# Moving Made Easy: Coquitlam Tri-Cities Checklist > The most complete Coquitlam moving checklist — vetted movers, trucks, storage, boxes, day-one internet setup and address changes. Craig Johnston, REALTOR®. **Source:** https://soldbycraig.ca/moving-made-easy/ **Author:** Craig Johnston, REALTOR® (BC Licence V99960) · The MACNABS · Royal LePage Elite West **Site:** https://soldbycraig.ca --- Moving Made Easy · The Complete Checklist ## Moving to the Tri-Cities without forgetting a single step. Updated May 5, 2026 · Craig Johnston, REALTOR® · Coquitlam The hard part of moving isn't packing boxes — it's remembering the forty-seven small things that have to happen in the right order. Who you hire, when you call them, which utility to transfer first, where to find cheap boxes, and how to get internet working on day one, not week two. This is the exact checklist Craig sends his relocating clients — vetted local providers, real costs, outbound links to every form you'll need, and an 8-week timeline so nothing falls through. Bookmark it. Share it. Use it. [See the 8-week plan →](#timeline) [Book a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) #### Vetted local providers Movers, truck rentals, storage, and services Craig's clients actually use. #### Real BC costs Price ranges for Tri-Cities moves — updated July 2026. #### Every address change ICBC, Canada Post, CRA, MSP, banks — every form, linked. #### Day-one connectivity Internet, TV, hydro, gas — scheduled so nothing is off when you arrive. ![A Tri-Cities family moving into their new Coquitlam home with Craig Johnston's moving checklist](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-3.39.12-PM-scaled.png) 1% Ranked Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS® 2% Nationwide Top 2% Team Member — Royal LePage nationwide 44 Local Tri-Cities resident 47+ years ★ Recognized 5.0 · five-star Quick Answer What should you know about Moving Made Easy? The most complete Coquitlam moving checklist — vetted movers, trucks, storage, boxes, day-one internet setup and address changes. Craig Johnston, REALTOR®. Free Strategy Call ends with a written one-page plan in 24 hours. Who this is for ## Whether you're moving across town or across the country. The checklist below scales up or down based on your move. It was built around Tri-Cities moves, but every government link, provider, and cost figure applies to any BC relocation. ### Buyers relocating *to* Coquitlam From Vancouver, Burnaby, New West, or out-of-province. Includes the BC-specific changes (ICBC, MSP) most checklists miss. ### Sellers moving *within* the Tri-Cities Move-up, downsize, or same-size swap. Works whether you're moving 3 blocks or 30 minutes. ### Families with kids + pets School registration windows, vet transfers, kid-stress tactics, and the "first-night box" that saves your evening. ### First-time buyers Nobody hands you a checklist with your keys. This is it — from tenant insurance to the City of Coquitlam water-account setup. The 8-week moving timeline ## Every Craig-assisted Tri-Cities move runs on the same 8-week sequence. Start 8 weeks out if you can. If you only have 3 weeks, compress the first three weeks into one — but don't skip steps. Summer moving dates in Metro Vancouver book out by early May. 8 wks ### Decide the move style + book your mover There are three move styles. Pick one, price it, and lock the date. - **Full-service mover:** they pack, load, drive, unload. Typical Tri-Cities 3-bed home: $3,000–$6,000. - **Truck + labour hybrid:** you rent the truck, hire loaders for 3–4 hours. Typical cost: $800–$1,600. - **Full DIY:** truck rental + friends. Typical cost: $250–$600 in truck, fuel, and pizza. - Request **three written quotes**, not over the phone. A legitimate mover will send a binding or not-to-exceed estimate. - Verify the mover is a member of the [Canadian Association of Movers (CAM)](https://mover.net/) and has BC worksafe coverage. 