How much does it Cost to Hire Movers across Canada?

Are you planning to relocate and not sure how much a moving company charges across Canada?

Don’t worry, Let’s Get Moving’s expert movers are here to provide you with all the information you need to estimate how much do movers cost and also pro tips from our 13+ years of experience in moving Canadians.

In Canada, the movers are hired on an hourly basis, and the hourly rate can vary from $150 to $250, excluding taxes. However, there are some other factors that a moving company considers before charging a customer.

• Distance – For short-distance moves (less than two hours of travel time), customers are charged hourly. On the other hand, for long-distance moves, fuel charges are also added depending upon the added distance in kilometers.

• Size of Move – The final cost of movers also depends on the size of the move. The cost of moving a one-bedroom apartment is less in comparison to a two-bedroom apartment. 

• Moving supplies like boxes and packaging supplies is also an essential factor when calculating how much a moving company costs in Canada.

• Method of Payment – Credit card users are charged an extra 3%.

• Additional Charges – Speciality moves like piano, pool table, and artwork moving have different moving rates.

To give you an idea about moving company costs, here is an example of an invoice generated by Let’s Get Moving:

If you hire a full-service moving company to handle packing, loading, transportation, and unloading, the price of movers can range from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000 depending on the distance and the size of your move.

Pro Tip – To get an accurate moving cost estimate for your situation, it is best to contact different Toronto moving companies and request quotes based on your needs. 

This article will explain the different factors that influence the cost of hiring a moving company across Canada, and how they impact the overall moving estimate. 

Let’s explore and check them out:

10 Factors that Impact Cost While Hiring Movers in Canada

1. Moving Distance (KM)

Local Moving Company Rates

For local moves (less than 2 hours travel time), the hourly charges start from the truck yard to the customer location and end when the truck comes back in the yard. Along with that, the customer will find the cost of supplies added to the final bill.

Long Distance Moving Company Rates

For long-distance moves, the travel time includes the entire duration of the journey, which can be multiple days, especially for cross-country moves. It also involves considerations for rest stops, fuel charges, overnight stays, and any delays due to road conditions or weather.

Pro Tip – Before you reach out to the movers near you for an estimate, find out the distance between your current location and the place where you’re going to move to. Read Also – Moving Cost in Toronto (2023)

2. Size of Home

The size of the property directly relates to how much movers cost you in Canada. For instance, the average cost to move a 3-bedroom house in Canada is more than the amount estimated to move a 1-bedroom apartment. 

A larger house means more furniture and stuff to move, so you’ll need more movers to help with loading and unloading. Hence, the moving company estimate will be high. Typical home sizes and the average cost it takes to complete a residential move are listed below:

The average amount of time to complete a move may change based on the volume and weight of items.

3. Seasonality

If cost is your biggest concern, the winter months are your best bet. June to September is the busiest time for moving companies, with higher costs.

Typically, the demand for residential or office moving services is lower during the winter months compared to the peak moving season in the summer. As a result, some moving companies may offer discounts or lower rates to attract customers during the off-peak season.

Read Also – Best Way to Move in Bad Weather

4. Number of Movers

Exactly, having more movers will result in higher costs. 

The number of movers required for a move depends on certain factors, including the size and complexity of the move. 

If you have heavy or bulky items that require special handling, disassembly, or assembly, additional movers may be required to ensure a smooth transition.

5. Cost of Moving Supplies

Opting for packing services provided by the moving company will add to the overall cost. 

How much movers cost will depend on certain factors, such as the volume of items to be packed, the fragility of belongings, the distance of the move, and the level of service needed. 

Also, it includes the cost of basic packing materials such as moving boxes, packing tape, and specialized packing materials for delicate items that usually come at an extra cost.

Pro Tip – You can reduce expenses by packing your items in advance and ensuring that all the boxes are gathered in one convenient location for the movers on the moving day.

6. Method of Payment

Moving companies usually let customers pay in different modes, including cash, certified cheques, credit/debit cards, and e-transfers. 

