How to Prepare for Your First Move in Burnaby: A Complete Guide From Best Moving Company in Burnaby

Plan Your Moving Date and Tasks

The first step in preparing for your first move is setting a clear moving date. Choose a day that allows you ample time to organize and pack, and communicate this date to all relevant parties. 

In Burnaby, moving at the beginning or end of the month is incredibly busy. If you are in a condo, book your elevator immediately. Most stratas in Burnaby require elevator reservations weeks in advance, and some even require a refundable damage deposit.

Address Updates (The BC Way)

Updating your address is crucial. In British Columbia, you have specific timelines you must meet to stay compliant:

• ICBC (Driver’s Licence): You must update your address within 10 days of moving. You can do this online at ICBC.com.
• BC Services Card: Update this simultaneously with your licence to ensure your health care coverage information is current.
• Mail Forwarding: Visit Canada Post to set up mail forwarding so you don’t miss important documents during the transition.

Secure Your Parking Permit

This is the most common mistake first-time movers make in Burnaby. If our moving truck needs to park on the street (common in North Burnaby or residential areas), you may need a Temporary Street Occupancy Permit.

• The Rule: The City of Burnaby requires you to apply for this at least 5 business days in advance.
• Where to apply: Visit the City of Burnaby Traffic Requests page.
• President Movers Tip: If you are unsure if your street requires a permit, ask us during your quote consultation!

2. Gather Supplies and Start Packing Early

Gathering the right packing supplies is one of the most important things to ensure your first move goes smoothly. 

Start by collecting sturdy cardboard boxes in various sizes. You can purchase these from a local store or reuse boxes from previous shipments if they’re still in good condition. 

For fragile items, invest in bubble wrap or use soft household items like towels and blankets for added protection. 

Packing tape is essential for securely sealing your boxes, while a box cutter will make unpacking a breeze when you arrive at your destination room.

Collect All Necessary Packing Supplies For Burnaby Weather

Burnaby weather is unpredictable (we are in “Raincouver” territory, after all). When gathering cardboard boxes, ensure they are sturdy and dry.

• Rain Prep: Invest in plastic wrap or large trash bags to cover boxes during the load-in if it’s raining.
• Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap or soft household items like towels for protection.
• Essentials: Keep a box cutter, paper towels, and a can opener accessible.

Pack Smart for Burnaby Terrain

Burnaby is known for its hills (Royal Oak and Capitol Hill can be steep!).

• Label by Room: clearly mark boxes (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Bedroom”). This is critical if you have stairs or a long hallway.
• Furniture Disassembly: If you have large furniture moving into a condo with a small elevator, President Movers can assist with disassembly and reassembly to ensure everything fits.

3. Budget and Save on Moving Costs

By planning for these expenses ahead of time, you can avoid financial stress as you settle into your new community. 

Plan for Moving Expenses

Create a budget that includes:

• The Moving Company Cost: Costs for the crew and truck.
• Deposits: In BC, security deposits for rentals are typically capped at half a month’s rent.
• Strata Fees: If you are moving into a condo, ask about “move-in fees” charged by the building management (these are separate from your moving company costs).

Find the Best Way to Save Money

• Declutter: Sell items on Facebook Marketplace (very active in the Metro Vancouver area) to lighten your load.
• Flexible Dates: If possible, avoid the last weekend of the month. Mid-month moves can sometimes offer more flexibility with scheduling.
• Recycled Boxes: Local liquor stores or grocery stores in Burnaby sometimes offer free boxes, though purchasing uniform moving boxes usually makes stacking in the truck safer and faster.

Finally, consider any extra costs related to your new lifestyle, such as stocking up on groceries or furnishing your new space.

4. Stay Organized for the Day of the Move

Start by creating a detailed moving day checklist to ensure you don’t overlook any important tasks. Begin by packing all important documents, such as birth certificates, insurance details, and any paperwork related to your new house or apartment. 

Keeping these documents in a safe and easily accessible folder will save you from unnecessary stress during the move.

Before loading your moving truck, double-check that all your packed boxes are in good condition. Ensure that each box is securely sealed with packing tape and labeled clearly by destination room. This step will make unloading and unpacking much easier and more efficient. If you’re hiring movers, communicate any specific instructions regarding fragile items or boxes that require extra care.

Mind the Burnaby Noise Bylaws

We want to keep you on good terms with your new neighbours. Burnaby has strict noise abatement bylaws that dictate when we can start loading heavy items.

• Weekdays (Mon-Fri): Noise is generally permitted starting at 7:00 AM.
• Saturdays: Noise is permitted starting at 9:00 AM.
• Sundays & Holidays: Restrictions are tighter; continuous noise usually cannot start before 9:00 AM.

Source: City of Burnaby Noise Bylaw.

Set Up for Your First Night

Moving can be exhausting, and the last thing you’ll want to do is scramble for food once you arrive. Stock up on simple, non-perishable items like snacks, bottled water, and easy-to-prepare meals. 

Focus on setting up key areas of your home to make it feel livable right away. For instance, arrange your living room with a few basic pieces of furniture or set up your home office if you’ll need it immediately. Small touches like charging your phone and having a few cleaning tips handy can make a big difference in helping you settle in quickly.

Inspection: If you are renting, perform a walkthrough immediately. Document the condition of the unit to protect your security deposit, as per the BC Residential Tenancy Branch guidelines.

5. Handle Contact Updates and Providers

Updating your contact information is an essential part of the moving process and should be handled before or shortly after your move date

Coordinate Utility Providers

Don’t get left in the dark! You have two main providers to contact about two weeks before your move:

• Electricity: BC Hydro – Request a “Move Out” for your old address and “Move In” for the new one.
• Gas: FortisBC – If your new home uses natural gas for heating or cooking.
• Internet: Shaw (Rogers) and Telus are the primary providers in Burnaby; book your installation early as slots fill up fast.

Master the “Burnaby Way” of Recycling

Burnaby has a robust waste management program. You cannot just throw everything in one bin!

• The App: Download the BurnabyConnect App. It provides your specific collection schedule and a “What Goes Where” search tool.
• Sorting: Be prepared to sort food scraps (Green Bin), containers (Blue Bin), and paper/cardboard (Yellow Bag/Grey Bin).
• Source: City of Burnaby Collection Schedules.

Embrace Your New Chapter with Confidence

Moving into your first apartment or house in Burnaby is the start of an exciting new chapter. While the process involves permits, packing, and bylaws, you don’t have to do it alone.President Movers is here to handle the heavy lifting, navigate the steep driveways, and ensure your belongings arrive safely. By staying organized and following this local guide, you’ll be settled in and enjoying the views from Burnaby Mountain in no time.