Find the Best Moving Companies in Kelowna

The cost of hiring movers in Kelowna, BC generally ranges from $120 to $180 per hour. Most companies require a minimum of 3 hours of labor. Keep in mind that if you have unusually large or fragile items, or if your location presents access challenges, the cost may vary.

While MovingWaldo takes care of this for you by listing only Waldo Verified moving companies, here are some steps you can follow to choose the right moving company and avoid scams:

1. Check Ratings and Reviews: Look for companies with at least 4 stars and a minimum of 20 reviews on Google and MovingWaldo.
2. Verify Their Online Presence: Ensure they have a professional website and an active social media presence.
3. Confirm Insurance: Contact them to verify that they have at least the minimum legal insurance coverage of $0.60 per pound, without additional charges.
4. Check Accreditations: Look for accreditations from CAM, BBB (with a rating of B+ or higher), or Waldo Verified on MovingWaldo. Having at least one of these is a positive indicator.
5. Assess Their Experience: Make sure the company has been in the industry for a few years or is well-established.
6. Evaluate Pricing: Be wary of unusually low or high prices. Rates below $100 per hour or above $300 per hour may be red flags.
7. Trust Your Instincts: If you have any doubts, do not hire the company. Avoid movers found on platforms like Kijiji or marketplace sites, as they may present risks such as holding your items hostage.

Additional tips to avoid moving scams:

• Seek Referrals: Get recommendations from friends or family who have had positive experiences with moving companies.
• Use MovingWaldo: Rely on our service to simplify the process and ensure you choose a verified, trustworthy moving company.

Stay safe and make informed choices!

Choosing a Waldo Verified company ensures you receive top-tier reliability and peace of mind. Our thorough screening process guarantees that:

• Legality and Credentials: Movers are fully licensed and insured.
• Quality Assurance: You benefit from exceptional service with transparent, upfront pricing.
• Safety and Security: Comprehensive protection is provided, including a clear cancellation policy.
• Dedicated Support: Whether you book online or by phone, you receive personalized assistance from A to Z throughout the entire process.

To discover how we further safeguard your move, visit our 10 Point Moving Protection page for complete details.

Hourly pricing is the most commonly used pricing model in Kelowna. It’s straightforward: the moving company will provide you with an hourly rate and charge you based on the time it took to complete your move. They’ll also give you an estimated labor time, so you can better estimate the final cost and stay within your moving budget. This method is especially popular among local Kelowna movers.

Flat rate pricing, on the other hand, is less common for local moves within Kelowna but is often used by companies like That Guy Van Lines and Packrat Movers for large-scale white-glove or long-distance relocations to areas like Vancouver island, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto. To provide a flat rate, the company needs to assess various factors, including:

• A detailed inventory list to estimate the weight of your items, especially if you have large, heavy furniture.
• How they will access your home.
• Detailed information about special, unique items that need to be disassembled and reassembled, such as pianos or large appliances.
• Information about traffic conditions to and from your locations, especially during peak hours and bad weather conditions.

All of these factors contribute to flat-priced moves typically being more expensive than hourly-priced moves, especially for complex relocations.

All moving companies in Kelowna have different fee-related policies. Generally, packing and unloading specialty items will add to your moving bill due to their fragility (requiring extra protection), weight (more workers required), and the additional space they may occupy in the truck (possibly requiring an additional truck).

The moving company may charge extra fees for heavy items like sports equipment and appliances. Extra stair fees (above the 2nd floor) and overnight or storage fees (if the move was not completed in one day) may also be charged. Additionally, fuel fees could apply, especially for long-distance moves.

There are two types of moving insurance protections in Kelowna: release value protection and full value protection.

Release value protection covers damages that occur in the moving truck and can cover $0.60 per pound of the damaged item. The cost is typically included in the price, and there is no deductible.

Full value protection applies to damage done in the moving truck and in your home. This can cover anywhere between $5 to $10 per pound of the damaged item. Expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for full value protection, and note that there is a deductible, which will vary.

The best time to move in Kelowna to get a low price is from December to March. While the best time to move in Kelowna is completely dependent on your availability, you might want to consider the following before scheduling:

• Low season: The low season begins in December and ends around March. School is in session and there are many holidays, making movers less busy and the prices more flexible.
• Weekdays: From Monday through Thursday, you will find the cheapest rates to move as generally people are working and not available to move. It is strongly suggested not to move during the end of the month and weekends as rates are more competitive.

The weather: Although Kelowna does not receive as much snow as other Canadian cities, it does rain for a good portion of the year. If you plan to move during the months of January, February, March, April, October, November, or December, be prepared to have proper waterproof gear as your furniture can easily get wet.

If you’re moving locally within Kelowna or the surrounding area, booking your move at least 1 month in advance is usually sufficient. For long-distance moves, although MovingWaldo will do their best to accommodate last-minute bookings, it’s recommended to book at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you’re relocating in the high season to or from Kelowna to cities like Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Saskatoon, Victoria, Vancouver Island, Edmonton, or to the United States. This timeframe helps ensure availability and allows for a smooth transition with the professional movers.

Here’s a the breakdown to help you visualize the timeline:

• Distance
• Low Season:
• Local moves: 2-3 weeks in advance
• Long-distance (>50 km): 8 to 4 weeks in advance
• High Season:
• Local moves: 6 weeks in advance
• Long-distance (>50 km): 12 weeks in advance
• Last-minute moves:
• 1–2 days in advance with little chance for availability

For a stress-free move, it’s always best to plan ahead. When booking in advance, professional moving services and moving companies in Kelowna are more likely to have availability and can offer packing services, storage solutions, and other moving needs.