6 wks ### Declutter ruthlessly Every box you don't move saves roughly $3–$6 in moving cost. The rule: if you haven't used it in a year and it's not seasonal, it goes. - Sort by **Keep / Donate / Sell / Toss**. Label four zones in the garage. - Donate: [Salvation Army](https://www.salvationarmy.ca/thrift-store/), [Big Brothers clothing bins](https://bigbrothersvancouver.com/donate/clothing-donations/), [Habitat ReStore](https://www.habitat.ca/en/restore) (furniture). - Sell: [Facebook Marketplace](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/), [Craigslist Vancouver](https://www.craigslist.org/about/sites#CA), [VarageSale](https://www.varagesale.com/). - Toss large items: book a [City of Coquitlam large-item pickup](https://www.coquitlam.ca/491/Large-Item-Pick-Up) (2 free per year) or [1-800-GOT-JUNK](https://www.1800gotjunk.com/ca_en/locations/vancouver). - Electronics: free drop-off at [Recycle My Electronics BC](https://www.recyclemyelectronics.ca/bc/). 4 wks ### Collect supplies + order boxes Rule of thumb: **2 boxes per 100 sq ft**. A 2,000 sq ft home needs about 40 boxes plus 10 specialty (dish pack, wardrobe, TV). - Source free boxes from grocery stores (ask the produce manager Sunday night), [Buy Nothing Tri-Cities](https://buynothingproject.org/), and Facebook Marketplace "Free" filter. - Buy specialty boxes at [U-Haul Coquitlam](https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Coquitlam-BC-V3K/019023/) or [Home Depot moving supplies](https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/categories/moving-supplies.html). - Order packing paper (unprinted newsprint) — not newspaper, which stains dishes. - Buy **one colour sticker per room**. Label every box on the top and two sides. Movers can't read "kitchen" if it's facing the wall. 3 wks ### Schedule utilities + services for move day The single biggest mistake people make is booking internet for the day *after* possession. Book it for **the morning of move day** — Telus and Rogers will both give you a 2-hour window. - [BC Hydro — move online](https://www.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/moving-home.html). Free. Same-day transfer available. - [FortisBC — natural gas transfer](https://www.fortisbc.com/account-billing/moving). Free. 2 business days' notice. - [City of Coquitlam — water & sewer account](https://www.coquitlam.ca/253/Account-Changes) (if you own). [Port Moody](https://www.portmoody.ca/en/city-services/utility-billing.aspx) · [Port Coquitlam](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/city-services/utilities/). - Book your internet install for the **first possible slot on move day**. Craig's pick: Telus PureFibre (gigabit) if available at the address. - Set tenant or home insurance start date to match your **possession date**, not your move date. 2 wks ### Change your address everywhere Use the table further down this page — every BC-specific form is linked. The ones people forget: **ICBC driver's licence** (ticket if you're caught with the wrong address), **MSP** (health card), and **your employer's payroll** (tax slips). - Set [Canada Post mail forwarding](https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/personal/receiving/manage-mail/mail-forwarding.page) for 6 months minimum ($90). - Update your [ICBC driver's licence and vehicle registration](https://onlinebusiness.icbc.com/eforms/ap/en). Free online within 10 days of moving — legally required. - Update [CRA (tax)](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/change-your-address.html), [Service Canada (EI/CPP)](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/ei/ei-list/reports/my-account.html), and [IRCC (if applicable)](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/address-notification.html). - Banks, credit cards, investment accounts, pharmacy, vet, dentist, GP. - Subscriptions: Netflix, Amazon, Costco membership, SkipTheDishes — these are the ones that mail boxes to your old address for *months*. 