Best and Worst Times to Move in Vancouver (2026 Guide)
Data-backed guide to the best and worst times to move in Vancouver. Real numbers on seasonal pricing (save 15-25%), CMHC vacancy rates, weather by month, condo elevator rules, noise bylaws, bridge timing, and 2026 event conflicts.
Related Articles
Why Timing Your Vancouver Move Matters
Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada to move in, and when you move can swing your total cost by hundreds of dollars. According to the Canadian Association of Movers, roughly 70% of all annual moving activity is crammed into just three months — mid-June through early September. That extreme concentration drives up prices, limits truck availability, and makes elevator bookings in condos a competitive sport.
Our own 2025 Year in Review confirms this pattern: July accounts for nearly 12% of our annual move volume, while December drops to under 5%. This guide uses real data from CMHC, Environment Canada, Statistics Canada, and our own moving data to help you pick the cheapest, least stressful date for your Vancouver move.
Peak Season: June Through August
Summer is the most expensive and competitive time to move in Metro Vancouver. Professional movers charge 15–25% more during peak season (May–September) compared to off-peak months, and availability shrinks fast. Our Vancouver moving cost guide breaks down current pricing in detail, but as a benchmark: our 2025 data shows the average local move costs $1,092 company-wide, with Vancouver running higher due to condo logistics and bridge crossings.
The Numbers Behind Peak Season
Canada Post NCOA data recorded 58,558 household moves nationally in July 2025 — the annual peak — compared to just 39,253 in November, a 49% swing.
In our own data, July (11.95%) and June (11.4%) are the busiest months, while December (4.73%) and February (5.2%) are the quietest — see the full breakdown in our Year in Review.
During peak months, most companies require booking 6–8 weeks in advance. In winter, same-week bookings are common.
In Vancouver specifically, 27% of our moves are 1-bedroom apartments — the highest single move type in the city — and first and last days of the month are by far the busiest.
Why July 1 Is Not Quebec-Style "Moving Day" in Vancouver
A common myth is that July 1 is Vancouver's busiest moving day. That tradition belongs to Quebec, where a provincial law historically set June 30 as the standard lease end date. In BC, there is no single dominant moving day. Leases start and end throughout the year, though they cluster at the beginning and end of each month. The peak period is broadly June through early September, driven by weather, school schedules, and real estate closing patterns — not a single legislated date.
The Worst Days to Move in Vancouver
Beyond the summer peak, these specific dates are consistently the most expensive and competitive:
Month-End and Mid-Month Spikes
The 1st and last day of every month — most Vancouver leases begin and end on the 1st, creating enormous demand spikes for movers, trucks, and condo elevators.
The 15th of each month — a secondary spike from mid-month lease turnovers, especially in newer buildings with higher turnover rates (CMHC reports 14%+ turnover in units built after 2005).
Weekends and Long Weekends
Saturday is the busiest day of the week — accounting for 15.7% of all moves in our 2025 data, followed closely by Friday (15.5%) and Thursday (15.6%). Sunday is the quietest at 11.5%.
Long weekends — BC Day (August 3, 2026), Labour Day (September 7), Victoria Day (May 18), and Canada Day (July 1) all combine holiday premiums with high demand.
September 1–7: The University Crunch
September brings a second wave of moving chaos. UBC's 60,944 students include Jump Start move-in on September 1 and general residence move-in on September 5 (UBC Housing). With only ~14,000 on-campus beds for 61,000 students, roughly 77% of UBC students must find off-campus housing in Point Grey, Kitsilano, Dunbar, and Kerrisdale.
SFU's 30,000+ students face an even tighter squeeze: only about 2,450 beds on the Burnaby campus (Phase 3 will add 445 more by fall 2027). And BCIT's 44,000+ students have just 800 beds after the new Tall Timber Student Housing building opened in 2025. The result: September rental competition in Burnaby, Metrotown, and New Westminster is intense.
The Best Months to Move in Vancouver
If you have any flexibility at all, moving between October and April will save you money, reduce stress, and give you far more scheduling options. For detailed strategies, see our guide to saving money on your move.
October–November: Excellent Value, Manageable Weather
Moving rates drop back to off-peak levels, saving you 15–25% compared to summer.
Vancouver's fall rain is real but manageable. October averages 121mm of rain over 15 days, with an average high of 13.4°C. Professional movers use furniture blankets and shrink wrap regardless of weather.
