Hourly pricing is the most commonly used pricing model in Vancouver. It’s simple, the 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 you with an estimated labor time, so they can precisely estimate the final cost. 

Flat rate pricing is uncommon for local moves in general, yet some companies in Vancouver like FlatRate Moving do employ it. It is common for large white glove moves or for long-distance moves. To provide a flat rate for your move, the company will need to precisely assess various aspects, including:

• A detailed inventory list to precisely estimate the weight of your items.
• How they will access your home.
• Detailed information about special, unique items that need to be disassembled and reassembled.
• Information about traffic conditions to and from your locations. 

On top of it all, they need to think of everything that could turn sideways on moving day, which leads them to adding a contingency in the quote. All of the above factors cause flat priced moves to typically be more expensive than hourly priced moves. 

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

Release value protection covers the damages happening 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.  

Whereas, 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 know that there is a deductible and that it will vary. 

All moving companies in Vancouver have diverse fee-related policies. Generally, packing and unloading specialty items will be an added cost to your moving bill for their fragility (extra protection required), weight (more workers required), and extra space they may take up in the truck (additional truck required). 

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

In Vancouver, moving trucks are permitted to park in the streets as long as they are parked in valid parking spots and that the items are being either loaded or unloaded from them. 

Without a valid parking spot, you will need to apply for a temporary parking permit that is allocated for a maximum of 3 consecutive days. 

If a commercial vehicle is being parked in the street, it can be parked in a commercial vehicle loading zone for a maximum of 2 hours. 

Note that movers will usually take care of booking a parking permit for you. It is recommended that you discuss this with them as soon as possible to avoid potential fines.