1 wk ### Pack room by room Start with rooms you use least — guest bedroom, storage, garage. Save the kitchen and bedroom for last. - Label on **top + two sides** with room name and a one-line contents note ("Kitchen — pots, pans, aprons"). - Photograph every TV, router, and desk setup **before** unplugging. Your future self will thank you. - Pack a **first-night box**: sheets made up for every bed, towels, toiletries, phone chargers, a kettle, coffee, mugs, a pot with utensils, toilet paper, a roll of paper towels, basic tools, a flashlight. - Back up your computer, gather passports and important documents into one labelled box that rides with *you*, not the truck. - Defrost the freezer at least 24 hours before move day. Day ### Moving day — execute The goal is boring. Boring means the plan worked. - **8:00 AM:** mover arrives. Walk through with their crew lead, point out fragile items. - Take meter readings (hydro, gas, water) and photograph them with a timestamp. - Leave keys per your lawyer's instructions — most BC deals use a lawyer key-drop, not a direct exchange. - Confirm inventory count with the mover before they drive off. - **11:00 AM–1:00 PM:** meet the internet tech at the new place. Have your router location decided. - Do a final walk of the new home: test smoke detectors, locate main water shut-off, locate electrical panel, locate hot water tank, note furnace filter size. - **Evening:** unpack the first-night box. Everything else can wait. +1 wk ### Week 1 after — settle The invisible work that separates a smooth move from a painful one. - Test every smoke + CO detector. Replace batteries. - Meet the neighbours. In the Tri-Cities this is still normal and it pays off. - Register kids for school if you haven't: [SD43 registration portal](https://www.sd43.bc.ca/Schools/Pages/NewStudentRegistration.aspx). - File your moving receipts. If your move was work-related, many costs are [tax-deductible (CRA line 21900)](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-21900-moving-expenses.html). - Book a 6-month check-in with Craig (free) to catch anything else. Section 1 · Movers ## Recommended moving companies for the Tri-Cities. Every mover below is currently active in Metro Vancouver, has third-party reviews above 4.2 stars, and provides in-writing estimates. Craig has personally referred clients to the ones marked as his pick. ### Full-service moving (packed, loaded, delivered) Best if you're short on time, the move is complex (stairs, piano, art), or you simply value the weekend you'd otherwise lose. Book 6–8 weeks out for summer dates. Craig's pick · Local #### Ferguson Moving & Storage $120–$180/hour · 3-person crew BBB A+ rated, BC-owned, in business since 1916. Clients report tight estimates and punctual crews. Covers storage-in-transit if closing dates don't align. [fergusonmoving.com →](https://fergusonmoving.com/) Local #### You Move Me Vancouver $140–$200/hour · 3-person crew Upfront hourly rates, uniformed crews, SMS updates on arrival window. Strong for 2–3 bedroom moves. Offers packing services à la carte. [youmoveme.com/vancouver →](https://www.youmoveme.com/vancouver) National #### Two Small Men With Big Hearts $130–$170/hour · 2-person crew National brand with a Vancouver depot. Reliable for standard moves, good for senior downsizing (they handle stairs and donation drop-offs). [twosmallmen.com →](https://twosmallmen.com/locations/vancouver/) Local · Estate & luxury #### Highland Moving & Storage Custom quote Atlas Van Lines agent, strong for long-distance and estate-level moves ($1.5M+ homes with art, wine, and specialty items). Full inventory + insurance. [highlandmoving.com →](https://www.highlandmoving.com/) Local #### Giant Moving $120–$160/hour · 3-person crew Solid value mover for standard Tri-Cities moves. Clean trucks, good mobile communication. Pack + unpack add-ons available. [giantmoving.ca →](https://www.giantmoving.ca/) National · Long-distance #### AMJ Campbell Custom quote National brand with a strong long-distance network. Best option if you're moving inter-provincial (Alberta, Ontario). In-home estimate recommended. [amjcampbell.com →](https://www.amjcampbell.com/location/vancouver/) ### Truck-and-labour hybrid (you rent the truck, they load) The best-value option for most Tri-Cities moves. Typical cost: $250–$450 for the truck + $400–$800 for labour. Craig's pick #### HireAHelper (platform) $110–$150/hour · 2-person crew Marketplace where you book vetted local crews just for loading/unloading. Read reviews, compare pricing, book by the hour. [hireahelper.com →](https://www.hireahelper.com/) Platform #### TaskRabbit $45–$80/hour per Tasker Strong for small moves (1-bed, studio, storage unit) where you just need a couple of hands for 2–3 hours. Check ratings and verify insurance. [taskrabbit.com/ca →](https://www.taskrabbit.com/ca) Local #### Metro Vancouver Movers $95–$140/hour · 2–3 crew Truck + labour package. Cheaper than full-service, more reliable than day-of-app bookings. Popular for condo-to-condo moves. [metrovancouvermovers.com →](https://www.metrovancouvermovers.com/) ### Truck rentals (full DIY) For smaller moves, short distances, or when your brother-in-law actually did agree to help. Reserve 2–3 weeks ahead for weekends. Craig's pick · Location #### U-Haul Coquitlam $19.95/day base + $0.89/km 10' to 26' trucks, cargo vans, trailers. Largest selection in the Tri-Cities. Free use of furniture pads with rental. On-site box + supply store. [uhaul.com — Coquitlam →](https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Coquitlam-BC-V3K/019023/) National #### Penske Truck Rental $39–$120/day · mileage included local Newer, taller trucks (easier loading). Strong unlimited-mileage one-way pricing for inter-provincial moves. [pensketruckrental.com →](https://www.pensketruckrental.com/) Value #### Discount Truck Rental $29.95/day + $0.25/km Often cheapest for local same-day moves. Smaller fleet — reserve early for weekends. Great for studio to 1-bed apartments. [discountcar.com →](https://www.discountcar.com/) Home Depot #### Home Depot Truck Rental $19/75-min · $89/day Pickup truck or cargo van, ideal for runs to the new place, IKEA hauls, or moving single-piece furniture. Bookable at any Tri-Cities Home Depot. [homedepot.ca — truck rental →](https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/customer-support/truck-rental.html) Section 2 · Storage ## Storage — short-term, portable, and seasonal. Needed when completion and possession dates don't line up, when you're staging a home for sale, or when you're between homes for a renovation. Prices are June 2026 Tri-Cities averages. ### Self-storage (you drive, you drop) Craig's pick · Local #### SecureSpace Storage Coquitlam 5x5: $80/mo · 10x10: $180/mo · 10x20: $320/mo Climate-controlled, 24/7 access, drive-up units available. First month free promotion common. Closest to Burke Mountain + central Coquitlam. [securespace.com →](https://www.securespace.com/storage-locations/canada/british-columbia/coquitlam/) National #### Access Storage Port Coquitlam 5x5: $70/mo · 10x10: $170/mo Multiple Tri-Cities locations. Heated units, drive-up options, month-to-month. Online booking with promo codes. [accessstorage.ca →](https://www.accessstorage.ca/locations/bc/port-coquitlam) National #### U-Haul Self-Storage Coquitlam 5x5: $79/mo · 10x10: $179/mo Co-located with truck rental, so you can rent the truck and storage in one visit. Boxes, tape, and locks on-site. [uhaul.com — storage →](https://www.uhaul.com/Storage/) ### Portable storage (they drop a container at your door) Best if your move date is flexible or you're renovating. Load at your pace, they move it to their yard or to your new home. Local #### BigSteelBox From $159/mo + $199–$299 delivery Canadian-owned. 8', 10', 20' boxes. Weatherproof, lockable. Great for renos and staging clear-outs. Multi-Tri-Cities delivery within 3 business days. [bigsteelbox.com — Coquitlam →](https://bigsteelbox.com/locations/coquitlam-bc/) National #### PODS From $179/mo + $180 delivery Three container sizes. Strong for long-distance moves (they'll ship the container to your new city). Book 2–3 weeks ahead. [pods.ca — Vancouver →](https://www.pods.ca/british-columbia/vancouver) Value #### GoMini's From $149/mo + $149 delivery Three container sizes. Often cheaper than PODS for local use. Driveway-friendly, rollable, watertight. [gominis.com — Vancouver →](https://gominis.com/locations/british-columbia/vancouver/) Section 3 · Boxes & supplies ## Where to get boxes cheap — or free. A typical 3-bed home uses 40–60 boxes. At $3.50 each new, that's $140–$210 if you buy retail. Here's how to get most of them free and only pay for specialty boxes. | Source | Typical cost | What you'll find | | --- | --- | --- | | [Buy Nothing Tri-Cities (Facebook)](https://buynothingproject.org/) | Free | Neighbours who just finished their move. Post asking for boxes — expect 2–3 offers within 24 hours. | | [Facebook Marketplace — "Free" filter](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/) | Free | Search "moving boxes free" weekly. Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam posts go fast — refresh on Sundays. | | Grocery stores (Save-On, Safeway, Superstore) | Free | Ask the produce or grocery manager Sunday night. Banana boxes are gold — strong, stackable, handles built in. | | LCBO / BC Liquor stores | Free | Wine boxes with dividers are perfect for glassware. Ask the store manager on Tuesday delivery mornings. | | [U-Haul box store (Coquitlam)](https://www.uhaul.com/Moving-Supplies/) | $1.50–$5 each | Specialty boxes: dish pack, wardrobe, TV, mirror, mattress bag. Buy-back program for unused boxes. | | [Home Depot moving supplies](https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/categories/moving-supplies.html) | $2–$6 each | Full moving range. Their heavy-duty large boxes hold up to a double-stack without crushing. | | [Costco](https://www.costco.ca/) | $25 for 30-pack | Best value on bulk packing paper and bubble wrap. Check the moving supplies aisle seasonally (May–Aug). | | [Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/) | $30–$80 for 20-pack | Moving-box kits with tape, labels, and markers. Convenient if you're packing fast. | Craig's move-supplies shortcut ### The hybrid source strategy that saves $120. For a typical 2,000 sq ft Coquitlam home, get 30 free boxes from Buy Nothing and Facebook Marketplace, then buy 10 dish-pack boxes, 3 wardrobes, and one TV box at U-Haul Coquitlam. Packing paper and bubble wrap: Costco bulk. Total outlay: around $110 instead of $230+ for all-retail. Section 4 · Day-one connectivity ## Get internet, TV, and phone working on move day — not the day after. The single biggest mistake: booking your internet install for the day after possession. Do it the morning of, with your installer slotted for the 11:00 AM–1:00 PM window. Craig's clients who've done this report internet up and working before the last couch is carried in. Craig's pick · Fibre #### Telus PureFibre $95/mo gig speed · $40/mo 300Mbps Gigabit fibre is live in most of Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Burke Mountain. Fastest, most reliable option where available. Optik TV bundles competitive. [telus.com/bc/internet →](https://www.telus.com/en/bc/internet) Cable #### Rogers (formerly Shaw) $80/mo 500Mbps · $120/mo gig Available across all of the Tri-Cities. Ignite TV bundles. Watch for 12-month promo pricing (new-customer rate often $50+ cheaper for year one). [rogers.com/internet →](https://www.rogers.com/internet) Independent #### Novus Entertainment $65/mo 500Mbps · $85/mo gig Service areas limited — check coverage by postal code. Strong in multi-unit buildings in Coquitlam Centre, Moody Centre, and Port Coquitlam downtown. [novusnow.ca →](https://novusnow.ca/) Budget · No-frills #### TekSavvy $50/mo 300Mbps Reseller using Telus/Rogers infrastructure. No TV, just internet. Great if you're all-streaming. 30-day install lead time — book early. [teksavvy.com →](https://teksavvy.com/) Budget · Reseller #### Oxio $55/mo 500Mbps · no contract Flat-rate pricing, no promo trickery. Cable-based. Clients love them for simple, bill-stays-the-same service. [oxio.ca →](https://oxio.ca/) Cell · Home internet alternative #### Rogers / Bell 5G Home Internet $85/mo unlimited New-build without wired service? 5G home internet is a credible option in Tri-Cities covered areas. Low-latency enough for remote work. [rogers.com — 5G home →](https://www.rogers.com/wireless/5g-home-internet) How to avoid the "no internet for 5 days" nightmare ### Book your install 3 weeks out, for the morning of possession. Telus and Rogers both honour a 2-hour install window, and they prioritise "move day" jobs if you flag it. Have your router location decided before the tech arrives — ideally central to the house, on a shelf, with a wired line to your office if you work from home. If you're renting, confirm with the landlord which wall plates are already active. Section 5 · Utilities ## BC utilities — who to call, and when. Most of this is 10-minute online forms. Do it 3 weeks out so no account gets disconnected on move day. Electricity transfers are same-day; gas and water need 1–2 business days. | Utility | Provider | Lead time | How | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Electricity | BC Hydro (entire province) | Same day | [Online move form](https://www.