Start Your Vancouver Move Right: What This Moving Day Checklist Covers
Moving day in Vancouver is a whirlwind of boxes, tape, and last-minute decisions. Whether you’re moving a family home in Kitsilano, an apartment in Burnaby, or an office downtown, the rush to pack everything can lead to easily overlooked mistakes. One of the most critical steps for a safe, efficient move is knowing what NOT to put in those moving boxes or the back of the truck. This checklist spotlights often-forgotten items that can jeopardize your relocation—items that movers legally cannot take, goods that could pose safety risks, and personal essentials you’ll want close at hand.
Vancouver’s unique geography, unpredictable weather, and reliance on ferries for some routes add extra layers of complexity to every move. Delays are common, and access to supplies or services en route isn’t always guaranteed. Proper planning and packing aren’t just about efficiency; they’re about ensuring safety, avoiding legal hassles, and reducing stress. With the right approach, you can sidestep common moving day headaches like damaged belongings, last-minute scrambles for medication, or even delays at international borders.
This guide arms you with practical knowledge and actionable tips, so your move—no matter the distance or complexity—starts on the right foot. Let’s dive into the seven categories of things you should never pack, and how careful preparation helps you steer clear of trouble.
Hazardous Items Movers Can’t Take: Propane, Gas, and Pressurized Cylinders
Some materials found in nearly every home or business are simply too dangerous to trust to a moving truck. Hazardous items like propane tanks, gasoline canisters, fire extinguishers, oxygen tanks, and pressurized containers (such as SodaStream cylinders) can pose severe risks during transit. Inside a closed, shifting vehicle, these items can overheat, leak, or even combust, endangering both your possessions and everyone involved in your move.
Moving companies in Vancouver—and across Canada—are legally prohibited from transporting such materials, not just for safety but also due to insurance regulations. While these items might seem innocuous when stored in a garage or under a kitchen sink, the hazards multiply in a packed moving truck. For example, a small propane canister might leak under pressure, filling the truck with flammable gas or causing a dangerous chemical reaction.
If you’re moving locally and absolutely need to keep these items, the safest option is to transport them yourself in your personal vehicle, and only in small quantities. For long-distance or cross-country moves, it’s best to use up or properly dispose of hazardous materials before moving day. Never store items like propane tanks or gas canisters in storage lockers, garages, or unmonitored spaces—they remain hazardous even when not in use.
Always check with your moving company about their specific restrictions, and err on the side of caution to keep your move safe and compliant.
Liquids, Cleaners, and International Restrictions: What to Leave Out of Your Packing
While it’s tempting to gather every household product and squeeze it into a box, certain items are best left out—especially when it comes to liquids and chemicals. Household cleaners, paint cans, solvents, and other liquid chemicals can leak or react dangerously due to temperature shifts inside moving trucks. Even sturdy-seeming containers can become compromised, contaminating your belongings or damaging the truck itself.
Most professional movers have clear policies against transporting liquid and chemical products. Besides the risk of leaks, many chemicals are classified as hazardous and are banned from long-haul transport for everyone’s safety. If you’re moving these items across town, use them up before moving day or dispose of them through a local chemical waste program.
International moves add another layer of complexity. Many countries, including Australia and New Zealand, strictly regulate what crosses their borders. Food of any kind is often banned, and outdoor gear—such as camping equipment and bicycles—must be spotless to prevent bringing in foreign pests or soil. Failing to adhere to these rules can result in confiscation, fines, or lengthy delays at customs.
The same safety logic applies to storage units: never store cleaning supplies, paints, or food in storage lockers. Chemical spills can damage property and food quickly attracts rodents and pests. If you must store any food temporarily, keep it in your home and monitor it closely.
Plan ahead by reviewing both your moving company’s guidelines and the regulations for your destination country to avoid last-minute surprises.
What Stays With You: Documents, Medications, Overnight Bag, and Emergency Supplies
No matter how smooth your moving day goes, there are some things you simply can’t afford to lose track of. Passports, keys (for your car, new and old homes, storage, mailboxes, and file cabinets), medications, and health cards are vital for both planned tasks and unexpected detours—like a sudden cross-border trip or a medical need en route.
Before your movers arrive, set these essentials aside in a clearly marked bag or box and keep them with you throughout the move. Ask your movers to double-check so they don’t get packed accidentally. This precaution ensures you’ll always have access to what matters most, even if a box goes missing or a moving truck is delayed.
An overnight bag is also a must-have, packed with enough clothes, towels, toiletries, and chargers to get you through the first 48 hours in your new place. Vancouver’s moving landscape may include ferry rides, heavy traffic, or weather delays. Having your laptop, phone, and a power bank handy allows you to stay connected and manage logistics on the fly.
Bring along a folder with important documents—home purchase or lease papers, moving company contracts, computer backups, and any sensitive paperwork. This keeps you prepared for any eventuality and prevents critical documents from being lost or damaged in the move.
By carrying these essentials with you, you’re ready for anything moving day throws your way.
Storage, Delays, and Final Checks for a Smooth, Stress‑Free Relocation
As your move draws closer, it’s easy to overlook where everything will end up—especially if you’re using a storage unit or waiting for possession of your new space. The same safety rules for moving trucks apply to storage: never leave hazardous materials, chemicals, or food in a storage locker or garage. Propane tanks, cleaners, and perishable goods can create serious hazards or attract unwanted pests if left unattended for weeks or months. Even sealed food is a magnet for rodents, leading to a mess and costly damage.
Plan for the reality that moving in Vancouver can involve delays—ferries might be canceled, traffic can snarl unexpectedly, and weather may not cooperate. Prepare a small supply kit with snacks, bottled water, and pet food, and keep it within easy reach. These basics can make a long wait bearable, especially if you’re traveling with children or pets.
Take a cue from professional packers, who always conduct a walk-through to make sure essentials are set aside before packing begins. Whether you’re hiring movers or doing it yourself, set aside personal bags, documents, and anything you’ll need in the first few days at your new destination. Doing a final check before loading begins helps ensure nothing critical gets packed away by mistake.
A seamless, stress-free move isn’t just about what you bring; it’s about what you leave out. By following these guidelines, you ensure your relocation is safe, efficient, and ready for whatever comes your way.
