How long does a move take? Hours by home size in Metro Vancouver

"How long will it take?" decides almost everything about moving day: when to book the elevator, when to pick up keys, and whether the kids need to be somewhere else. Here are the times we plan around, what makes a move run long, and how to keep yours on schedule.

Typical times by home size

These are our planning figures for a local move across Metro Vancouver, with a crew sized to the home:

• One-bedroom: 2 movers, 3 to 4 hours
• Two-bedroom: 3 movers, 4 to 6 hours
• Three-bedroom: 3 movers, 6 to 9 hours
• Larger homes: 4 movers, planned per move

Larger homes are planned individually, because the contents vary more than the room count.

What makes a move take longer

• Packing that isn't finished. The single biggest delay. If the crew is packing, the clock is running on packing, not carrying.
• Furniture that has to come apart. Beds, tables and some sectionals need taking apart and putting back together. We do it, but it takes time.
• Building logistics. A short elevator window, a shared elevator, or a loading bay that's taken can stall a move. Book the building first.
• The distance between homes, and traffic at the bridges and tunnel.
• Last-minute decisions. Deciding on moving day what stays and what goes slows everyone down.

Stairs, a long carry or a building without an elevator are planned into the crew size, and they never change the price.

How to stay at the short end

• Finish packing the day before, and label boxes by room.
• Empty dressers, or at least tape the drawers.
• Book the elevator for longer than you think you need.
• Reserve parking for the truck close to the door.
• Mark what isn't coming, or have it hauled away beforehand.

What it costs

Local moves are priced by home size:

• Studio or one-bedroom: $599 (flat)
• Two-bedroom: $800 to $1,400
• Three-bedroom: $1,200 to $2,000
• Four-bedroom: $1,800 to $3,500
• Hourly option: $120 to $180 per hour for 2 movers and a truck; minimums may apply.

See the full pricing page. Moving blankets, wrap, dollies, straps, floor protection and furniture disassembly are included on every move.

Booking

We move 7 days a week, and a few days' notice is usually enough, though end-of-month dates fill first. If you cancel, the deposit isn't refunded, but it can be moved to a new date.

Call 604-348-7640 or get a moving quote. See residential moving for what's included.