Find the Best Moving Companies in Victoria and the Surrounding Area

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 Victoria, BC. 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 provide an estimated labor time, helping you stay within your moving budget.

Flat rate pricing is less common for local moves in Victoria but is often used by companies for large white-glove or long-distance moves to cities like, 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 in Victoria.

Additionally, weather conditions, which are particularly relevant in Victoria, can affect flat-rate moves. All these factors often make flat-priced moves more expensive than hourly-priced moves, especially for complex relocations.

All moving companies in Victoria, BC 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).

You may also encounter extra fees for heavy items like sports equipment and appliances. Additional charges might include extra stair fees (above the 2nd floor) and overnight or storage fees (if the move was not completed in one day). Additionally, fuel fees could apply, especially for long-distance moves.

There are two types of moving insurance protections in Victoria, BC: 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. This 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.

Using a ferry for your move from Victoria, BC can impact the process in several ways, so it's important to be prepared:

• Choose an experienced moving company that specifically offers ferry moves.
• Expect ferry fees to be included in your moving quote, along with charges for the time spent during the ferry ride.
• The timing of your move will be closely coordinated with the ferry schedule, which may reduce flexibility. 
• Movers will need to adhere to the ferry's rules and regulations, which could result in additional costs. For instance, extra insurance might be required for the truck to travel on the boat, adding to the overall expense. This is one reason why moving by ferry tends to be more costly.
• Be aware that delays might occur because of the ferry schedule or weather conditions, which can affect timing more than the movers themselves. To ensure a smooth move, try to book as early as possible—ideally at least two months in advance—so the movers have enough time to plan.

Despite these considerations, using a moving company for a ferry move is the safest choice. It ensures your belongings arrive in good condition and significantly reduces your stress, whether it’s for a move to Vancouver Island, Vancouver, BC, Washington State, Seattle, or other destinations in the United States and Canada.

If you're moving locally within Victoria, BC 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. This timeframe helps ensure availability and allows for a smooth transition with the professional movers.

Here's a chart to help you visualize the timeline:

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