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/moving-home.html) · 1-800-BCHYDRO | | Natural gas | FortisBC | 1–2 business days | [fortisbc.com/moving](https://www.fortisbc.com/account-billing/moving) · 1-888-224-2710 | | Water & sewer (Coquitlam) | City of Coquitlam | 1 business day | [coquitlam.ca — account changes](https://www.coquitlam.ca/253/Account-Changes) | | Water & sewer (Port Moody) | City of Port Moody | 1 business day | [portmoody.ca — utilities](https://www.portmoody.ca/en/city-services/utility-billing.aspx) | | Water & sewer (Port Coquitlam) | City of Port Coquitlam | 1 business day | [portcoquitlam.ca — utilities](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/city-services/utilities/) | | Garbage & recycling | City pickup (automatic with address) | Confirm day | [Coquitlam](https://www.coquitlam.ca/363/Garbage-Recycling) · [Port Moody](https://www.portmoody.ca/en/city-services/garbage-recycling.aspx) · [Port Coquitlam](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/city-services/garbage-recycling/) | | Home insurance | BCAA, Square One, Westland, TD, or your broker | 1 week | [BCAA](https://www.bcaa.com/insurance/home-insurance) · [Square One](https://www.squareone.ca/) · [Westland](https://www.westlandinsurance.ca/) | | Tenant insurance | Square One, BCAA, Duuo | Day of possession | Same brokers as above. $20–$35/mo typical in the Tri-Cities. | Section 6 · Change of address ## The BC change-of-address checklist — every form, linked. Ordered by lead time and legal importance. ICBC is legally required within 10 days of your move. Canada Post forwarding is the single best insurance against missed mail — $90 for 6 months, paid once. | Agency / account | When | How to update | | --- | --- | --- | | Canada Post mail forwarding | 2–4 weeks before | [canadapost.ca — mail forwarding](https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/personal/receiving/manage-mail/mail-forwarding.page). $90 for 6 months. Set up online in 5 min. | | ICBC — driver's licence & vehicle registration | Within 10 days (legal) | [ICBC change of address](https://onlinebusiness.icbc.com/eforms/ap/en). Free. Also updates autoplan if insured through ICBC. | | MSP (BC health care) | Within 8 weeks | [my.gov.bc.ca/msp](https://my.gov.bc.ca/msp/home). Free. Required to keep coverage current. | | CRA (federal tax) | Before next tax slip season | [canada.ca — CRA change of address](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/change-your-address.html). My Account or phone 1-800-959-8281. | | Service Canada (EI, CPP, OAS, Passports) | Within 1 month | [My Service Canada Account](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/my-account.html) | | Voter registration (Elections BC + Elections Canada) | Any time | [Elections BC](https://eregister.elections.bc.ca/) · [Elections Canada](https://ereg.elections.ca/) | | Banks, credit cards, investment accounts | Within 2 weeks | Online banking for each. Don't forget secondary credit cards and store cards. | | Employer — payroll & HR | Before first payday after move | HR portal. Ensures T4 and benefits mail go to the new address. | | Auto insurance (if not ICBC Autoplan) | Before move | Call your broker. Premium may change based on postal-code rating. | | Family doctor, dentist, specialists, pharmacy | Before next appointment | Call each. If you're switching providers, request records be forwarded. | | Vet (if applicable) | Before moving | Request records for any new vet in the new area. Update microchip registry ([PetLynx](https://www.petlynx.net/) or [24PetWatch](https://www.24petwatch.com/ca/)). | | Schools — SD43 | Before Sept 1 or mid-year | [sd43.bc.ca — new student registration](https://www.sd43.bc.ca/Schools/Pages/NewStudentRegistration.aspx) | | TransLink Compass Card | Any time | [compasscard.ca](https://www.compasscard.ca/). Update online for lost-card recovery. | | Subscriptions | Within 1 month | Amazon, Costco, Netflix, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, HelloFresh, Spotify (billing only), subscription boxes, gym, streaming. | | Loyalty / rewards programs | Any time | Air Miles, Aeroplan, PC