Condo elevator bookings are far easier to secure with only 1–2 weeks' notice.
January–February: The Absolute Cheapest Window
This is the best time to save money. Demand is at its annual low. Same-week bookings are common, and you may find special winter rates. Check out our complete guide to winter moving for cold-weather preparation tips.
Vancouver rarely gets significant snow at sea level — the city averages just 37cm of snow per year over roughly 8–11 days. February is the snowiest month, but temperatures remain mild (average high 8.0°C).
The vacancy rate hit 3.7% in 2025 — the highest since 1988 — meaning more rental options and some landlords offering 1–2 months of free rent as move-in incentives, especially in newer buildings (CMHC Observer). For a deeper dive, read our Vancouver Rental Market Guide.
March–April: Off-Peak Pricing With Improving Weather
Still off-peak pricing. March averages 114mm rain over 16 days; April improves to 89mm over 14 days with an average high of 13.2°C.
Cherry blossom season (late March–April) means pleasant conditions for moving day.
Book 1–2 weeks in advance. Demand picks up noticeably in late April as spring approaches.
The September Sweet Spot
If you need summer-like weather but lower prices, mid-to-late September (after the university move-in rush) offers an excellent compromise. Rainfall is still low at just 51mm over 8 days, temperatures average a comfortable 19.3°C, and moving rates start dropping as peak season ends. Avoid the first week of September due to UBC move-in. For summer-specific tips, see our stress-free summer move guide.
Best Days of the Week
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the best days to schedule a move. Our 2025 data shows that Monday through Wednesday each account for about 14.4% of weekly volume, while Saturday peaks at 15.7%. The difference may seem small in percentages, but it translates to noticeably better availability and scheduling flexibility mid-week.
The ideal date is a mid-week, mid-month day (roughly the 10th through the 20th) during an off-peak month. This combination avoids month-end lease turnover spikes, weekend premiums, and seasonal surcharges all at once.
How Long Your Move Will Actually Take
Planning your move-day schedule? Here's what our 2025 data shows for average local move durations:
Studio: 5.2 hours
1-bedroom apartment: 5.9 hours
2-bedroom apartment: 7.0 hours
2-bedroom house: 6.3 hours
3-bedroom house: 7.8 hours
4-bedroom house: 10.1 hours
These times matter for scheduling. If you're in a condo with a strata elevator booking window of 9 AM–5 PM, a 2-bedroom apartment move averages 7 hours — cutting it close. Factor in loading, transit time across bridges, and unloading when booking your window.
Vancouver Weather: Month-by-Month Moving Conditions
Vancouver's climate is unique in Canada — mild and wet in winter, warm and dry in summer. Here's what Environment Canada's 1991–2020 climate normals show for Vancouver International Airport:
Dry Season (May–September)
May: 65mm rain, 12 rainy days, avg high 16.7°C
June: 54mm rain, 10 rainy days, avg high 19.6°C
July: Driest month — approximately 36–43mm rain, 6–9 rainy days, avg high ~22°C
August: 37mm rain, 6 rainy days, avg high ~22°C
September: 51mm rain, 8 rainy days, avg high 19.3°C
Wet Season (October–April)
October: 121mm rain, 15 rainy days, avg high 13.4°C
November: 170mm rain, 18 rainy days, avg high 9.0°C — wettest month
December: 167mm rain, 18 rainy days, avg high 6.2°C
January: 168mm rain, 17 rainy days, avg high 6.9°C
February: 105mm rain, 14 rainy days, avg high 8.0°C — snowiest month
March: 114mm rain, 16 rainy days, avg high 10.3°C
April: 89mm rain, 14 rainy days, avg high 13.2°C
Rain preparation tip: If you're moving between October and March, invest in plastic wrap, waterproof bins, and tarps. Professional movers are fully equipped for rain (see what to expect when hiring professional movers), but DIY movers should plan for Vancouver's ~1,189mm of annual rainfall. Note that locations near the North Shore mountains receive significantly more rain than the airport station.
2025–2026 Rental Market: A Rare Window for Renters
Vancouver's rental market has shifted dramatically in the renter's favour. Our Vancouver Rental Market Guide covers this in full detail, but here are the key numbers:
The vacancy rate hit 3.7% in October 2025 — the highest since 1988 and more than double the 1.6% rate recorded just one year earlier (City of Vancouver/CMHC memo).
