Vancouver is ranked as the most expensive city in Canada.
In addition to housing costs, expenses related to moving, such as hiring movers, can be surprising for you.
The local moving cost in Vancouver can range from $600 to $5,000, depending on the size of the move.
If you are hiring long-distance movers, the moving cost in Vancouver can range anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 and more.
Certain facts decide the total cost of a move, such as the volume & size of belongings, distance between the current and new address, and level of the service requested from Vancouver movers.
To effectively plan and budget for your move, it is important to understand how much movers cost in Vancouver.
Take a look at the table below to understand the average cost you can expect to pay a professional moving company in Vancouver.
| Type of move | Distance | Number of movers | Number of hours | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | Within Vancouver and nearby areas |
2 movers | 2-4 hours | $500-$700 |
| Local move (Full Service with Packing) | Within Vancouver and nearby areas |
2-3 movers | 4-6 hours | $600-$1,200 |
| Long distance move | Over 1,000 miles | 3 movers | 1-2 days | $2,500-$6,000 |
| Long-distance move (Full-Service with Packing) | 1,000-2,500 miles | 3-4 movers | 1-2 days | $5,000-$10,000 |
Please note that the above-mentioned costs are rough estimates, and the most precise way to know how much movers cost in Vancouver depends on the specific moving company you choose to work with.
Now let’s move on to the detailed explanation of how much it costs to move to, from, and within Vancouver, BC.
This ultimate guide will help you better understand the moving cost in Vancouver and make the right financial decisions when moving.
How Much Do Movers Cost in Vancouver-Hourly and Flat Rate
Hourly Rate Moving Model
Hourly rates are the most common model used by moving vendors to determine the cost of hiring movers across Canada, in general, and particularly in Vancouver, BC.
The hourly rate you can expect to pay local Vancouver movers ranges anywhere from $130-$150 for 2 movers and 1 moving truck. The final amount you pay will be according to the number of hours it will take to complete the move. This includes the time spent on packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking.
If you are moving from a big house, or your move involves stairs or flights then the job may require more than 2 movers to safely load your belongings onto the moving truck. This means for a large 3-bedroom house, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$1,500 or more with 3 movers to complete the job.
For smaller or local moves, hourly rates prove cost-effective. This model provides more flexibility since the customers will only pay for the actual time used. However, the final price can be uncertain, especially if the move takes longer than expected time.
Flat Rate Model
In the flat-rate model, you’ll pay a fixed price for the entire move, irrespective of how long your move takes.
For a long-distance move from Vancouver, the flat fee you can expect to pay can be anywhere from $2,500-$6,000 for around 1000 miles.
The final cost will depend on the size of your move, the distance of the relocation, whether you are requesting a full-service move (packing and storage), and if there are any additional services requested.
Moving Distance – Cost of Long distance and Local move in Vancouver
Local movers in Vancouver charge an hourly rate for any move within Vancouver and nearby cities. The hourly cost remains the same, however, the number of hours may change depending on the size of your property and the distance to your new address.
Average Local move cost within Vancouver and nearby cities
Within Vancouver: $400-$600, includes 2-4 hours for 2 movers
Vancouver to Burnaby: $500-$1,000, includes 4-6 hours for 2 movers
Vancouver to Richmond: $800-$1,500, includes 6-8 hours for 3 movers
Vancouver to Surrey: $900 to $1,800 for 6-8 hours of movers
Vancouver to North Vancouver: $500-$800 for 3-5 hours of movers
These are average cost estimates and the true cost will vary in accordance to the exact distance between two locations and the size of the property for any particular move.
Average long-distance move cost from Vancouver
Moving from Vancouver to another province is inevitably more expensive than a local move, as it covers more miles. Unlike moving to a neighboring city, you are likely to be quoted a flat fee for the entire move.
For example, moving from Vancouver to Toronto will cost anywhere between $5,000 to $10,000 for the moving process, from start to finish.
This cost will further break down as per the items you need to move, in terms of size and weight. While opting for packing services, it may add several hundred dollars to the total cost.
Some moving companies in Vancouver will charge you a fixed price for the entire move and the price remains the same regardless of how long the move takes.
It is good to check out our comprehensive guide on moving cost in Toronto (2023), for valuable insights into the cost factors you might encounter in another major Canadian city.
Residential Move Cost in Vancouver
Vancouver’s cost of living is undeniably high, and additionally, relocating to or within the city can be a financial feat for many.
