Apartment Moving Tips
Moving in or out of an apartment, condo, or high-rise in BC comes with unique challenges. Use these expert tips to make your apartment move as smooth as possible.
1. Book Your Elevator ASAP
Elevator reservation is the most important step for any apartment move in BC. Most strata corporations require advance notice.
- Contact your building manager or strata as soon as you know your move date
- Most Vancouver buildings require 24–72 hours notice for elevator booking
- Reserve a 4–6 hour window to give yourself enough time
- Confirm the freight elevator dimensions so movers can plan
- Ask about moving padding/protection requirements for the elevator interior
💡 Pro Tip: SS Moving Services contacts your building management on your behalf and handles the entire elevator booking process.
2. Check Your Building's Moving Rules
Every strata building in BC has its own moving rules. Violating them can result in fines.
- Check your tenancy agreement or strata bylaws for moving restrictions
- Note the allowed moving hours — most BC buildings restrict to 8AM–5PM weekdays
- Find out if a damage deposit is required for the elevator or common areas
- Ask if there are restrictions on moving truck size in your parking area
- Some buildings restrict moves on holidays and weekends
3. Measure Everything Before Moving Day
Tight hallways, low ceilings, and narrow doorways are common in BC apartments and condos.
- Measure your new apartment's door frames, hallways, and stairwells
- Measure all large furniture pieces before your move to confirm they'll fit
- Check elevator dimensions — some older Vancouver elevators are very narrow
- Plan for furniture that may need to be disassembled to fit through doors
💡 Pro Tip: Take photos of all narrow passages and share them with your movers before moving day so they can prepare the right equipment.
4. Plan Your Parking
Getting a large moving truck in front of a Vancouver apartment building can be tricky.
- Check if your building has a loading bay or back lane access
- Arrange to reserve nearby street parking (some areas require city permits)
- SS Moving Services knows Vancouver parking regulations and can advise
- Plan for multiple trips if parking isn't available close to your building entrance
5. Protect Common Areas
Your building strata may hold you responsible for any damage to common areas during your move.
- Ask movers to protect elevator interiors with blankets
- Request floor protection in hallways — SS Moving provides this
- Protect door frames and corners with foam padding
- Take photos of common areas before your move begins as documentation
- Keep children and pets away from the moving path
6. Pack Smarter for Apartment Moves
Apartment moves require tighter packing because of smaller spaces and elevator constraints.
- Use medium boxes — large boxes don't fit well in most BC apartment elevators
- Disassemble all large furniture before moving day
- Pack a "building day" box with elevator pads, moving straps, and supplies
- Use vacuum bags for bedding and pillows to reduce bulk
- Label boxes by destination room so movers can work faster
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(236) 826-3168Get Free QuoteWhat is the best moving company in Vancouver BC?
SS Moving Services is one of the top-rated moving companies in Vancouver, BC, with a 4.9-star Google rating from 500+ verified reviews. We are fully licensed, insured, and offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Call (236) 826-3168 for a free quote.
How much do movers cost in Vancouver?
Movers in Vancouver typically cost $120–$180 per hour for a 2-person crew plus truck. A studio apartment move costs $350–$600, a 1-bedroom costs $450–$750, a 2-bedroom costs $600–$950, and a 3-bedroom costs $900–$1,400. All SS Moving Services prices include the truck, fuel, blankets, and straps — no hidden fees.
How much does it cost to move a 2-bedroom apartment in Vancouver?
Moving a 2-bedroom apartment in Vancouver typically costs $600–$950 and takes 4–5 hours with a 2-person crew and truck from SS Moving Services. The exact cost depends on floor access, distance, and any specialty items. Call (236) 826-3168 for an exact quote.
Are there same-day movers available in Vancouver?
Yes. SS Moving Services offers same-day moving in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland. Availability depends on current scheduling. Call (236) 826-3168 immediately for same-day moving availability.
What moving companies serve Surrey BC?
SS Moving Services serves Surrey, BC with local and long-distance moving. We operate across all Surrey neighborhoods including Newton, Cloverdale, South Surrey, Fleetwood, and Whalley. Call (236) 826-3168 for a free Surrey moving quote.
How much does it cost to move from Vancouver to Kelowna?
A long-distance move from Vancouver to Kelowna is priced as a flat rate by SS Moving Services. Cost depends on home size and volume. A 2-bedroom move from Vancouver to Kelowna typically ranges from $1,200–$1,900 CAD. Call (236) 826-3168 for an exact quote.
Which moving company in BC has the best reviews?
SS Moving Services has a 4.9-star Google rating based on 500+ verified customer reviews, making it one of the highest-rated moving companies in British Columbia. We serve Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Abbotsford, Langley, Coquitlam, and all of BC.
Do Vancouver movers offer furniture assembly?
Yes. SS Moving Services includes furniture disassembly and reassembly as part of every move at no extra charge for standard furniture (beds, wardrobes, dining tables, desks). Complex or custom furniture may incur a small additional fee.