If you plan to move anywhere in Canada, you need a good moving company that can safely transport your prized possessions.
A long-distance move is usually 250 km or more. It could be in the same province, like from Toronto to Ottawa, or from one province to another, such as from Toronto to Vancouver.
Please note that the distance of a long-distance move could vary from one moving company to another. Some movers consider 160 km as a long-distance move.
A long-distance relocation is complex and may require days or weeks of preparation. The travel time alone can take from 1 day to 3 to 5 days, depending on the distance.
Although such a move can be exciting because it starts a new chapter in your life, it can also become stressful if not executed properly.
To ensure the safety of your household goods and to minimize moving costs, compare the best moving companies for long-distance moves.
Fill-out the short online form on this page and receive FREE and NO-OBLIGATION quotes from our reputable moving partners.
What is a long-distance move?
In Canada, long-distance moves involve relocating to another province or territory or moving a great distance within the same province, usually in excess of 250 km.
It can be a big home relocation or a small move involving a few items. Long-distance relocations in major urban areas are very popular as people move for job opportunities, lifestyle preferences, or for educational goals.
Examples of popular long distance moves include:
- Moving from Montreal to Toronto;
- Moving from Vancouver to Toronto;
- Moving from Ottawa to Toronto;
- Moving from Montreal to Ottawa;
- Moving from Edmonton to Calgary;
- Moving from Calgary to Vancouver;
- Moving from Ottawa to Quebec.
If you are moving for the first time, you will discover that planning a long-distance move can be quite challenging, especially if you are relocating from a large home.
To simplify the process, consider hiring a moving company that offers packing, furniture disassembly, storage, or turn-key moving services.
With the right approach, you can streamline the process and make it more manageable with help from an experienced long-distance moving service.
How to plan a long-distance move in Canada?
As we said earlier, a long-distance relocation will require meticulous planning and foresight. Below are the usual steps to consider for a stress-free move.
Establish your timeline.
Depending on the size of your move, you should start planning 3 to 6 months’ in advance. This period will allow you assess what you kind of help you need, to research movers and their services, and prepare your budget.
Prepare a moving budget.
Make a list of potential expenses such as:
- Moving fees
- Packing supplies
- Travel expenses: fuel, meals, and accommodations
- Moving insurance: Coverage for your household goods during the move.
In setting a budget, you can avoid overspending and budget constraints.
Prepare your Inventory and Declutter
Take inventory of your belongings, decide what you need and what to get rid of. Know that in long distance moves, the weight of your household goods significantly affects moving expenses.
Once you know how much you have to transport, you can determine the type of moving services you will need.
Compare Moving Options
Movers are not all the same in terms of services, pricing, and quality. Depending on your needs and budget, you can compare these moving options:
Professional Movers: Full-service companies handle packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. Obtain quotes from multiple providers to compare services and prices.
Truck Rentals: Best for DIY moves if you can put in personal labor and time.
Portable Containers: Some companies can deliver a portable container where you can load your moving boxes. These will be transported to your destination at more affordable rates. This can work only if you have space to park the portable container until you load all your belongings.
Professional moving companies are suitable for planning a relocation if can’t do the driving or if you have a lot of appliances and furniture.
Aside from the transport of your goods, professional movers can also assist with packing/unpacking, loading and unloading, and short or long-term storage, among others.
How much is a long-distance move?
A long-distance move can cost from $4,500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the distance of travel, the weight of your goods, and other services you need.
While the average spend on a long-distance move of over 100 km is around $4,500, that can easily change based on the weight of your belongings and the destination.
Moving rates are also higher during peak seasons and rising fuel costs can further drive up your moving expenses.
Below are sample moving costs from city to city and province to province in Canada. Keep in mind that these prices are not actual moving quotes and can vary based on the specifics of your relocation.
These prices below are for moving a 2-bedroom home during non-peak and non-weekend.
- Vancouver to Toronto/ Toronto to Vancouver: $2145
- Edmonton to Toronto/Toronto to Edmonton: $6355
- Toronto to Ottawa/Ottawa to Toronto: $2311
- Montreal to Ottawa/Ottawa to Montreal: $879
- Montreal to Vancouver/Vancouver to Montreal: $6400
- Vancouver to Edmonton/Edmonton to Vancouver: $2850
- Winnipeg to Calgary/Calgary to Winnipeg: $1650
While the travel distance between two cities or provinces can be easily fixed, the other two factors that have an impact on the total cost (overall shipment weight and extra services) can only be determined after the movers come for an in-home evaluation.
The final weight of your shipment will be verified on moving day before transport.
The formula for calculating your moving cost is DISTANCE + WEIGHT + EXTRA SERVICES.
Do you have another destination not mentioned in our previous examples?
