Moving to a new apartment in Burnaby can be exciting, but understanding the costs involved is essential for proper planning. Whether you are relocating within the same neighbourhood or moving across the city, knowing what to expect helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises on moving day.
Burnaby is home to many high-rise condos, walk-up apartments, and purpose-built rental buildings. From our day-to-day experience at President Movers, we see firsthand how moving in and out of these properties comes with unique challenges, including elevator bookings, strata rules, loading dock access, and parking restrictions. All of these factors directly affect your final moving cost.
Based on hundreds of apartment moves across Burnaby, this guide breaks down average moving costs, explains what influences pricing, and shares practical tips from our Burnaby movers to help you save money on your next move.
Average Apartment Moving Costs in Burnaby
Most professional movers in Burnaby charge by the hour for local apartment moves. The hourly rate usually includes a moving truck and a crew of movers. Based on current Lower Mainland pricing and our local experience, here’s what you can realistically expect to pay by apartment size.
1. Studio Apartment
Average cost: $400 to $800
Time required: 2 to 3 hours
Crew size: 2 movers
Studio apartments are typically the quickest and least expensive moves. With fewer belongings and minimal large furniture, movers can often finish within a few hours. If your building has a reserved elevator and easy truck access, you’ll likely fall closer to the lower end of this range.
2. One-Bedroom Apartment
Average cost: $500 to $1,100
Time required: 3 to 5 hours
Crew size: 2 movers
One-bedroom moves usually include a bed frame, mattress, dresser, sofa, dining table, and several boxes. These moves take longer than studios but are still manageable with a two-person crew. Elevator wait times and long walks from the loading area can increase total hours.
3. Two-Bedroom Apartment
Average cost: $800 to $1,400
Time required: 4 to 6 hours
Crew size: 2 to 3 movers
Two-bedroom apartments involve noticeably more furniture and packed boxes. You may have two full bedroom sets, a larger living room, and more kitchen items. In high-rise buildings with strict elevator windows, adding a third mover often helps complete the job within your booked time.
4. Three-Bedroom Apartment or Townhouse
Average cost: $1,200 to $2,200
Time required: 6 to 9 hours
Crew size: 3 to 4 movers
Larger apartments and townhouses require more labour, more time, and usually a bigger truck. These moves often include bulky or specialty items such as pianos, home gym equipment, or oversized furniture, which adds handling time and increases overall cost.
Apartment Moving Cost Summary
| Apartment Size | Average Cost | Time Required | Crew Size |
| Studio | $400 to $800 | 2 – 3 hours | 2 movers |
| 1 Bedroom | $500 – $1,100 | 3 – 5 hours | 2 movers |
| 2 Bedroom | $800 – $1,400 | 4 – 6 hours | 2 – 3 movers |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,200 – $2,200 | 6 – 10 hours | 3 – 4 movers |
Understanding Hourly Rates for Burnaby Movers
Most local moving companies in Burnaby use hourly pricing for apartment moves. Here is what you can typically expect to pay.
1. Standard Hourly Rates
- 2 movers + truck: $130 to $180 per hour
- 3 movers + truck: $180 to $240 per hour
- 4 movers + truck: $230 to $300 per hour
- Additional mover: $50 to $65 per hour
The hourly rate typically includes the moving truck, fuel for travel between your old and new addresses, basic furniture protection (blankets and straps), and the labour of the moving crew.
2. Minimum Hours and Travel Time
Most moving companies in Burnaby have a minimum booking requirement, typically 2 to 3 hours. Most companies will charge you for the minimum booking time even if your move takes less time.
Travel time is another factor in your total moving cost. This is the time it takes for the movers to drive from their depot to your pickup location and back again after the move is complete. In Burnaby, travel time is usually billed as 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the company’s location.
3. Peak Season Pricing
Moving costs in Burnaby can increase during peak periods. Expect to pay 10% to 20% more during:
- Summer months (May through September)
- Weekends (especially Saturdays)
- End of month and beginning of month
- Long weekends and holidays
If your schedule is flexible, booking a midweek move during the off-season (October through April) can save you significant money.
Factors That Affect Your Apartment Moving Cost
Your final moving bill depends on several factors beyond just the size of your apartment. Understanding these can help you estimate costs more accurately and find ways to save.
1. Distance Between Locations
For local moves within Burnaby, distance affects the time spent driving between your old and new apartments. A move from Metrotown to Brentwood will take less driving time than a move from Edmonds to Burnaby Mountain.
