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Welcome to the Neighbourhood: Why the Best Movers in Kelowna are Local and Neighbourhood Guide

Posted on March 20, 2024

Local Kelowna moving companies have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done right so moving day can be stress-free.

Local Kelowna moving companies have the knowledge and expertise to get the job done right so moving day can be stress-free.


Kelowna is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in Canada according to the last census data from Statistics Canada—and it’s easy to see why. Hot summers, lake life, and temperate winters make living easy in the central Okanagan, which marries the amenities you want from a larger city with the great outdoor lifestyle. If you’re moving within Kelowna and looking for local Kelowna moving companies, this is the best place to start for a stress-free, friendly experience.


Think local: why use Bighorn Moving And Storage in Kelowna

With over 24 years of combined industry experience, Bighorn Moving And Storage can make moving day not only simple but also comfortable—because your movers are your new neighbours! We call Kelowna home just like you and service the Okanagan from our home base here with a team of 35 local moving experts offering both local and international packing and moving services as well as short and long-term storage in Kelowna in a 25,000-square-foot warehouse.


Specialized local movers in Kelowna, BC

When looking for the best movers in Kelowna, it’s important to work with a company that understands the terrain, housing types, and neighbourhoods well so that no hiccups arise on what can already be a very stressful day.

At Bighorn Moving, we’re ready to tackle a full range of residential and commercial moving services in Kelowna—from the newer high-rise condominiums and apartments to the larger Upper Mission estates—using our fleet of specialized equipment.

The beautiful rocky hillsides that make Kelowna stand out can also pose a challenge to inexperienced or ill-equipped movers. Heat waves and wildfires can also throw a spanner in the works, but local experts in the Okanagan, like Bighorn Moving, have the skills, equipment, and knowledge to conquer any circumstances.

Our Kelowna moving and storage services include:

  • House moving

  • Office moving

  • Full-service local moving, including same-day packing and moving

  • Packing and unpacking services

  • Commercial moving services

  • Last-minute moves

  • Specialty items, including pianos, hot tubs, or pool tables

  • Short or long-term temperature-controlled storage

Not sure if we can move it? We probably can! Get in touch or check out our local moving services in Kelowna.


Kelowna vs. West Kelowna

Even though West Kelowna is just a quick drive across the William Bennett Bridge, not everyone realises that Kelowna and West Kelowna are actually different cities! With a population of a little over 32,000, West Kelowna is significantly smaller than Kelowna (population roughly 150,000), with a more rural vibe and lots of agricultural space.

We also service West Kelowna; check out our West Kelowna neighbourhood guide for more information.


How do I find the best movers in Kelowna?

The best movers in Kelowna are always going to be local. The reason? Inside info, knowledge, skills, and equipment. The insights that come with a local moving company allow for something you never thought possible: a stress-free moving day.

The benefits of a local moving company include:

  • Knowledge of neighbourhoods and housing types

  • Specialized equipment

  • Weather and climate insights

  • Terrain, i.e., hills, rocky areas

  • Knowing where the best coffee shops are in your new hood

When you’re in the market for a moving company in Kelowna, here are some tips to keep in mind:

What moving services do you require?

Do you need piano movers? Short-term storage? Packing services? The best moving company for you has to have the right services for your move, hands down. Piano movers and hot tub movers need the right equipment and skillset to handle those items, for example.

Some questions to ask yourself are:

  • Do I need to move a piano, hot tub, or other specialty items?

  • Am I looking for packing and unpacking services?

  • What is my lead time? Is this a last-minute move? Not all movers are last-minute movers (but Bighorn Moving is)!

  • Do I need short or long-term storage to complement my move?

Iron out the items you need to move and whether they may require a special service, then get a moving quote from multiple moving companies to compare.

Do I need storage in Kelowna to complement my move?

Storage might not be the first tool that comes to mind for a smooth move, but it’s an invaluable option when you need it.

The right moving company can provide flexibility in a complicated housing market by offering storage solutions. Learn more about the benefits in this Castanet article. Local movers remove stress, add flexibility in a complicated market.

Working with one company that can provide moving and storage services like Bighorn Moving And Storage, streamlines the process, meaning one less thing to worry about on moving day. You’ll have one point of contact, one invoice, and if something happens, like a date change, you only have one company to work with.