Fill out the short online form on this page to receive FREE estimates for your move.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Canada?
Some companies specialize in long-distance and cross-country moves. Here are 5 of the most popular long-distance moving companies in the country.
Compare them to see which company fits your requirements. Make sure to compare prices using our free online form!
Trans Atlas Moving Services
Located in Saint-Laurent, Quebec, this moving company is known for its professionalism and high-quality moving services. They have received numerous praises from customers for their excellent handling of furniture and other items for delivery.
Brytor International Moving
Located in Etobicoke, Ontario, this moving company is popular for long-distance and international relocations. Movers make sure your household goods arrive on time and in good condition.
Trans Canada Movers
This moving company in Vancouver, British Columbia specializes in residential and business moves across Canada and to or from the United States.
They have their own fleet of trucks to ensure a smooth moving process for their customers at very competitive rates.
United Van Lines Canada
A household name, United Van Lines provides a wide array of long-distance moving services across Canada. They can deliver your belongings anywhere and assist with packing and storage needs.
Allied Van Lines
For more than 90 years, Allied Van Lines is a popular name for long-distance moves. The company offers tailored moving services based on your needs, including custom crating, storage, and packing.
North American Van Lines
This long-distance moving company is one of the oldest, having been in business for almost a century. They have a comprehensive network that can make relocations across North America seamless.
Reputable moving companies must be licensed, insured, and offer adequate insurance coverage for your move.
To choose the right moving company for your relocation, make sure to check moving reviews. Compare free quotes from our moving partners to get the best price.
What other services can increase your moving cost?
Depending on the size of your move, your budget, and your ability to do some of the required tasks DIY, you may get extra help with your move.
These services are optional and you will be charged extra if you avail them.
Professional packing: Packing is easy if you just need to pack clothes and small items. But if you are moving a 3-bedroom home, it can be challenging.
Furniture, kitchen appliances, mattresses, heavy items, and glassware need to be packed well to prevent damage during transport.
Movers are skilled in packing these items well to ensure they don’t get damaged. The packing supplies are usually included in the cost.
Custom Crating: Some homes may have expensive and fragile items like chandeliers that need to be packed in a certain way for transport. Custom wood crates can be provided by movers to make sure these items are intact.
Furniture Disassembly: If you can’t disassemble your furniture, movers can do it for you. They can also reassemble them in your new location.
Storage: Short or long-term storage can be arranged with your moving company. Climate-controlled storage units are useful if you don’t plan on taking some of your belongings with you or if your new home is not yet ready.
When should I book a Long-Distance Moving Company?
A long-distance move is not usually something you suddenly decide to do on the weekend. It is essential to plan ahead, including booking your long-distance moving company.
It is advisable to start coordinating with a moving company 2 to 3 months before your potential moving day. Request for moving quotes in advance so you can take your time in comparing them and ask questions.
Of course, there are still movers that accept last-minute bookings. But if you book at the last minute, like 2 weeks before your moving day, you won’t have the flexibility to compare and negotiate the price.
It is always better to have as much time to prepare so you can get all your bases covered.
The best time to move is in winter, when the kids are on vacation, and the demand for moving services is low. You can probably benefit from lower rates and save on moving costs!
How to move the cheapest way in Canada?
Moving across Canada can be expensive but you can still look for ways to save on moving costs.
The truth is that saving money can be done in 3 simple and effective ways.
1-Look for an affordable but efficient moving company.
The cheapest way to transport household goods across the country is through an affordable but efficient moving company. Believe it or not, moving companies can offer solutions tailored to your needs and budget. The important thing is to COMPARE movers and their prices.
Some movers regularly transport household goods on specific routes on certain dates, allowing them to reduce their prices.
You can also reduce moving costs by scheduling your relocation during non-peak dates.
2-Take with you only things that really matter.
We accumulate a lot of stuff over time; many of them may have sentimental value but no practical value. If you are relocating, you need to reduce the weight of your belongings to save on moving costs.
Some of the items such as old furniture, old clothes, or mementos will never be used again. It does not make sense to pay to transport them if you don’t plan on using them in the future.
This is the best time to get rid of stuff you don’t really need or want.
3-Pack your belongings yourself.
If you can do your own packing, you can save money on your moving expenses. Another option is to pack what you can manage on your own and let the movers pack what you can’t such as heavy furniture or breakables.
As you can see, it is possible to lower moving expenses with these 3 simple tips.
Finding a high-quality but affordable long-distance moving company is not easy. However, our online comparison toll can simplify that for you.
Just fill out the short online form on this page to receive FREE and NO-OBLIGATION quotes from reputable moving companies near you.
Compare free quotes for your long distance move today and save big time on moving expenses!