Moving Costs: Key Insights
- Local moves are typically charged by the hour: most companies charge $120 to $200 per hour for a two-person crew with a truck.
- A one-bedroom apartment move in Canada generally costs between $300 and $900, depending on hours worked and location.
- Full-service packing adds roughly $500 or more to the total cost of most moves.
- Moving in summer or at month-end can push rates up significantly, sometimes doubling the standard hourly rate.
- Oversized items like pianos and pool tables carry separate fees on top of standard moving rates.
In this guide, you’ll read about:
- Moving Costs by Home Size
- Cost of Moving Other Items
- Factors That Affect Cost
- Moving Company Costs
- Find a Moving Company on HomeStars
- Frequently Asked Questions
Average Moving Costs in Canada by Home Size
How much does a moving service cost on average? The overall size of your home is the largest factor to consider when calculating the moving cost. The table below shows average prices for a local move based on typical hourly rates charged by moving companies. This includes the truck and the time charged by professional movers. Additional fees may apply for long-distance moves, packing services, storage, and oversized items.
| Size of Home | Estimated Time | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | 3 to 5 hours | $300 to $900 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 5 to 7 hours | $600 to $1,150 |
| 3-bedroom house | 7 to 10 hours | $900 to $1,600 |
| 4-bedroom house | 10 or more hours | $1,300 to $3,000+ |
Moving Rates for Other Items
Oversized or specialty items fall outside standard hourly rates. Most moving companies charge separately for these, so it is worth confirming costs upfront when getting your quote.
Piano moving costs
An upright piano locally typically costs $300 to $600 to move, while a grand piano generally ranges from $600 to $1,500. If the movers need to use a crane or remove a window to extract the instrument, costs can rise considerably above those ranges.
Car transport costs
Moving a vehicle requires a separate car transport service. For shorter distances within a province, the cost is typically $700 to $1,500 per vehicle. Long-distance or cross-country transport generally runs $1,500 to $3,000 per vehicle.
Other oversized items
Other items that are bulky or heavy and take up extra space in the truck will also cost more, including:
- Pool tables: typically $300 to $800, including disassembly, transport, and reassembly
- Motorcycles: charged as a specialty item; confirm with your mover, as most add a flat fee or require a separate transport booking
- Swing sets, lawn tractors, and oversized furniture: generally attract a surcharge of $150 to $500 depending on size and handling requirements
Factors That Affect Cost
There are many factors that can affect the cost of your move. Your current location and the distance of the move are the two biggest. Some others that may affect your final cost are outlined below.
Moving and Packing Services
The more work you have the pros do for you, the higher your total cost will be. If you hire a full-service company to pack, load, unload, and unpack all your items, you can expect to pay an additional $500 or more in hourly costs, depending on the size of your home and the volume of items. Be sure to confirm with your company whether standard packing materials are included in that rate.
HomeStars Tip: To save on costs, pack your own belongings and disassemble furniture ahead of time. Moving all boxes into one convenient spot before the crew arrives can also reduce the total hours charged.
Moving Van and Truck Rental Costs
If you are looking to move on a budget, renting a truck or van and enlisting the help of family and friends is an option. The cost of a rental van or truck varies considerably depending on the size needed, the duration of the move, and fuel. Rental costs generally range from under $75 for a short local move to $2,500 or more for a longer move.
While this can be a cheaper option, it is worth weighing the savings against the time and physical effort involved. Sometimes the cost difference does not justify the labour required.
Access to Pickup and Drop-Off Locations
Be aware of any access difficulties at either address before moving day. There can be extra charges if the movers need to carry items a long distance, navigate multiple flights of stairs, or use a window to hoist items in or out. Having the moving company visit both locations in advance, where possible, allows them to account for these factors in their quote.
Timing of the Move
Summer is the busiest season for movers, and rates reflect that. You can expect to pay significantly more for moving services during summer months, particularly on weekends and at month-end when lease turnovers peak. Moving in fall or winter, or mid-week, typically brings lower rates. If you have any flexibility on timing, it can make a noticeable difference to the final bill.
