BlogSmooth Moves: 9 Must-Follow Moving Tips for Renters

1. Follow a Moving Checklist

Canada Post has a great moving checklist with tips for packing and moving and includes tasks like scheduling your mail to forward, setting up utilities, and updating address information for things like your ID, insurance, and banking.

Pro Tip: Moving is prime decluttering time. Organize unwanted items into “donate, sell, or recycle” and start a little lighter in your next home.

2. Budget for the Move

Moving costs money, no matter how you slice it. Set aside funds for hiring your movers, renting a truck, or saying “thank you” with pizza and gas money for friends and family if you’re DIYing it. You’ll also likely need to purchase packing supplies.

3. Give Proper Notice

As a tenant, it’s your responsibility to notify your current landlord according to the terms of your lease. A few days before your move, confirm with your landlord or property manager that things like elevator padding and building security changes will be ready.

4. Set Up Your Move-Out Cleaning Plan

Moving out responsibly means leaving your old place clean and ready for the next tenant. You can do all the cleaning yourself or hire cleaners to lighten the load.

One of our most helpful tips for packing and moving? Some property managers, like our VADA team, can arrange the cleaning for you so you don’t have to lift a finger and deduct the cost from your deposit.

Pro Tip: Set up a post-clean walk-through with your landlord or property manager to confirm how you’re leaving the home and to discuss your damage deposit.

5. Get Your Moving Team Organized

Not sure whether to choose a Metro Vancouver moving company or DIY your move with friends and family? Here are some pros and cons for each:

Hiring Professional Movers:

Pros

• Convenience: Movers can pack, unpack, and transport all your household items, including the big stuff.
• Expertise: They know how to safely pack and move heavy, oversized, or delicate items.
• Insurance: Peace of mind knowing many offer coverage for damages or accidents.

Cons

• Cost: Higher expenses compared to DIY.
• Scheduling: You may need to work around their availability.

DIY Move with Friends/Family:

Pros

• Cost-Effective: Much cheaper than hiring professionals.
• Flexibility: Move on your own schedule.

Cons

• Physical Effort: Moving large items can be exhausting or risk injury to yourself or your helpers.
• Damage Costs: If there’s damage to any belongings, there’s no insurance to cover damages caused by friends or family.

6. Use A Checklist for Choosing a Moving Company

If you’re moving out for the first time and not sure how to go about hiring a moving company in Metro Vancouver, here’s a handy checklist to guide you:

• Check online reviews and ask friends/family for recommendations
• Ask moving companies if they’re licensed and have liability insurance
• Get multiple quotes to compare prices and services
• Check the quotes for transparent pricing to avoid hidden fees.

7. Tips for Renting a Moving Truck

Decided to rent a truck without hiring professional movers? Ask the truck rental company which vehicle they’d suggest for the size of home you’re moving from. They typically have an accurate estimate of how much room you’ll need. Be sure to ask if moving equipment like dollies or straps are included, and check the vehicle for these items before driving off the lot.

8. Renting Moving Boxes & Supplies

Cardboard boxes are the typical go-to for packing up your belongings. But if you’re not keen on having boxes to break down and recycle post-move, rent plastic bins from companies like Frogbox or Gorilla Box. They’ll deliver and pick up the boxes for you, too.

Pro Tip: Pack the essentials you’ll need for the first day and night in your new home together so they’re easily accessible. Think toiletries, cleaning supplies, kitchen basics, and pyjamas.

9. Settling into Your New Home

Once you’ve moved in, thoroughly inspect your new place, documenting any issues to ensure your security deposit is protected. You’ll also want to make sure you get your utilities, internet, and other services up and running as soon as possible to avoid disruptions.

And, of course, introduce yourself to your neighbours and get to know your new community!

How VADA Can Help You With A Stress-Free Move

At VADA, we want to help your move go as smoothly as possible. Follow our tips above or contact our property managers with your questions, especially if you need tips for moving out for the first time, or you’re moving across the country or from another province to a VADA rental home in Metro Vancouver.