Average 2-bedroom purpose-built rent: $2,363/month (CMHC October 2025), with the lowest same-sample rent growth in 20 years (just 2.2%).
Landlords in newer buildings are offering 1–2 months of free rent as incentives to fill vacancies faster (CMHC Observer).
The maximum allowable rent increase for 2026 is just 2.3% (CBC News), down from 3% in 2025.
What this means for timing: In a high-vacancy market, you have more bargaining power. Moving in winter (when fewer people are looking) compounds this advantage — landlords with empty units are most motivated to negotiate rent, move-in incentives, and flexible lease start dates during the slow months.
Condo and Strata Moving Rules
With 32.5% of Metro Vancouver households living in condominiums — the highest rate of any major Canadian city — and 54.5% of City of Vancouver households being renters, strata rules have an outsized impact on move scheduling. We've written a complete guide to Vancouver condo moving rules, but here's what affects your timing:
Elevator Booking
Most stratas require 2–4 weeks' advance notice to reserve the service elevator. During peak season (June–August), book as early as possible — some buildings only allow one move per day.
You must book the service elevator, not the regular passenger elevator. Most buildings require padding on elevator walls.
Typical permitted hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 AM–5 PM. Sunday and holiday moves are generally prohibited or restricted.
Fees and Deposits
Move-in/move-out fee: $150–$250 (non-refundable)
Damage deposit: $200–$500 (refundable if no damage to hallways, elevators, or common areas)
A BC Civil Resolution Tribunal ruling established that strata move-in fees must be "reasonable" under the Strata Property Act — a $300 fee was ordered reduced to $150 when no furniture was involved.
Documentation Your Movers Need
Most Vancouver stratas require professional movers to provide a Certificate of Insurance, proof of liability coverage, WorkSafeBC documentation, and a list of crew members. Confirm requirements with your strata manager at least two weeks before your move. When you get a quote from us, we handle all strata paperwork automatically.
Vancouver Noise Bylaws for Moving
Bylaw 6555 sets strict limits on when you can make noise during a move. Violating these rules carries fines of $250–$10,000 per offence (full bylaw text).
Permitted Hours (Private Property, Outside Downtown)
Weekdays: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sundays and statutory holidays: Construction noise is NOT permitted
Downtown Exception
Downtown Vancouver has extended hours: weekdays 6:00 AM–midnight, weekends/holidays 10:00 AM–midnight. However, your strata's own rules may be more restrictive than the city bylaw.
What This Means for Your Move
If you're moving on a Saturday, your movers can't start loading until 10:00 AM — cutting your available daylight hours significantly, especially in winter. This is another reason mid-week moves are smarter: you gain a full 12.5-hour window (7:30 AM–8:00 PM) instead of just 10 hours on Saturday.
Street Parking Permits for Moving Trucks
If your move involves street loading or unloading, you'll need a Temporary Street Occupancy Permit from the City of Vancouver.
Key Details
Apply 7–10 business days in advance — the city needs time to post "No Parking" signs before your move date.
The permit suspends posted parking regulations for your moving truck. However, the city cannot guarantee the space if a car parks there before signs go up — no refund is issued in that case.
Residents moving themselves (with or without a container) do not need to provide insurance. Commercial movers must provide a Certificate of General Liability Insurance.
Bin/container permits are available for up to 2 days without charge (permit still required).
Pay within 14 days of application and receive a 40% discount on the permit fee.
Other Municipalities
Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, and other Metro Vancouver cities have different (or no) moving permit systems. Surrey prohibits trucks over 5,000 kg outside designated truck routes except for temporary deliveries. Contact each municipality directly via 311 well before your move.
Traffic Patterns and Bridge Timing
If your move crosses any of Metro Vancouver's bridges, time of day can add 30–60 minutes to your trip — time you're paying your movers for. For a full breakdown of closures and restrictions, see our Vancouver road construction and bridge closures guide.
Peak Traffic Hours to Avoid
Morning rush: 6:00–9:00 AM (delays average 53% longer travel times)
Evening rush: 3:30–6:30 PM
Worst single hour: Thursday, 5:00–6:00 PM
Best window for a moving truck: 9:30 AM–3:00 PM or before 6:00 AM
Lions Gate Bridge
The Lions Gate Bridge carries 60,000–70,000 vehicles per day across just 3 lanes with a counterflow system:
6:00–9:30 AM: 2 lanes southbound, 1 northbound
After ~9:30 AM: Centre lane becomes dynamic based on traffic demand
3:00–7:00 PM: Predominantly 2 lanes northbound
Critical restriction: Vehicles over 13 tonnes are prohibited. Most loaded 5-ton moving trucks (the standard size for a 2–3 bedroom move) weigh well under this limit, but larger commercial trucks must use the Ironworkers Memorial (Second Narrows) Bridge instead.
