Can You Get a Sick Note for Moving Day in BC?
Moving day isn't a valid reason for a sick note — but there are legitimate alternatives. Here's what to do.
## Can You Get a Sick Note for Moving Day in BC?
**No.** A sick note is medical documentation confirming you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Moving house is not a medical condition, and no ethical physician will provide a sick note for it.
### What You Can Do Instead
**1. Request a personal day**
Many employers offer personal days that can be used for any reason, including moving.
**2. Use vacation time**
Book a vacation day for your move — plan ahead when possible.
**3. Ask for unpaid leave**
Most employers will grant a day of unpaid leave for moving with reasonable notice.
**4. Check your collective agreement**
Some union contracts include "moving day" as a specific leave entitlement.
**5. BC has no statutory moving day leave**
Unlike Quebec (which provides one moving day per year), BC has no legal entitlement to moving day leave.
### When a Sick Note IS Appropriate
If moving has caused a legitimate health issue:
- Back injury from lifting heavy boxes
- Severe anxiety/panic attack triggered by the stress
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
In these cases, you have a genuine medical condition — not just a scheduling conflict.
### The Bottom Line
Plan ahead for your move. If you genuinely injure yourself or become ill, MedLetter is here to help with same-day documentation.
**Get a sick note for a legitimate illness — [Start here](/get-started/sick_note)**