There is something genuinely exciting about moving into a new home at the start of a new year. A fresh space, a fresh start, and the kind of motivation that only comes in January — before life gets busy again. If you have been thinking about making a move, the new year might be exactly the right time. Here is why, and how to make it go smoothly.
Why January is Actually a Great Time to Move
Most people assume summer is the best time to move, and for families with school-age children that is often true. But for everyone else, January is one of the most underrated moving months of the year. Moving companies are less busy, which means better availability, more flexibility on dates and times, and in many cases better rates. You are not competing with dozens of other families for the same moving crew on the same weekend. You book when you want, you get the team you want, and the whole thing runs smoother.
Yes it is colder and wetter in Vancouver in January. But Brothers Moving operates year-round and our movers are well prepared for BC winter weather. A bit of rain has never stopped a good move.
Use the New Year Motivation to Declutter First
January is the one time of year when most people genuinely feel like clearing things out. Use that energy before you start packing. Go room by room and be honest about what is coming with you to the new place and what is not. Anything still in good condition can be donated — organizations across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland accept furniture, clothing, and household items year-round. Brothers Moving also offers junk removal if you end up with things that cannot be donated — we will haul everything away responsibly before your move.
The fewer things you move, the faster and cheaper the move. It is as simple as that.
Set Up Your New Home Intentionally
One of the best things about a new year move is the opportunity to be intentional about your new space. Before moving day, get the floor plan of your new home and think about where everything will go. Use an app like MagicPlan to map out the rooms and plan your furniture layout before the truck arrives. Tell your movers exactly where each piece goes — it saves time, saves your floors, and means you are not moving the couch three times on move-in day.
Think about what you want your new home to feel like and set it up that way from day one, rather than defaulting to whatever was easiest to unpack first.
Sort Out Your Utilities and Address Changes Early
January moves require the same admin as any other move — but getting it done early in the year means it is not competing with the holiday chaos of December. Contact BC Hydro and FortisBC to transfer or set up your service at the new address. Update your address with Canada Post, your bank, your employer, your doctor, and any subscriptions or deliveries. The sooner you get this done, the fewer things end up going to your old address.
Make Move-In Night Feel Like a Celebration
You are starting a new year in a new home — that deserves more than collapsing on the couch surrounded by boxes. Pack an essentials box with everything you need for the first night — bedding, a bottle of something to celebrate with, your favourite mug, snacks, and a candle or two. Order from a great local restaurant in your new neighbourhood. Put on music. Take a moment to appreciate the fresh start before the unpacking begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to move in January than in summer? Generally yes. Winter is the off-peak season for moving companies across BC, which means better availability and more flexibility. Summer months between May and September are peak season and moving companies fill up quickly.
Do Vancouver movers work in winter and bad weather? Yes — Brothers Moving operates year-round, seven days a week, including through Vancouver’s rainy season. Our movers come prepared for wet weather and take extra precautions to protect your belongings during winter moves.
How far in advance should I book movers for a January move? Two to three weeks in advance is usually sufficient for a January move, though booking earlier is always better to secure your preferred date and time. Summer moves should be booked four to six weeks out at minimum.
What should I do with holiday decorations before a January move? Pack them properly before moving day — wrap fragile ornaments individually in packing paper, wind lights around cardboard strips to prevent tangling, and label every box clearly with the holiday and contents. Check our seasonal decorations packing guide for the full breakdown.
Starting the new year in a new home is one of the best decisions you can make — and our team at Brothers Moving would love to help make it happen. Call us at 604-720-0931 or request a free quote online and we will take care of the rest.
Brothers Moving serves Metro Vancouver including Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Langley, Abbotsford, White Rock and Horseshoe Bay. We also serve Vancouver Island including Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Campbell River and Parksville, and throughout BC including Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, Chilliwack and Prince George.