Best Bridge Timing for Movers
For North Shore moves: Schedule your truck to cross the Lions Gate between 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM. If you need a heavy truck (over 13 tonnes), the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge is your only option — avoid the morning southbound rush.
For Fraser River crossings: The Alex Fraser Bridge (7 lanes with zipper counterflow), Port Mann Bridge (10 lanes, no toll since 2017), and Pattullo/Riverview Bridge all carry heavy traffic. Aim for the 9:30 AM–3:00 PM window on any crossing.
Events and Road Closures That Affect Moving
Several major Vancouver events cause extensive road closures each year. Check these dates before booking your move:
BMO Vancouver Marathon (May 3, 2026): Extensive road closures across Downtown, Coal Harbour, Kitsilano, Point Grey, UBC, Fairview, Kerrisdale, Dunbar, Yaletown, and Chinatown. Avoid moving anywhere near the route on race day.
Vancouver Pride Parade (late July/early August): Closures along Davie, Denman, Beach Ave, and surrounding streets in the West End.
Canada Day (July 1): Waterfront and Canada Place area closures, plus it's a statutory holiday with premium mover pricing.
Summer fireworks (August 2026): The traditional Celebration of Light was cancelled for 2026, but Vancouver Council approved a replacement one-night fireworks event in early August with up to $2M in city funding.
BC Tenancy Rules That Affect Your Move Timeline
Understanding the BC Residential Tenancy Act helps you plan your move timing. For a comprehensive breakdown, read our BC Tenant Rights guide.
Notice Periods
Tenant ending a tenancy: You must give 1 full month's written notice, received by your landlord no later than the day before rent is due. Example: to move out May 31, notice must arrive by April 30. Text messages and social media do NOT count (BC Government).
Landlord ending for personal use: 3 months' notice as of June 2025, plus one month's rent compensation. This was increased from the previous 2-month requirement in July 2024 (briefly set at 4 months before being adjusted to 3), so tenants now have significantly more time to plan their move (source).
Renoviction: 4 months' notice plus one month's rent compensation. In buildings with 5+ units, you have a right of first refusal to return at the same rent after renovations (BC Government).
Non-payment of rent: Landlord can issue a 10-day notice. Tenant can cancel by paying within 5 days.
Month-to-Month Conversion
In BC, when a fixed-term lease expires, your tenancy automatically converts to month-to-month under the same terms. Your landlord cannot force you to sign a new fixed-term lease. This means most Vancouver leases that start in May–September eventually convert to month-to-month, giving tenants flexibility to move with just one month's notice year-round.
Dispute Resolution
If you need to dispute a notice, the Residential Tenancy Branch currently processes hearings in approximately 9 weeks on average (down from 16 weeks previously), with urgent cases heard within 6 days. Factor this timeline into your move planning if you're contesting an eviction notice (BC Government).
How Real Estate Sales Affect Moving Demand
If you're buying a home, the timing of your sale completion directly determines when you must move. Greater Vancouver Realtors data for 2024 shows a clear seasonal pattern:
Peak sales: April (2,831 sales) — spring market is the busiest. With a typical 30–60 day closing period, April sales translate to May–June completions and moves.
Secondary peak: October (2,632 sales) — fall rebound translates to November–December moves.
Quietest: September (1,852 sales) and January (1,427 sales) — the fewest forced moves happen 30–60 days after these months.
Total residential sales in Greater Vancouver in 2024: 26,561. If possible, negotiate a completion date that falls mid-month on a Tuesday–Thursday to align with off-peak moving conditions.
Immigration and Population Growth Impact
Vancouver's population growth directly affects housing competition and moving demand. Our Vancouver newcomer relocation guide is designed specifically for newcomers navigating this process.
BC Stats reported 175,024 international migrants moved to BC in the year ending July 2023, driving a 3% population growth rate — the highest since 1974.
Work permit holders in BC more than doubled from 115,185 (Q3 2021) to 241,196 (Q1 2024) (AMSSA).
