experienced team carefully handling your belongings and valuables, taking considerable pressure off your shoulders.
4. Do a stock-take of all your belongings
Now that you’ve decluttered and given yourself a clear picture of what your new home will look like, you need to assess the items travelling with you and categorize them. You want to label the containers that hold valuables and everyday-use items so you can quickly access them once you get to your new place.
Create a packing system for each room in your home and dedicate a box for anything fragile that your helpers must be aware of. If you’re using a removal company, this will help them to know where to place each box once it’s been transported and save you the trouble of moving heavy containers by yourself.
+1. The benefits of having a moving plan
- Once you’ve completed all these steps, you will have shed a lot of excess items and, because you’ve done this in plenty of time, you will have used a far more environmentally friendly approach by hopefully re-homing, donating or recycling as much of your old furniture and clutter as possible.
- Your brain will feel less overwhelmed because you’ll have a clear plan for how to pack your belongings, and you will also be able to arrange your new home confidently, knowing that everything fits functionally and aesthetically.
- By organizing your transport or the moving services you’ll need ahead of time, you will have greater peace of mind that everything is taken care of and you have the necessary support and hands-on deck you require.
At Simple Moves, we offer a wide range of services delivered by a team of experts who always take a personal approach to helping each client have a stress-free moving experience. We arrive at your door with a smile and a can-do attitude that sees your house packed up, scrubbed down and ready to vacate in no time. Whatever the load size or distance it has to travel, we guarantee that your belongings will be handled with expert care and attention.
Relocation should be an exciting time, filled with the happy prospect of a new beginning, and we’re here to ensure that your 2020 relocation goes off without a hitch. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more or enquire about our services!
Read More
The Pros of Hiring a Quality Moving Company in Vancouver(Opens in a new browser tab)
Unpacking and Organizing: A Handy Guide for Settling into Your New Home(Opens in a new browser tab)
Preparing for a Move(Opens in a new browser tab)
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Moving Firm(Opens in a new browser tab)
Moving During The Summer: Do’s And Don’ts(Opens in a new browser tab)
Your Essential Long Distance Moving Tips(Opens in a new browser tab)
Are Moving Companies Essential Services(Opens in a new browser tab)
The Hidden Advantages of a Winter Move in 2026
While most Canadians associate moving with spring and summer, a New Year relocation offers several compelling advantages. Moving companies have significantly more availability during January and February, meaning you can often secure your preferred date and time slot with just a week or two of notice. Hourly rates are frequently 10 to 20 percent lower than peak season pricing, and crews are less rushed because they are handling fewer moves per day.
The real estate market also favours winter movers. There is less competition for rental properties, landlords may be more flexible on lease terms, and home sellers are often more motivated to negotiate during the slower winter months. If you plan your winter move strategically, you can save money on both the move itself and your new home or rental.
Preparing for a Cold-Weather Move
Metro Vancouver winters are mild compared to the rest of Canada, but rain, wind, and occasional cold snaps still require preparation. Keep a clear path from your door to the moving truck by sweeping away wet leaves and ensuring walkways are not slippery. Have old towels ready for wiping moisture off furniture and boxes as they move between your home and the truck.
Protect your belongings from rain by wrapping upholstered furniture in plastic before it leaves the house. Use garbage bags to create quick rain covers for mattresses and fabric items. Professional full-service movers carry waterproof blankets and tarps for rainy-day moves, but having additional plastic wrap available does not hurt. If temperatures drop below freezing (rare in Vancouver but possible), bring sensitive electronics to room temperature gradually rather than powering them on immediately after being in the cold truck.
Using the New Year Energy for a Fresh Start
A New Year move is the ultimate fresh start. Channel that January motivation into decluttering before you pack. The holiday season often highlights what you actually use and value versus what has been sitting untouched in closets and storage. Go through each room with a critical eye: if you did not use it, wear it, or think about it in the past year, it does not need to come to your new home.
Organize as you pack rather than just dumping items into boxes. Label each box with its destination room and a brief contents list. Use the move as an opportunity to establish better organizational systems — invest in proper storage containers, shelving units, and closet organizers for the new space. When you unpack intentionally into an organized system, your new home functions better from day one than your old home ever did.
Settling Into a New Neighbourhood in Winter
Moving into a new neighbourhood during winter has its own rhythm. The cozy season is perfect for exploring local coffee shops, restaurants, and indoor community spaces. Visit your local community centre to check out winter programming — fitness classes, art workshops, and social groups are great ways to meet neighbours during the months when outdoor socializing is limited.
Take advantage of the early months in your new home to tackle indoor projects: painting, organizing, and making the space truly yours. By the time spring arrives, you will be settled and ready to explore outdoor spaces, trails, and neighbourhood parks. This phased approach to settling in prevents the overwhelming feeling of trying to do everything at once. Use the quieter winter months to build a solid foundation in your new home and community.
Budgeting for a New Year Move
A January or February move fits well with New Year financial planning. Create a comprehensive moving budget that includes the moving company fee, packing supplies, any security deposits or first month’s rent at the new location, utility setup fees, and a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. The savings from off-peak moving rates can be redirected to furnishing your new space or building your emergency fund.
If you are moving into a newly purchased home, coordinate your moving timeline with your mortgage closing date and allow a buffer of at least two to three days for potential delays. For renters, negotiate your move-in date to avoid paying overlapping rent at two locations. Many landlords will accommodate flexible start dates during the slower winter rental season, saving you hundreds in unnecessary double payments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in the New Year
Is January a good time to move in Vancouver?
Yes. January offers lower moving rates, better availability, more flexible scheduling, and motivated landlords and sellers. The main consideration is preparing for rain, which professional movers handle routinely.
How much can I save by moving in winter versus summer?
Winter moves typically cost 10 to 20 percent less than peak summer rates. For a move that would cost $1,500 in July, you might pay $1,200 to $1,350 in January. Savings come from lower hourly rates and better availability.
What if it snows on my moving day in Vancouver?
Snow is rare in Metro Vancouver but can occur. Most moving companies proceed with moves during light snow. If a significant snowfall makes roads dangerous, your mover will contact you to discuss rescheduling. This is why a contingency buffer in your timeline is valuable for winter moves.
Should I wait until spring to move instead?
Only if you prefer paying higher rates and competing for limited availability. A well-prepared winter move is just as smooth as a spring or summer move, often with better service because crews are less stretched across multiple daily jobs.
Start 2026 in your new home. Simple Moves makes winter relocations smooth, affordable, and stress-free. Call (604) 398-4680 or get your free quote today.
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.