Optimum, Scene+, Costco membership, BCAA. | | Professional memberships | Before renewal | Professional colleges, unions, alumni associations, charities. | ![Craig Johnston, Coquitlam REALTOR®](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC1119-1-scaled.jpg) Craig's take > "A move is just a series of small promises you make to your future self. Keep them in the right order and the whole thing feels boring. Skip one and you're buying Wi-Fi from a coffee shop for a week." — Craig Johnston, REALTOR® Moving with Craig ### Buying, selling, or both — Craig handles the real estate so you can handle the move. The checklist above works whether you're using Craig as your REALTOR® or not. But if you are, it's all done for you: his team coordinates your closing, possession, and key exchange with the movers, the lawyer, and the utility switchover — so the only thing you have to do on move day is show up. [Book the 20-minute Strategy Call →](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Start with a Home Evaluation](/home-evaluation/) Answers Craig gives ## The questions Craig's relocating clients ask most. How much does a typical Tri-Cities move cost in 2026? A full-service mover for a 3-bedroom Coquitlam home is running $3,000–$6,000 in June 2026, depending on crew size, distance, and packing services. A truck-and-labour hybrid runs $1,200–$2,400. Full DIY is $250–$600. Add $90 for Canada Post forwarding, $200–$400 for boxes and supplies, and 1–2 months of overlap utilities if your dates don't align — total landed cost ranges from $1,500 (tight DIY) to $8,500 (full service + packing + storage). When should I book my mover for a Tri-Cities summer move? Book 6–8 weeks out for any date between May 15 and September 15. Full-service movers sell out their preferred dates (month-end Fridays and Saturdays) by early May. If you're flexible, mid-month weekday moves can be 15–25% cheaper and far more reliable. Is it legally required to update my BC driver's licence when I move? Yes. ICBC requires you to update your driver's licence address within 10 days of moving anywhere within BC. It's free online at [onlinebusiness.icbc.com](https://onlinebusiness.icbc.com/eforms/ap/en). Same form updates your vehicle registration and Autoplan insurance if you have it through ICBC. What's the single biggest mistake people make when moving? Booking internet installation for the day *after* possession instead of the day of. Every Tri-Cities fibre and cable provider will give you a 2-hour install window if you book 2–3 weeks ahead. Do the 11:00 AM–1:00 PM window and you'll have Wi-Fi before the couch is in the living room. How do I get free boxes in the Tri-Cities? Buy Nothing Tri-Cities (Facebook groups) and Facebook Marketplace "free" filter will get you 60–80% of the boxes you need. Grocery stores (ask the produce manager Sunday evening) and BC Liquor stores (Tuesday mornings) are the offline sources. Only buy specialty boxes — dish pack, wardrobe, TV — which are $3–$6 each at U-Haul Coquitlam. Should I hire professional packers? If you're time-crunched, moving over 2,500 sq ft, or anything fragile matters (art, wine, china, instruments), yes. Professional packing adds $500–$1,500 to most Tri-Cities moves. For anyone else, self-packing is fine if you start 2 weeks out and pack one room per day. Are moving expenses tax-deductible in Canada? Yes, if you're moving for work or school and the new home is at least 40 km closer to your new work/school than your old home was. Eligible costs include movers, packing supplies, truck rentals, temporary lodging, meals (flat-rate or receipts), and utility hookups. File on [CRA line 21900](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-21900-moving-expenses.html). Keep every receipt. When do I cancel my old utilities vs transfer them? BC Hydro, FortisBC, and your city water account all allow transfers, not cancellations. You update the move-out date on the old address and the move-in date on the new one in the same online form. Do it 3 weeks ahead so the first bill at the new place is correct. How long should I set Canada Post mail forwarding? Minimum 6 months ($90). For complex financial lives (multiple investment accounts, subscription services, small business