When you hire residential movers in Vancouver, you can expect to pay the total amount as per the size of your home. Also, a local or long-distance move is another consideration.
It is important to understand the cost of local and long-distance residential moves so you can plan your budget and upcoming move.
Studio or small apartment move
For your small living space like a studio apartment, you can expect to pay around $400-$700 for a local move and $800-$1,000 for a long-distance move.
One or two-bedroom apartment or condo
If you’re moving out from a 1-2 bedroom apartment, the cost may range from $500-$800 for a local move and $1,200-$3,500 for a long distance.
Three or four-bedroom house
If you have a big household, such as 3+ bedrooms, the local move cost can exceed $1,500 and $4,500 for long-distance.
Office Moving Cost in Vancouver
The cost of a commercial move in Vancouver depends on where you’re moving, the size of your office, and the complexity of the move. Below are some approximate cost ranges for office moves in Vancouver:
- For a Small Office Move, the moving cost can range from approximately $500 to $1,500. This average estimate includes 2-3 movers for 4-8 hours and a moving truck.
- For a medium-sized office, you can expect to pay $1,500 to $3,000 for 4 movers.
- A large office move can cost you around $3,000 or more.
The above-mentioned estimates are for local office moves while the cost may exceed for long-distance and can range from $1,500 to tens of thousands of dollars.
Cost of Packing & Unpacking in Vancouver
Packing Services Cost
The cost of packing services is based on two things –
- Cost of materials used and,
- The time taken by movers to wrap your items.
Typically, the cost of packing materials includes things like labels, boxes, tapes, cushioning material, and any other materials that are used to pack your stuff.
When considering the accurate cost of packaging, it is important to use our packing cost calculator for your specific product and material needs.
On average, packing and moving in Vancouver will cost you around $ 2,100 to $ 7,500 for a long-distance move.
Unpacking Services Cost
Unpacking services usually charge as per the hourly rate of the movers and are typically offered as a part of a full-service move. You can expect to pay similar rates for unpacking as you would pay for moving.
Specialized Items Moving Cost in Vancouver
The cost of moving specialized items in Vancouver can vary significantly due to the unique requirements and potential complexities associated with moving these objects.
Here are some approximate price ranges for moving specialized items in Vancouver:
Piano Moving
The cost to move a piano in Vancouver typically ranges from $250 to $500. Factors that can influence the cost include the size and weight of the piano, the number of stairs or obstacles, and the distance to the new location.
Moving a grand piano is a sophisticated process and you are expected to charge between $500 to $1,200 or more as grand pianos are larger and heavier and may cost you more money.
Artwork and Antiques
The cost to move valuable artwork and antiques varies based on the size, fragility, and value of the items. Specialized art movers may charge by the item or provide custom quotes.
Pool Table
Moving a pool table can range from $300 to $800 or more, depending on the size, type, and complexity of disassembling and reassembling the table.
Additional charges that add to the moving cost in Vancouver
Travel Fee
The travel fee accounts for the time and expenses involved in the movers traveling to and from origin to destination, which adds to the overall moving cost in Vancouver.
Elevator Fee
For moves involving elevators in multi-story buildings, an elevator fee may apply to compensate for the added effort and time required for safe loading and unloading.
Fuel Charges
Fuel charges are included to cover the cost of fueling the moving truck during your relocation, which can vary according to the distance and fuel prices. These charges are an essential component of your moving expenditure in Vancouver.
Conclusion
Moving to Vancouver, whether locally or long-distance, includes a series of expenses. This includes hiring professional movers, getting packing materials, renting storage units, and opting for special item handling.
It is essential to weigh the pros and cons of moving to Vancouver to gain insights into different cost-related factors.
If you want to cut moving costs in Vancouver, ask your movers to give you a custom quote. Also, spend some time understanding the terms of your moving agreement and figuring out what is covered in the general cost and what services would lead to additional charges.
FAQs
How much does it cost to move furniture from Vancouver to Toronto?
The cost to move furniture from Vancouver to Toronto can depend on factors like the number and type of furniture pieces you want to move along with their weight. This is a long-distance move and on average, this kind of move can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
How much money should you have for a move in Vancouver, BC?
On average, the cost to hire movers in Vancouver will range from $400 (studio apartment)-$2000 (4-bedroom home) when moving locally. The total cost may vary in terms of your requirements and the size of your property.
We recommend you have at least a few thousand dollars saved ($1,200-$2,000) up for a move to cover transportation, packing materials, and any unexpected expenses.