For long-distance moves outside Metro Vancouver, moving companies typically switch pricing from hourly to a flat rate based on distance, weight, and volume of belongings.
2. Volume of Belongings
The more items you have, the longer the move takes. A minimalist one-bedroom apartment will cost less to move than a fully furnished unit with accumulated belongings. The volume of your items also determines the truck size needed. A larger truck may come with a higher hourly rate.
3. Building Access and Elevator Use
Burnaby has many high-rise buildings, particularly in Metrotown, Brentwood, and Lougheed. Moving in and out of these buildings can add significant time and cost due to:
- Elevator wait times: Even with a reserved service elevator, you may wait between loads
- Long corridors: Walking from the loading dock to your unit takes time
- Restricted time windows: Many buildings allow moves only during certain hours
- Underground parkade limitations: Low ceilings may require loading from outdoor docks
4. Stairs
If you live in a walk-up apartment without elevator access, each flight of stairs adds time to the move. Movers must carry heavy furniture and boxes up or down manually. Some companies charge an additional stair fee, while others include it in their hourly rate. Always ask about stair policies when getting a quote.
5. Specialty Items
Certain items require extra time, equipment, or expertise to move safely. These may include:
- Pianos and organs
- Pool tables
- Hot tubs
- Antique or fragile furniture
- Heavy safes
- Large exercise equipment (treadmills, home gyms)
Specialty items often incur additional charges or require a separate quote.
6. Additional Services
Many moving companies offer add-on services that increase your total cost but also reduce your stress and workload. These include:
- Packing services: $50 to $70 per hour for professional packers
- Packing materials: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper may cost $50 to $200+
- Furniture disassembly/reassembly: Often included, but may add time
- Storage: $100 to $300+ per month if you need temporary storage
- Loading and unloading: Professional support for apartment moves, rental trucks, or storage containers
- Staging moves: Furniture moving for home staging, renovations, or real estate showings
Special Considerations for High-Rise Condo Moves in Burnaby
Burnaby’s skyline is dotted with high-rise condominiums, especially in the Metrotown, Brentwood, and Lougheed areas. Moving in or out of these buildings requires extra planning and coordination.
1. Elevator Booking
Most strata-managed buildings require you to book a service elevator in advance. These time slots are often limited to 2 to 4 hours and fill up quickly, especially on weekends and at the end of the month. Building managers often enforce strict windows, and renters report only being allowed short reserved slots before paying extra or waiting for the next available time. Contact your building manager at least two weeks before your move to secure your preferred time.
If your move runs longer than the booked window, you may need to pause and wait for another available slot, adding time and cost to your move.
2. Strata Rules and Move Fees
Many Burnaby condo buildings have specific moving rules, including:
- Moving hours: Typically 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, with some buildings allowing Saturday moves
- Move-in/move-out fees: Some buildings charge a flat fee ranging from $50 to $250
- Damage deposits: Some buildings require a refundable deposit to cover potential damage to common areas
- Floor and wall protection: Some buildings require padding in elevators and hallways
3. Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Many high-rise buildings in Burnaby require your moving company to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before they are allowed to enter. This document names the strata corporation as an additional insured party and protects the building in case of damage.
A reputable moving company will provide a COI at no extra charge. Many renters also say they check mover insurance coverage ahead of time to avoid issues with building management or damaged belongings. Make sure to request it at least 48 to 72 hours before your move so your moving company can submit it to building management on time.
4. Parking and Loading Dock Access
High-rise buildings often have designated loading zones or docks for moving trucks. Underground parkades typically have low clearances (under 7 feet) that cannot accommodate standard moving trucks, so loading must happen at ground-level docks or on the street.
If street parking is your only option, you may need to apply for a Street Occupancy Permit from the City of Burnaby. This ensures a parking spot is reserved for the moving truck and prevents tickets or towing.
Long-Distance Apartment Moving Costs from Burnaby
If you are moving outside Metro Vancouver, pricing works differently. Long-distance moves are typically quoted as a flat rate rather than an hourly rate.
1. Within British Columbia
Moving from Burnaby to other cities in BC can range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on distance and the size of your apartment.
