“The movers were incredibly fast and efficient, as well as being kind and thoughtful. Moving is stressful, but the move team made it a great experience for us.”
Vancouver
Long Distance Route
Professional long distance moving services from Vancouver, British Columbia to Nanaimo, British Columbia. Trusted movers with transparent pricing and stress-free service.
115 km
Distance
1 day
Transit Time
Same time zone
Time Zone
Distance
115 km
Estimated Transit Time
1 day
Time Zone Change
Same time zone
Licensed & Insured
Free Quotes
No Hidden Fees
Making the move from Vancouver to Nanaimo means trading Canada's most expensive city for a more affordable Vancouver Island lifestyle. This unique relocation involves BC Ferries, adding a scenic 1.5-hour crossing from Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay as part of your journey.
Nanaimo offers significant cost savings - Vancouver's cost of living is approximately 44% higher than Nanaimo's. Housing is the biggest difference: Vancouver detached homes average over $2 million while Nanaimo homes average around $850,000. Monthly rent in Nanaimo ranges from $900-$1,000 for a one-bedroom compared to $2,500-$3,000 in Vancouver.
Our experienced moving crews handle the ferry crossing logistics, ensuring your belongings are safely transported across the Strait of Georgia. We coordinate ferry schedules with your move timeline for a seamless island transition.
Your belongings will travel approximately 115 km from Vancouver, British Columbia to Nanaimo, British Columbia.
Leaving Vancouver
Before leaving Vancouver, ensure you've notified BC Hydro, FortisBC, and your internet provider about your move date. Cancel your Compass Card auto-reload if you won't be using TransLink on the island. Vancouver parking permits need to be returned, and forwarding your mail through Canada Post is essential for the transition.
If you're selling your Vancouver property, you're likely seeing significant equity gains to put toward your Nanaimo purchase. Contact ICBC to update your vehicle insurance - rates may be lower in Nanaimo. Book your moving day to avoid ferry rush hours (weekday mornings and Friday afternoons to the island).
Arriving in Nanaimo
Welcome to Nanaimo - the 'Harbour City' and gateway to Vancouver Island! Popular neighborhoods include the waterfront downtown area, family-friendly north end communities like Departure Bay and Hammond Bay, and the growing south end near Woodgrove Centre. The city offers easy access to outdoor recreation, from swimming at Neck Point Park to hiking at Mount Benson.
Set up utilities with BC Hydro and FortisBC for natural gas. Internet options include Telus, Shaw, and local providers. While Nanaimo has public transit through RDN Transit, most residents find a vehicle essential for island living. Explore the local food scene at the Nanaimo Farmers Market and don't miss trying a Nanaimo bar in its birthplace!
Customer Reviews
5.0/5
(4 reviews)
“The movers were incredibly fast and efficient, as well as being kind and thoughtful. Moving is stressful, but the move team made it a great experience for us.”
Vancouver
“Dave and Roger did a great job carrying a big heavy couch up three flights of stairs since it did not fit in the elevator. Thank you both very much.”
Vancouver
“I wasn't moving much or going very far, but it was a really stressful time, and 2SMWBH were great! I wish I remembered their names so I could give them both a shout out, but they were friendly, fast and efficient, and even offered some good advice. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again and/or recommend to anyone else. They were even able to arrange a move on the 14th of the month, even though I had called them less than a week before. Just a really good experience, I might even call it comforting during a tough time. Moving is stressful! Having good people with good attitudes makes everything easier. Thanks 2SMWBH!”
Vancouver
Common questions about this moving route
The cost of moving from Vancouver to Nanaimo (115 km) varies based on several factors including the size of your home, amount of belongings, packing services needed, and time of year.
Long distance moves are typically priced by weight and distance. For an accurate quote, we recommend getting a free in-home or virtual estimate. Our transparent pricing means no hidden fees or surprise charges.
A move from Vancouver to Nanaimo typically takes 1 day for transit, covering approximately 115 km.
The total moving process includes loading day at your Vancouver home, transit time, and delivery day at your new Nanaimo home. We'll provide a delivery window so you can plan your arrival accordingly.
The best time to move from Vancouver to Nanaimo is typically during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October). These shoulder seasons offer more moderate weather and lower demand compared to summer peak season.
Summer (June-August) is the busiest moving season, so booking early is essential. Winter moves often have better availability and may offer cost savings.
Our Vancouver to Nanaimo long distance moving service includes: professional loading and unloading crews, secure transport in our well-maintained trucks, basic liability coverage, furniture blanket wrapping, and disassembly/reassembly of standard furniture.
Optional services include: full packing and unpacking, specialty item handling (pianos, antiques, artwork), additional insurance coverage, and storage solutions. We customize each move to your specific needs.
Still have questions? Contact our team
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Get a free, no-obligation quote for your long distance move from Vancouver to Nanaimo. Our experienced team is ready to make your relocation stress-free.
Free, no-obligation quotes
Licensed & insured movers
Transparent pricing
Local expertise

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⭐ 5/5 Rating (4)
40+
Years of Experience
100K+
Moves Completed
12
Locations Across Canada