How Much Do Movers Cost: Average Prices, Fees and Tips

Buying a new house or finding a great apartment is exciting—what’s less enjoyable is organizing the actual move. Moving takes planning, coordination and money, especially when you’re relocating to a different city or province. Including moving expenses in your budget when you buy a home or sign a lease is essential. Understanding how movers charge can help you save time and reduce costs. The following guide explains what to expect, how to choose movers and tips for a smoother moving day.

The average cost of movers in Canada

Moving costs in Canada vary widely depending on several factors: the size of your home, how many items you own, total weight, whether you hire packing help, where you live and how far you are moving. Other variables—such as navigating exterior stairs, using a shared elevator, transporting very heavy pieces like pianos or hot tubs, or moving during peak season (typically May to August)—can increase the final bill. Some items may require movers with specialized training and equipment.

The moving industry in Canada is largely unregulated, so rates are set by individual companies. For local moves—usually defined in a moving company’s contract by a set radius or maximum distance (often around 100 kilometres)—charges are commonly billed by the hour. Long-distance moves are typically billed by weight or flat rates. Many moving companies focus on either local or long-distance moves, though some offer both, and many provide additional services such as packing, storage and junk removal.

As a general guide, hiring professional movers usually costs about $100 to $250 per hour depending on your region and the number of movers booked. Small-town moves tend to cost less than big-city moves. A two-person crew costs less per hour than a three- or four-person crew, but a larger crew can complete the job faster. That trade-off is why it’s important to collect written estimates from several reputable movers before deciding.

Base costs for a local move

Number of bedrooms	Hours	Cost
Studio	3–4	$300–$500
1	3–5	$400–$750
2	5–7	$600–$1,000
3	7–10	$750–$1,800
4	10+	$1,000–$2,500

Why hire professional movers?

It might be tempting to move yourself to save money, but that can come with risks. Improper lifting and handling can cause serious back or neck injuries to you or friends helping you. Professional movers receive training and have experience moving heavy or awkward items safely. They can protect your belongings and your home by using moving blankets, floor runners and the right handling techniques.

Hiring professionals also simplifies logistics: you won’t need to rent or drive a large truck, arrange for a second vehicle, worry about unexpected breakdowns, or spend time packing inefficiently. Movers can load a truck more securely and efficiently, often reducing the total time and stress of moving day. And perhaps most importantly, using professionals lets you focus on other moving-day priorities—children, pets, paperwork and settling into your new space—rather than the physical details of transporting your household items.

How to choose the right moving company

With many moving companies operating in any region, do your homework to find a firm that is reputable, reasonably priced and reliable. Ask for estimates from several movers and compare services carefully. Before calling, prepare a clear list of needs: your moving date, current and new addresses, home size, services required (packing, disassembly, storage), and an inventory of large furniture and estimated number of boxes. Be honest and thorough about what’s being moved—undercounting items will produce inaccurate estimates.

Check certifications and associations where available, and request references if you want additional reassurance. A trustworthy mover should be willing to provide insurance details, proof of workers’ compensation coverage and a verifiable commercial address. Confirming these items reduces the risk you’ll face if damage or injury occurs during the move.

How to avoid moving scams

Scams and low-quality operators exist, so be cautious. Look beyond the first page of online reviews—patterns of one-line five-star reviews clustered on the same dates can indicate fake feedback. Pay attention to how a business responds to negative reviews; professional and transparent responses are a good sign. Ask for documentation for insurance and compensation coverage and verify the company’s business address. If anything feels uncertain, request references and get everything in writing before the move.

Get moving quotes in writing

Once you select a mover, ask for a written quote and a signed contract. Keep copies of all communications—emails, texts and paper documents—so you have a record in case of disputes. Review consumer rights related to moving contracts in your province and discuss insurance options with your home or tenant insurance provider to understand what coverage you already have and whether you should add protection for high-value items.

Get personalized quotes from Canada’s top home insurance providers.*

Home insurance
Renters insurance
Condo insurance

You will be leaving MoneySense. Just close the tab to return.

Moving day tips and tricks

As moving day nears, take steps to keep the process efficient and minimize unexpected costs.

Find low-cost or free boxes. Local retailers, community marketplaces and online neighbourhood groups often give away sturdy boxes. Home improvement stores sell boxes at moderate prices, and your movers or storage facility can supply them if needed.
Consider reusable moving bins. Renting durable plastic bins can be an efficient, low-waste alternative to cardboard for packing and transporting items.
Be packed and ready. For local moves billed by the hour, every minute matters. Empty dressers and closets, seal and label boxes, and have large items disassembled if possible before the movers arrive.
Communicate clearly. Coordinate with roommates or family so everyone understands the plan. Make sure movers know about any special items, extra stops or access issues.
Stick to the plan. Last-minute changes—additional stops or a different delivery address—can increase time and cost. If changes are unavoidable, notify the moving company immediately and get confirmation in writing.
Keep receipts. If your move qualifies as a work- or education-related relocation, some moving expenses may be tax-deductible. Save receipts for moving services, transportation, storage and temporary accommodations for potential claims.

Moving is a major undertaking, but careful preparation makes it far more manageable. Research movers, get written estimates, understand insurance and have a clear plan for moving day. With the right steps, you can reduce stress, limit costs and arrive at your new home ready to settle in.