receivables) set 12 months ($135). The number of accounts that send you mail once a year — tax slips, insurance renewal, property assessments — is more than you think. What's the "first-night box" and what goes in it? One labelled, clearly marked box that travels with you in your vehicle, not in the moving truck. Contents: bed linens made up for every bed in the house, towels + washcloths, toiletries, phone chargers, a kettle, coffee/tea + mugs, one pot + cutting board + knife + utensils, toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, a flashlight, a basic toolkit, kids' stuffed animals, pet food, medications. It's the difference between collapsing into a made bed at 10 PM and rummaging through boxes with a phone flashlight. What to read next ## Pick the next step in Craig's Coquitlam playbook. [Relocation · 8-min read #### Moving to Coquitlam — complete guide →](/moving-to-coquitlam/) [Neighbourhoods · 7-min read #### Where to buy in Coquitlam →](/where-to-buy-in-coquitlam/) [Relocation · 6-min read #### Moving to Coquitlam from Vancouver →](/moving-to-coquitlam-from-vancouver/) [Sellers · 2-min form #### Free home evaluation →](/home-evaluation/) [Buyers · 5-min read #### Coquitlam buyer timeline →](/coquitlam-buyer-timeline/) [Next step · 1-min form #### Book a Strategy Call →](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) ### The full Coquitlam playbook — pick your next move. [Next stepBest REALTOR® in Coquitlam](/best-realtor-in-coquitlam/) [SellersHome Evaluation](/home-evaluation/) [Start hereBook a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [RelocationMoving to Coquitlam](/moving-to-coquitlam/) [First-timeFirst-Time Buyer Guide](/coquitlam-first-time-buyer-guide/) [BuyersBuyer Resource Hub](/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) [SellersSeller Resource Hub](/coquitlam-seller-resource-hub/) [Life stageDownsizing Hub](/coquitlam-downsizing-resource-hub/) [Life stageUpsizing Hub](/coquitlam-upsizing-resource-hub/) [OverviewCoquitlam Real Estate Guide](/coquitlam-real-estate-guide/) ![Craig Johnston, licensed REALTOR® — Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam specialist](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC1119-1-scaled.jpg) Work with Craig ## Every Tri-Cities move runs on the same five-step protocol. Born in the Tri-Cities. Lived on Burke Mountain for 9+ years. Top 2% Team Member — Royal LePage nationwide. Craig runs every file — relocation, move-up, first-time, seller, investor — through the same repeatable playbook so nothing gets improvised at your expense. Start with a 20-minute fit call or an equity map. No pitch, no pressure. [Book the 20-minute Strategy Call →](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Start with a Home Evaluation](/home-evaluation/) ## Related reading - [Moving To Coquitlam — Complete Relocation Guide →](/moving-to-coquitlam/) - [Moving To Coquitlam From Vancouver →](/moving-to-coquitlam-from-vancouver/) - [Moving To Port Moody From Vancouver →](/moving-to-port-moody-from-vancouver/) - [Moving To Burke Mountain →](/moving-to-burke-mountain/) - [Moving To Port Coquitlam →](/moving-to-port-coquitlam/) - [Book A Strategy Call With Craig Johnston →](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Book a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Home Eval](/home-evaluation/) Tri-Cities monthly ## Get the honest Tri-Cities market read, monthly. June 2026 Coquitlam detached HPI is $1,649,000, -4.8% YoY. What that means for your buy or sell decision — without the salesy fluff. One email per month. Unsubscribe anytime. No spam, no listings flood, no marketing automation games. Genuine monthly update from a 47+ year Tri-Cities resident. Best REALTOR® by area ## A specialist for your specific Tri-Cities city or neighbourhood. [Coquitlam](/best-realtor-in-coquitlam/) [Burke Mountain](/best-realtor-in-burke-mountain/) [Westwood Plateau](/best-realtor-in-westwood-plateau/) [Heritage Mountain](/best-realtor-in-heritage-mountain/) [Port Moody](/best-realtor-in-port-moody/) [Port Coquitlam](/best-realtor-in-port-coquitlam/) [Anmore](/best-realtor-in-anmore/) [Belcarra](/best-realtor-in-belcarra/) [Or compare all Tri-Cities specialists →](/best-local-realtor-tri-cities/)