- Burnaby to Victoria: $2,000 to $4,000 (includes ferry crossing)
- Burnaby to Kelowna: $2,500 to $5,000
- Burnaby to Kamloops: $2,000 to $4,500
2. Across Canada
Cross-country moves are priced based on distance, weight, and volume. A typical apartment move from Burnaby to major Canadian cities may cost:
- Burnaby to Calgary: $3,500 to $7,000
- Burnaby to Edmonton: $4,000 to $8,000
- Burnaby to Toronto: $6,000 to $12,000
These estimates include packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. Additional services like packing materials and storage may increase the final cost.
Tips to Save Money on Your Burnaby Apartment Move
Moving is expensive, but there are several ways to reduce your costs without sacrificing quality.
1. Declutter Before You Move
The less you move, the less you pay. Go through your belongings and donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need. This reduces the number of boxes, the truck space required, and the time spent loading and unloading.
2. Pack Yourself
Professional packing services are convenient but add to your bill. If you have time, pack smaller items, clothes, and kitchenware yourself. Leave bulky furniture and fragile items to the professionals.
3. Move During Off-Peak Times
Avoid weekends, month-end, and summer if possible. Midweek moves in the fall or winter are typically cheaper and easier to book.
4. Get Multiple Quotes
Always compare quotes from at least three reputable moving companies. Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees. A detailed written quote should include the hourly rate, minimum hours, travel time, and any additional charges.
5. Be Ready on Moving Day
Have everything packed, labelled, and staged near the exit before the movers arrive. Clear pathways and reserve the elevator if required. The faster the crew can work, the less time you will be billed for.
6. Disassemble Furniture Ahead of Time
If you are comfortable doing so, disassemble beds, desks, and tables before moving day. This saves the movers time and reduces your hourly bill. Just keep all hardware organised in labelled bags.
Why Choose President Movers for Your Burnaby Apartment Move?
At President Movers, we handle apartment moves across Burnaby every day. From navigating strata bylaws in Metrotown high-rises to coordinating elevator bookings in Brentwood condos, our experienced team takes care of every detail.
What makes us different:
- Local expertise: We know Burnaby buildings, traffic patterns, and strata requirements.
- Transparent pricing: You get clear quotes with no hidden fees or surprise charges.
- Professional crew: Our trained, uniformed movers protect your belongings and work efficiently.
- Full-service options: We provide packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and storage when needed.
- Insurance coverage: We operate fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind.
- COI provided: We supply Certificates of Insurance for strata buildings on request.
- Flexible scheduling: We work seven days a week to match your elevator booking window.
We serve all Burnaby neighbourhoods, including Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed, Edmonds, Burnaby Heights, Capitol Hill, Deer Lake, South Slope, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re moving within Burnaby or relocating from across Metro Vancouver, we’re ready to help.
Ready for a stress-free apartment move? Call 604-900-5433 for a free, no-obligation quote.
Conclusion
Apartment moving costs in Burnaby vary based on apartment size, distance, building access, and the services you choose. Most local apartment moves fall between $400 and $2,500, with hourly rates typically starting around $130 and increasing based on crew size and complexity.
High-rise condos in areas like Metrotown and Brentwood require careful planning. Elevator bookings, strata rules, and insurance documentation can affect both timing and cost. When you plan ahead and hire experienced local movers, you reduce delays and control your total moving cost.
Prepare early, compare quotes, and schedule wisely to keep your move efficient and affordable. And when you are ready to book your move, President Movers is here to provide professional, reliable service at a fair price.
Please Note: These prices do not reflect President Movers’ quote. These are averages across Burnaby, BC. The exact price you pay depends on the details of your personalised, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a one-bedroom apartment in Burnaby?
On average, moving a one-bedroom apartment in Burnaby costs between $500 and $1,000 for a local move. The final price depends on factors like distance, building access, and whether you need additional services like packing.
What is the hourly rate for movers in Burnaby?
Most Burnaby moving companies charge $130 to $180 per hour for a crew of two movers and a truck. Adding a third mover typically costs an additional $50 to $65 per hour.
Do I need to book an elevator for my condo move?
Yes. Most high-rise buildings in Burnaby require you to book a service elevator in advance. Contact your building manager at least two weeks before your move to secure a time slot.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
A COI is a document from your moving company that lists your strata corporation as an additional insured party. Many Burnaby condo buildings require this before allowing movers into the building. President Movers provides COIs on request at no extra charge.
How can I get a quote for my Burnaby apartment move?
Call President Movers at 604-900-5433 to get a free, no-obligation quote. Our team reviews your apartment size, building access, and move details to provide clear, upfront pricing.