Learn more about the different types of storage in Kelowna you may want to use and why on the blog.

Who runs the business?

Working with a local moving company rather than a franchise puts money back into your community, has the local knowledge we’ve discussed for an easy move, and also means accountability for the business owners (a.k.a. your neighbours) within the community. Local companies are invested in your satisfaction and aim to be as responsive as possible should complications arise.

Do a little digging to ensure you’re working with a local company, not a big-box franchise.

Is the moving company properly accredited and licensed?

Moving scams can happen, and it’s heartbreaking. Avoid losing your valued and sentimental priceless possessions by vetting your moving company beforehand.

Use websites like the Better Business Bureau and the Canadian Association of Movers to verify the reliability and legitimacy of a moving company before putting your life’s work in their hands.

What are people saying?

If word-of-mouth isn’t an option, reviews, and testimonials are the next best thing. Yes—reviews can be faked. To weed out the legitimate from the fabricated, keep an eye out for:

  • A chunk of reviews from the same day/time period

  • Generic or imageless profiles

  • Repetitive phrases in multiple reviews

“Crew was excellent. Efficient, polite, and responsible.” — Rob

See more reviews from people like Rob on our website.


Welcome to Kelowna!

Take it from us—you’ll never want to leave. Wine lovers, beach bums, and young professionals alike find something to love about Kelowna.


Neighbourhoods in Kelowna

  • Downtown Kelowna: The heart of culture in downtown Kelowna is where you’ll find art galleries, theatres, and restaurants.

  • North End: Old meets new with an outdoorsy flair. Craft breweries make older industrial buildings home, and Knox Mountain Park is just a hop away.

  • Pandosy: This charming village neighbourhood brings parks, beaches, and great cafes together for you to enjoy.

  • Rutland: Family-friendly Rutland is home to parks and sports facilities but with an artsy twist: you’ll find over 20 murals from local and international artists in the neighbourhood.

  • Upper Mission: This popular residential area is found in the hills of the south end of Kelowna and is known for its proximity to Kelowna’s spectacular vineyards and hiking trails.

  • Lower Mission: Tucked by Okanagan Lake, the historic Lower Mission is known for its great schools, waterfront properties, and 160 years of history.

  • Wilden: Be in the wilderness with all the amenities of the city. Wilden is a 10-minute drive from downtown Kelowna, but you wouldn’t know it, thanks to the wildlife corridors, trails, and greenery.

  • Dilworth: Central yet secluded, Dilworth is known for its amazing vistas, great access to transportation, and nearby schools.

  • Glenmore: In Kelowna’s north end and close to everything you need, Glenmore is a well-established neighbourhood with all the conveniences you can want from a community.

  • Black Mountain: Close to Big White, hiking trails, golfing, plus the sweeping views—what more could you want? East of downtown, Black Mountain is a recreationist's dream outside of downtown Kelowna.

  • Kelowna South: Here, you’ll find centrally located townhomes, condos, and even heritage homes with easy access to Kelowna General Hospital and Okanagan College, as well as the beaches, parks, and trails that make you want to move to Kelowna.


Education

Kelowna is well-positioned to take care of your family’s education with 43 elementary, middle, and high schools in School District 23. For those pursuing higher education, the Centre for Arts and Technology, Okanagan College, and the University of British Columbia Okanagan are all located in Kelowna, so you don’t have to travel to further your career.


Lifestyle

If you don’t love the outdoors, Kelowna is not for you. Big White Ski Resort will have you dreaming of winter while epic mountain biking, sailing, and hiking live at your doorstep.

Trips to the fruit stand for farm fresh produce, sipping on wines from world-class wineries harvesting rapes outside your doors, and excellent craft breweries are just some of the other lifestyle benefits you won’t want to go without after calling Kelowna home.


Housing

While housing in Kelowna can be costly compared to similar-sized cities in Canada, it’s still more affordable than larger urban centres like Vancouver, with the benefit of more space and incredible outdoor access. You’ll find single detached homes, townhomes, and newer small housing options or condos for sale that are being built in Kelowna to answer the growing demand for housing. 


When you’re ready to make your next move, look local for the best movers in Kelowna with the experience you need to get the job done right, stress-free. Get a moving quote from Bighorn Moving And Storage today!