Answers Craig gives
The questions Craig's relocating clients ask most.
How much does a typical Tri-Cities move cost in 2026?
A full-service mover for a 3-bedroom Coquitlam home is running $3,000–$6,000 in April 2026, depending on crew size, distance, and packing services. A truck-and-labour hybrid runs $1,200–$2,400. Full DIY is $250–$600. Add $90 for Canada Post forwarding, $200–$400 for boxes and supplies, and 1–2 months of overlap utilities if your dates don't align — total landed cost ranges from $1,500 (tight DIY) to $8,500 (full service + packing + storage).
When should I book my mover for a Tri-Cities summer move?
Book 6–8 weeks out for any date between May 15 and September 15. Full-service movers sell out their preferred dates (month-end Fridays and Saturdays) by early May. If you're flexible, mid-month weekday moves can be 15–25% cheaper and far more reliable.
Is it legally required to update my BC driver's licence when I move?
Yes. ICBC requires you to update your driver's licence address within 10 days of moving anywhere within BC. It's free online at onlinebusiness.icbc.com. Same form updates your vehicle registration and Autoplan insurance if you have it through ICBC.
What's the single biggest mistake people make when moving?
Booking internet installation for the day after possession instead of the day of. Every Tri-Cities fibre and cable provider will give you a 2-hour install window if you book 2–3 weeks ahead. Do the 11:00 AM–1:00 PM window and you'll have Wi-Fi before the couch is in the living room.
How do I get free boxes in the Tri-Cities?
Buy Nothing Tri-Cities (Facebook groups) and Facebook Marketplace "free" filter will get you 60–80% of the boxes you need. Grocery stores (ask the produce manager Sunday evening) and BC Liquor stores (Tuesday mornings) are the offline sources. Only buy specialty boxes — dish pack, wardrobe, TV — which are $3–$6 each at U-Haul Coquitlam.
Should I hire professional packers?
If you're time-crunched, moving over 2,500 sq ft, or anything fragile matters (art, wine, china, instruments), yes. Professional packing adds $500–$1,500 to most Tri-Cities moves. For anyone else, self-packing is fine if you start 2 weeks out and pack one room per day.
Are moving expenses tax-deductible in Canada?
Yes, if you're moving for work or school and the new home is at least 40 km closer to your new work/school than your old home was. Eligible costs include movers, packing supplies, truck rentals, temporary lodging, meals (flat-rate or receipts), and utility hookups. File on CRA line 21900. Keep every receipt.
When do I cancel my old utilities vs transfer them?
BC Hydro, FortisBC, and your city water account all allow transfers, not cancellations. You update the move-out date on the old address and the move-in date on the new one in the same online form. Do it 3 weeks ahead so the first bill at the new place is correct.
How long should I set Canada Post mail forwarding?
Minimum 6 months ($90). For complex financial lives (multiple investment accounts, subscription services, small business receivables) set 12 months ($135). The number of accounts that send you mail once a year — tax slips, insurance renewal, property assessments — is more than you think.
What's the "first-night box" and what goes in it?
One labelled, clearly marked box that travels with you in your vehicle, not in the moving truck. Contents: bed linens made up for every bed in the house, towels + washcloths, toiletries, phone chargers, a kettle, coffee/tea + mugs, one pot + cutting board + knife + utensils, toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, a flashlight, a basic toolkit, kids' stuffed animals, pet food, medications. It's the difference between collapsing into a made bed at 10 PM and rummaging through boxes with a phone flashlight.
