Overview: Movers
Moving companies sell two different jobs. A local move is usually billed by the hour for a crew and a truck. A long haul between provinces is quoted from an inventory, and your load may share a trailer with other households, so it arrives inside a window of days rather than on one promised morning.
Get it all on paper. Canada's Office of Consumer Affairs tells people to get the costs and terms in writing: the number of boxes, the size and value of the big pieces, the price, the payment terms and the timing. It also suggests checking whether the company is certified by the Canadian Association of Movers. A mover who won't put a number in writing has already told you something.
Then plan for the building and the weather. Condo boards usually want the elevator booked at both ends. A winter move needs a shovelled path, floor protection and a crew that doesn't mind salt. In Quebec, the busy season follows the leases, so book early if you're moving around the start of July.
Our listings show what each moving company states on its own website about the work it takes on. Pick your province, then your city, to find crews that load trucks where you live.
What moving services cost in Canada
Compare the same crew size, truck, inventory and billable time. A lower hourly rate does not necessarily mean a cheaper move.
| Service | Planning budget | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Two movers and a truck | C$130–C$150per crew-hour | Local move with two movers and a truck; minimum hours and travel charges stated.Minimum on-site bookings of 2–3 hours can apply, with depot travel or a truck/travel fee added. Ask for the minimum payable total.What this estimate coversIncludes in this budget: Two movers; Moving truck Budget separately or confirm: Packing materials and specialty items; Minimum-time or travel charges beyond worked hours |
| Three movers and a truck | C$170–C$195per crew-hour | Local move with three movers and a truck; minimum hours and travel charges stated.Minimum on-site bookings of 2–3 hours can apply, with depot travel or a truck/travel fee added. Ask for the minimum payable total.What this estimate coversIncludes in this budget: Three movers; Moving truck Budget separately or confirm: Packing materials and specialty items; Minimum-time or travel charges beyond worked hours |
| Packing service | C$100–C$140per two-person crew-hour | Two packers prepare the agreed inventory before moving day.Allow for the packing minimum and chargeable travel; materials are additional. This rate covers the pair, not each packer.What this estimate coversIncludes in this budget: Two-person packing crew Budget separately or confirm: Cartons, tape and protective materials; Moving truck and transport |
| Long-distance move | Scope-based quoteper specified move | Written route, inventory, delivery window and access conditions.Request a written inventory, route, delivery window and total. Confirm weight or volume adjustments, storage, stairs and any shuttle or long carry. Distance, inventory, loading access and the delivery window define the move. Send both postal codes, an itemised inventory or survey, stairs or elevator details and preferred dates; request the full transport and handling total.What this estimate coversIncludes in this budget: Agreed transport and handling Budget separately or confirm: Storage unless specified; Undeclared items |
Example: three hours on site plus one hour of travel
Assumptions:
- Two movers and one truck at the stated local crew rate.
- Three on-site hours plus one hour of chargeable travel, all at the same rate; this meets the booked minimum.
- These hours are an example, not a promised duration for any home size.
(3 on-site hours + 1 travel hour) × C$130–C$150 = C$520–C$600 in time charges.
C$520–C$600 for this example’s crew, truck and paid time.
Not included:
- Packing and supplies
- Parking, specialty-item charges, storage and optional extra protection
What changes the price
- Minimum hours and the billing rules for depot travel and waiting.
- Stairs, elevator reservations, carrying distance and parking.
- Inventory, fragile or oversized items, date and route.
Ask before accepting a quote
- What is the minimum total bill, including travel, fuel and truck charges?
- Which inventory or access changes would allow the written estimate to increase?
- What loss or damage protection is included, and what does additional coverage cost?
Agree when the meter runs
- Write down the minimum, depot travel, waiting time and any separate truck or fuel fee.
- For an hourly estimate, compare the expected hours and complete bill; an extra mover may change both the rate and duration.
Canadian context
For moves between provinces, confirm the responsible carrier, delivery terms and claims process in writing.
Planning amounts in Canadian dollars. Published tax treatment varies; confirm applicable taxes and the final total in your written quote. Rows can be different services, alternative packages or separately priced extras. Add only work that is needed and not already included in your quote.
Frequently asked questions
Local move or long distance: what changes?
Mostly how it's priced and when your things show up. Local jobs usually run on an hourly rate for the crew and truck. A move between provinces is quoted from an inventory, and your load may share a trailer, so delivery lands within a range of days. The Office of Consumer Affairs notes a mover can legally ask to be paid before delivery. In most cases, that payment shouldn't top the estimate by more than a small margin.
Why are movers so hard to book around Quebec's moving day?
Because most housing leases in Quebec end on the same date, the day before Canada Day, so many people move at once. The Tribunal administratif du logement says the outgoing tenant gets no grace period. If they haven't finished, they have to let the new tenant in, and the tribunal suggests clearing a room for the newcomer's things. Book your crew as early as you can and confirm the arrival time in writing.
Does the included cover pay for damage?
Barely. Standard released value protection pays a small set amount per pound for each item, so a light, expensive lamp is worth almost nothing on paper. The Office of Consumer Affairs says replacement value protection, if you buy it from the mover, covers your goods for loss or damage. Check whether your home insurance follows your things in transit. Ask about the claim deadline too, because claims often come with a short filing window.
Should I pay for packing or do it myself?
Split it by what you'd hate to lose. The Office of Consumer Affairs says a mover generally isn't liable for loss or damage to goods the owner packed. So box the books, linens and clothes yourself, and pay the crew to wrap dishes, glass and lamps. Carry your phone, wallet and jewellery on you, as the same office suggests, and keep documents and medication in your own car.
How do I spot a rogue moving company?
The usual script is a cheap quote over the phone, a large cash deposit and a truck with no name on the side. Then the price climbs once your things are loaded. Get a signed written estimate and pay by card. If something breaks or the bill balloons, tell the company in writing first and keep notes of every call. If that goes nowhere, take it to your provincial consumer affairs office.