Moving Insurance
Most professional moving companies include basic liability coverage in their rates, typically around 60 cents per pound per item. If you require full-value protection for higher-value belongings, additional coverage will cost more. Ask your moving company what their standard coverage includes before signing anything.
Average Moving Company Rates
Cost of Hiring a Moving Company
The average moving cost for a local move in Canada typically ranges from $600 to $1,700, with most companies charging $120 to $200 per hour for a two-person crew with a truck. Keep in mind that packing services, peak timing, and access challenges all affect the final figure.
Common Moving Company Estimates
Most moving companies offer an in-home estimate so they can assess the volume of your belongings and the layout of your home before providing a quote. There are generally three types of estimates:
- Binding estimate: You pay only the stated price, even if the shipment weighs more or less than originally estimated. Extra goods not covered by the estimate are not included.
- Non-binding estimate: Does not guarantee a final cost, but the mover cannot charge more than 110% of the estimate at the time of the move. Any additional charges must be paid within 30 days of delivery.
- Not-to-exceed estimate: The final price is based on the binding estimate or the actual cost, whichever is lower. Often referred to as a guaranteed price or price protection.
Tips on Hiring
Keep these tips in mind when looking for a moving company:
- Read reviews: Whether you have a referral from a friend or found a company through a sign, check their rating before committing. HomeStars has reviews from homeowners across Canada who have used moving companies and can give you a real picture of what to expect.
- Get multiple estimates: Compare at least three to four companies to ensure you are getting competitive moving rates and to find the policies that best suit your situation.
- Ask questions: Get clear details on rate structure, payment terms, extra fees, subcontractor use, packing services, storage options, insurance coverage, and what to expect on the day of the move.
Tipping
Tipping is not required, but it is a common way to show appreciation for a job well done. A reasonable amount is between 10% and 20% of the total cost, or roughly $20 to $50 per mover for a half-day job and $40 to $80 per mover for a full day. For a particularly difficult or complicated move, tipping on the higher end is a fair reflection of the extra effort.
Find a Moving Company on HomeStars
Getting multiple quotes from different companies is one of the best ways to keep your moving costs in line. HomeStars connects you with moving companies near you so you can read reviews from other homeowners, compare your options, and make an informed decision before booking. Describe your move, browse responses from available pros, and hire with confidence.
Find moving companies near you on HomeStars
Frequently Asked Questions
Are moving expenses tax deductible in Canada?
If you are moving at least 40 kilometres closer to a new job or post-secondary school, you may be able to deduct eligible moving expenses on your tax return using Form T1-M. Deductible costs can include movers, travel, temporary lodging, and storage. Keep all receipts and confirm eligibility with the Canada Revenue Agency before filing.
What is the cheapest time of year to hire movers in Canada?
October through March is generally the most affordable period, with mid-week moves being cheaper than weekends. Month-end dates, particularly the last few days of the month, tend to be the most expensive due to high demand from lease turnovers. Booking at least three to four weeks in advance gives you more flexibility on timing.
Does home insurance cover damage during a move?
Most standard home insurance policies do not cover damage to belongings during a move. Basic liability coverage offered by moving companies is generally set at around 60 cents per pound per item, which may not reflect the actual value of your possessions. For higher-value items, ask your mover about full-value protection or check whether your home insurance policy has a rider that applies during transit.
What is the difference between a local move and a long-distance move?
Local moves are generally those within the same city or metropolitan area and are priced by the hour. Long-distance moves, which cross provincial boundaries or cover significant distances, are typically priced based on the weight of the shipment and the distance travelled. The pricing structure, contract terms, and timeline for a long-distance move are quite different from a local one, so it is worth getting a specific quote for each.
How far in advance should I book a moving company?
For moves during peak season (May to September), booking four to eight weeks in advance is recommended, particularly if you have a fixed move date. For off-season moves, two to four weeks is generally enough. Some companies, particularly for complex or large moves, may require longer lead times to arrange the right truck size and crew.