Three-quarters of newcomers to Metro Vancouver settle in just four municipalities: Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and Richmond — concentrating housing demand in these areas.
Study permit arrivals spike in August (before fall semester) and December (before winter semester), adding seasonal pressure to the rental market.
What this means for timing: Avoid searching for rental housing in August–September when both students and new permanent residents are competing for units. January–March sees the least immigration-driven demand.
Vancouver Moving Costs: What to Budget
For a detailed cost breakdown, see our Vancouver moving cost guide. Here's a quick summary based on our 2025 data:
Average local move: $1,092 company-wide. Vancouver moves tend to run higher due to condo logistics, bridge crossings, and parking challenges.
Average long-distance move: $2,884 (typically to Victoria, Kelowna, or the Okanagan).
Average local move duration: 5.5 hours.
Peak vs. off-peak differential: Industry-wide, summer rates run 15–25% higher than winter. Booking mid-week in January or February gets you the best possible rate.
Most common Vancouver move type: 1-bedroom apartment (27% of all Vancouver moves) averaging 5.9 hours.
For cost-saving strategies beyond timing, check out our guides on decluttering before your move and the 5 factors that impact moving costs.
2026 BC Statutory Holidays to Avoid
Moving companies typically charge premium rates on statutory holidays, and many don't operate at all. Plan around these dates (Canada Holidays):
New Year's Day — January 1 (Thursday)
Family Day — February 16 (Monday)
Good Friday — April 3 (Friday)
Victoria Day — May 18 (Monday)
Canada Day — July 1 (Wednesday)
BC Day — August 3 (Monday)
Labour Day — September 7 (Monday)
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — September 30 (Wednesday)
Thanksgiving — October 12 (Monday)
Remembrance Day — November 11 (Wednesday)
Christmas Day — December 25 (Friday)
Note: Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, and Boxing Day are not statutory holidays in BC, though many movers still operate on reduced schedules around Christmas.
How to Save Money on Your Vancouver Move: The Complete Checklist
Move off-peak (October–April): Save 15–25% on professional mover rates compared to summer.
Choose mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday): Better availability and potentially lower rates than weekends.
Target mid-month dates (10th–20th): Avoid the month-end lease turnover crush.
Book early: 6–8 weeks ahead in summer; 1–2 weeks in winter.
Reserve the elevator ASAP: 2–4 weeks ahead for condos; longer during peak season. See our condo moving rules guide.
Apply for parking permits: 7–10 business days before your move. Pay within 14 days for a 40% discount.
Schedule around bridges: Cross between 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM to avoid rush hour. You're paying movers by the hour — every minute in bridge traffic costs money.
Declutter before, not after: Moving costs are based on time and truck space. Fewer items means a faster, cheaper move — see our decluttering guide.
Negotiate with landlords: With vacancy rates at a 37-year high, landlords are motivated. Ask for free months, reduced rent, or flexible move-in dates.
Check for event conflicts: The BMO Marathon (May 3), Pride Parade (late July), and Canada Day (July 1) all cause major road closures.
Set up utilities early: Don't forget to arrange BC Hydro, FortisBC, and ICBC before move-in day.
Bottom Line
The best time to move in Vancouver is a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday between the 10th and 20th of the month, during the October–April off-peak season. You'll pay 15–25% less for professional movers, have easy access to condo elevators, face less bridge traffic, and encounter less rental competition.
The worst time is a weekend at month-end during July or August — especially near UBC move-in week (September 1–5). Expect the highest prices, longest wait times, and the most stressful experience.
With Vancouver's vacancy rate at a 37-year high and landlords offering incentives, 2026 is actually one of the better years in recent memory to be a renter looking for a new place. Time your move wisely and you'll save both money and stress. Get a free moving quote from Two Small Men to start planning.
Related Reading
How Much Does It Cost to Move in Vancouver? (2026 Pricing Guide)
Vancouver Condo Moving Rules: Strata Bylaws, Elevator Booking & What Movers Need
Sources and Official Resources
Author
Walter Lyng is a multifaceted writer, marketing specialist and performer based out of his hometown of Montreal. Trained as a journalist, Walter spent several years working at a community newspaper before going on to work for companies such as Audible, Mattel and Bell Canada. Breaking into the stand-up comedy world in his early 20s, Walter has performed in venues and festivals throughout the country. He is a Just For Laughs recording artist and his comedy can be heard regularly on Sirius XM satellite radio.