The Cost of Moving to Vancouver Island and Back: A Complete Breakdown of Expenses

Moving from Mainland Canada to Vancouver Island – and back again – comes with its own set of challenges. First and foremost, you need to plan your logistics carefully around ferry schedules, and make sure your belongings are properly prepared for a longer haul. Let’s take a closer look at how your moving budget comes together and which details deserve extra attention, so your relocation stays predictable and stress-free.

Movers’ Labour and Transportation Costs

If you have a lot of items, furniture, and appliances to move, your best bet is a moving company that offers full-service support, not just transportation. It might seem like a job you can handle on your own, but that’s rarely the case.

The biggest challenge is loading and unloading large, heavy items. It’s important to avoid injury and prevent damage to your belongings while carrying them. Professional movers work quickly and carefully. They have the skills and equipment needed to handle furniture and other bulky items with ease.

Overall, the cost of transportation depends on factors like:

• the size of your home.
• accessibility (elevators, parking near the building).
• distance.

Movers’ rates are typically calculated hourly. At Paramount Moving, our rates are:

• $149-$169 for the work of 2 movers
• $189-$209 for a team of 3 movers
• $249-$269 for a crew of 4 movers

The number of movers assigned to your job can vary depending on the size of your home, the volume of your belongings, and how urgent your move is.

Keep in mind that most moving companies include a travel fee in their pricing. This is a one-time charge that covers fuel and bringing the truck to your door.

Ferry Costs

Moving to or from Vancouver Island means a ferry crossing is part of the plan. If you’re organizing the move yourself, you’ll need to book your ferry spot ahead of time. During peak season (roughly May through September), it’s best to book 4-6 weeks in advance. If your move falls on a weekend or holiday, we recommend making a ferry reservation 6-8 weeks ahead. The best time to transport your load is between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

The cost of ferrying a truck with your belongings depends on its size, specifically its length and height. Standard rates apply for trucks up to 20 feet long.

The main routes connecting the Island to the Mainland include:

• Tsawwassen – Swartz Bay. The crossing takes 1 hour 35 minutes. Sailings run every 1-2 hours, giving you plenty of flexibility when planning your move.
• Tsawwassen – Duke Point. Ferries depart 6-8 times a day, and the crossing takes about 2 hours. This is the most convenient route if you’re headed to Nanaimo, since the Duke Point terminal is just 15 minutes from downtown.
• Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay. Ferries leave every 2-4 hours, with a crossing time of 1 hour 40 minutes.

When you work with a moving company, you won’t have to worry about picking the best route or booking your ferry spot yourself – we’ll take care of all of it.

Packing Costs

Here’s a general idea of pricing for common packing supplies in Victoria, BC:

• Small boxes (up to 1.5 cu. ft.) — $3–$3.50
• Medium boxes (about 2 cu. ft.) — $3.50–$5
• Bubble wrap — $12–$30 per roll
• Packing tape — $3–$5 per roll

If you’d rather not spend your time and energy packing, leave it to the professionals. Our team will arrive at your address at the agreed time and take care of everything that needs to be done. The cost of packing services at Paramount Moving depends on the volume of your belongings. Approximate pricing looks like this:

• Studio / 1 Bedroom — starting from $550
• 2 Bedroom Apartment — starting from $950
• 3 Bedroom Home — starting from $1,550
• 4+ Bedroom Home — starting from $2,350

We know how to handle any type of load, including fragile items. Our specialists will always find the best packing solution to protect your belongings during loading, transport, and unloading.

Costs for Additional Services

Beyond packing and transportation, you may need extra options like temporary storage. If your move is already booked but renovations at your new place aren’t finished yet, you’ll need somewhere safe to keep your belongings in the meantime. Professional moving companies offer exactly this kind of service. At Paramount Moving, for example, you can rent a container in a secure storage facility.

While sorting through your belongings and getting them ready for the move, you might come across items you no longer need, such as furniture or appliances that won’t fit into your new home. If they’re still in good shape, consider selling them. We’re happy to help with junk removal.

How to Calculate Your Moving Costs

The cost of moving your belongings can vary quite a bit depending on the distance between your starting point and your destination. For local moves (within the same city, or to a nearby community on Vancouver Island), the main expenses come down to:

• vehicle rental
• packing supplies
• movers’ labour

If you’re moving between the Island and the Mainland, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of your ferry spot.

Want to know the exact cost of your move and book professional movers you can rely on? Get in touch with Paramount Moving. Submit a request on our website to receive your personalized quote.