Paying in cash or debit card does not incur additional costs as it covers the base amount + 13% HST. However, those choosing to pay through a credit card will be charged an extra 3% of the amount. 

Most moving companies in Canada accept all forms of payment, with everything arranged by the professional service provider. It is recommended that the customers discuss their options with the relocation specialists to make sure everything works out on the moving day. 

7. Speciality Moves 

Depending on your specific needs, you might require additional services such as moving pianos, pool tables, appliances, extra large furniture, and so on. 

Special Moving services such as furniture disassembly/assembly, appliance handling, or storage may also come with extra charges. 

8. Provincial and Territorial taxes

Relocating can be expensive, depending on whether you’re moving across the street or the province.  The cost of moving to Toronto is different from the cost of moving to Vancouver. 

Besides the other crucial aspects, tax has a big role in the moving cost for different provinces and territories. While there are some common elements in the tax system across the country, there are variations at the provincial and territorial levels.

Depending on the province you are moving to, you might be subject to different sales tax rates in your moving bill. 

Some provinces have a harmonized sales tax (HST) that combines the federal GST and provincial sales tax, while others have separate provincial sales taxes (PST). This can affect the cost of purchasing goods and services in your new location.

Source – https://www.retailcouncil.org/resources/quick-facts/sales-tax-rates-by-provinc

9. Storage and Shipments 

You can store your belongings in a secure storage facility if there is a delay between your move-out and move-in dates. This will incur additional costs, depending on the number of items you want to store and the duration. 

The cost of storage can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location, size of the storage unit, type of storage facility, and the duration of storage needed. 

Various types of storage facilities are available, including traditional self-storage units, climate-controlled units (for items sensitive to temperature and humidity), and specialized storage options that vary in service and cost.

Pro Tip – To get an accurate idea of the storage cost in your specific area and your storage needs, it’s best to contact local storage facilities and request quotes. Please inquire about any available promotional offers, discounts, or long-term storage deals.

10. Travel Time

Travel time is an essential factor that can significantly impact how much you will be charged by a moving company. It refers to the time taken by movers to move your belongings from your current location to your new destination.

It is primarily influenced by the distance between the two locations and the route taken by the movers. 

Pro Tip – While moving across the streets in the same city, booking your move during a weekday is recommended to avoid rush hour times and more cost.

The Benefits of Moving with Let’s Get Moving in Canada

If you are planning a move, give Let’s Get Moving a quick call for a professional service. Our customer service representatives and sales team will answer all your questions related to moving before hiring our company and offer the best service. Hiring our expert movers can make your relocation less overwhelming and more efficient, giving you a positive moving experience.

The company helps you with:

• Quicker Packing and Unpacking
• Protection from Damage & Loss
• Heavy Lifting
• Saves  you tons of time
• Climate-Controlled Storage Units and much more. 

To learn more about how we can help you complete your relocation as quickly as possible, request a quote online or call us at (647) 371-5229.

FAQS 

How much does it cost to hire movers in Toronto, Ontario?

For a standard local move within Toronto, the moving cost ranges from $150 to $250 per hour for a small moving crew and possibly higher for more movers and additional services like packing.

What day is the cheapest to hire movers?

The cheapest day to move stuff across Canada is by hiring movers on weekdays. You can get discounted hourly rates for weekday moves from the 4th to the 26th of each month.

Are there any standard pricing models for moving services in Canada?

Yes, you can avail of standard moving services in Canada. However, the moving costs can still vary based on aspects like the distance of the move, volume, weight of belongings, and any additional services required.

How much can I expect to pay for a local move within Canada? 

Typically, you can expect to pay $250 and above for a local move within Canada, depending on the moving company you choose and the level of service you require.

What is the average cost of a long-distance move across Canada? 

A long-distance move is more expensive than a local move, and it usually costs $2,000-$6,000 per move for more than 100 kilometers. The additional services required may lead to higher prices.

Are there any hidden costs I should be aware of when hiring movers?

To avoid surprises or hidden charges, review the estimate carefully and ask the moving company to explain any unclear or ambiguous charges.