The Month-Long Dormitory Move at Shawnigan Lake School: A Local Moving Story

Shawnigan Lake is one of those Vancouver Island communities where logistics always matter. Nestled between forested hills and the shoreline of the lake itself, the area sits just far enough from Victoria to feel remote, yet close enough that major institutions continue to grow there. The roads are narrower, the access points limited, and during construction season the movement of materials must be carefully planned.

It was in this setting that Paul Quinn and his crew were assigned a project unlike a typical one-day move.

“In Shawnigan Lake, they were getting a new dormitory built,” Paul says. “At the Shawnigan Lake School.”

The Shawnigan Lake School is a well-known boarding school with a sprawling campus that blends historic buildings with modern expansions. Construction projects there often happen while classes continue, which means timing, safety, and coordination become just as important as physical strength.

“The bedroom furniture was being moved into the suites while it was still being constructed,” Paul explains.

Rather than arriving to a finished building, the moving crews were stepping into an active construction zone. Drywall, tools, unfinished staircases, and shifting work areas meant no two days looked exactly the same.

“So this was a job that took pretty much a whole month.”

Unlike residential moves that begin and end within hours, long-term commercial projects operate on schedules tied directly to construction timelines. Furniture can’t arrive too early, but it can’t be late either. Everything must land at exactly the right moment.

“They paid eight hours a day,” Paul says.

Every morning the crew returned knowing that consistency was key. Over the course of weeks, fatigue management, organization, and communication become essential to keeping productivity high.

“It was bunk beds, nightstands, and wardrobes,” Paul says.

Dormitory furniture is designed for durability, which means heavier materials, reinforced frames, and bulk packaging. Many pieces arrive fully boxed to protect against damage in transit.

“On the main floor and the second floor of the dormitory building.”

Moving heavy furniture upstairs inside an unfinished building adds another layer of difficulty. Stairwells may lack railings, floors may not yet be sealed, and pathways often shift as trades complete their work.

“And I was leading the crews every day,” Paul says. “It was great.”

For Paul, the project marked a turning point. Being trusted to oversee daily operations required more than physical ability — it required planning, decision-making, and accountability.

The job extended beyond simply carrying furniture.

“We were also following planograms,” Paul explains.

Planograms function like blueprints for room layout. Each dorm suite needed a precise number of beds, desks, wardrobes, and accessories, all placed consistently from room to room.

“They had to have a certain amount of furniture in every room.”

That meant inventory tracking became part of the daily routine.

“I was going around marking down all of the contents,” Paul says. “Making sure that everything was where it was supposed to be.”

At the same time, Paul acted as the primary point of contact between the moving crews and the construction team.

“I was also dealing with the site guy — the guy that was paying us.”

On large institutional projects, coordination is constant. Access routes change. Delivery times shift. Construction crews need space. Movers must adapt without disrupting the overall build.

“I was managing crews of six,” Paul says. “Sometimes eight people.”

The team size fluctuated based on shipment volume.

“We were offloading semis,” he explains.

Because the semis couldn’t always approach the building directly, loads had to be transferred carefully.

“Offloading the semis onto our trucks and then bringing our trucks in.”

This relay-style operation kept the project moving even when site access was restricted.

“The wardrobes weren’t like loose doors and stuff,” Paul says. “It was all boxed up.”

While boxed furniture protects against transit damage, it also increases size and weight — particularly challenging in tight hallways and partially finished staircases.

“Sometimes that’s good when you’re moving,” Paul explains, “but sometimes it can also be a hindrance — especially in tight spaces.”

Each box had to be maneuvered carefully to avoid scraping walls, damaging door frames, or interfering with construction materials already in place.

Despite the complexity, the project became memorable for Paul for another reason.

“The experience stood out because it was the first time I got recognized personally for a leadership role with the company.”

That recognition came directly from the client.

“That same guy would ask for me by name to do the job again.”

In commercial moving, trust is earned day by day. Consistency, professionalism, and problem-solving leave a lasting impression.

“They were really pleased with it,” Paul says.

Long-duration moves require a shift in mindset compared to standard residential jobs.

“Based on that move, I just took the role of the leader,” Paul explains.

Each morning began with planning.

“I make sure to go over a game plan on what’s going to happen during the day.”

Clear expectations helped prevent delays.

“I make sure everyone knows the plan.”

Paul also prioritized crew well-being.

“I check in and make sure they’re still good to work.”

With the client frequently moving between meetings and job sites, communication became especially important.

“In that situation, I’d point out the progress that we were getting throughout the duration of the move,” Paul says.

Whenever the site manager was available, updates were shared.

“Whenever I’d see him, I’d let him know.”

That transparency built confidence.

“He was never unhappy.”

Despite lasting nearly a month, the project stayed on track from start to finish.

“Yeah,” Paul says. “We got everything done on schedule.”

Since then, Paul has returned to the campus multiple times.

“I’ve had some jobs at the Shawnigan Lake School,” he says. “Not dealing with that guy specifically, but some of the other teachers and stuff — we’ve moved them in and out.”

For Paul, the Shawnigan Lake dormitory move represents what large-scale professional moving is really about: consistency, leadership, teamwork, and trust.

It wasn’t just about transporting furniture — it was about helping prepare a space where hundreds of students would soon live, study, and build their own memories.

And for nearly an entire month, that responsibility rested squarely on the shoulders of Paul Quinn and the crews from Two Small Men with Big Hearts.

Ready to plan your move? Contact us for a free quote.