A cross-country move in Canada is an adventure, but it is also daunting, tiring, and expensive.
Many people move cross-country for a new job, to study, or to start a new way of life. Whatever your reason, it is important to plan well to ensure you stay within your budget and avoid inconveniences like delays or damaged and lost goods.
Relocating with an experienced moving company is cost-effective and convenient for moving cross- country with peace of mind.
Explore your moving options to save time and money by comparing free and no-obligation quotes from our trusted moving partners.
Fill out the short online form on this page today to start planning your move.
Is Cross-Country Moving the same as Long-Distance Moving?
Cross-country and long-distance moving can seem the same, but they do vary slightly in context.
Long-distance moves generally refer to moves of 250 kilometres or more that are within the same province or different provinces (for example, Montreal to Ottawa).
It can also entail moving from one city to another in the same province, such as from Ottawa to Hamilton.
Cross-country moving, on the other hand, entails moving from one end of the country to another, such as from the west to the east coast (Vancouver to Halifax.) The logistical challenges are greater because of the distance involved.
While technically, all cross-country moves are long-distance moves, it is not vice versa. If you are looking for the right moving option, make sure to consider the distance involved when planning your move.
What is the cheapest option for cross-country moving?
Here are some of the cheapest ways to move cross-country, especially if your budget is tight.
Your best choice depends on how much of the work you can do, particularly if you can drive the truck yourself.
1. DIY MOVING
Renting a moving truck and doing the loading and driving is the cheapest option. However, it is also the hardest option as you need to do all the work on your own.
This option is only ideal for small or single households with flexible timelines. Depending on the size of the truck needed and the distance, you could spend anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500 with companies like Penske, U-Haul, and Budget for 1-way rentals.
You will need to drop off the truck in their nearest office.
With DIY moving, you save on labor but you will still have to spend on fuel, rental of equipment, and moving insurance.
You will also need to spend a lot of time on packing, loading and unloading your belongings, and driving.
2. Use a Moving Container
Using a moving container for cross-country moving is ideal if you need more time to load and unload your belongings.
The company (PODS, Big Steel Box, U-Pack, etc.) will drop off the container and collect it after you are done with loading your belongings. The company will also transport your container to your destination.
The cost of renting a moving container ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, but that depends on the distance of the move and the size of the container.
It is one less task for you compared to DIY moving since you don’t need to do the driving.
3. Shipping by Freight
This option is good for moving large boxes and furniture. The cost depends on the volume and weight of your belongings, but it is cheaper than full-service moving companies.
Canada Freight and TSI offer options for cheap moving with less-than-truckload moves.
4. Backloading or Shared Load
This option means movers will load your items into their free truck space on their return trips. It is ideal if you are flexible with the timing of your move.
The cost is usually 30% to 50% cheaper than standard moving rates.
5. Declutter, Sell, or Minimize
One other cheaper moving option is to minimize your belongings by selling what you don’t need or donating them.
If you are making a temporary relocation, you can also consider putting some of your belongings in storage.
Decreasing the amount of your goods will lower your overall moving cost, regardless of which moving option you decide on.
6. Hiring Professional Movers
Believe it or not, hiring professional movers for a cross-country move can still be a cheaper option. It depends on the distance of travel and the volume of goods to be transported.
Why hire Professional Cross-Country Movers?
Cross-country movers can take care of all or some aspects of your relocation, depending on your needs and budget.
When you hire a full-service mover, the company can do the packing, loading, transport, and unloading. They also provide disassembly and reassembly of furniture and storage services. With a full-service move, you don’t need to do anything but focus on getting ready at your new home.
Keep in mind that movers charge fees for cross-country moves based on weight and distance. You can reduce your moving costs by decluttering to minimize the volume of your goods and doing your own packing.
- If you have heavy furniture and appliances, a moving company can still be a cheaper option because you save on time and effort.
- Movers also provide the moving equipment needed and basic standard moving insurance. If you move DIY, you will need to rent a truck, dolly, and other tools. You will also need moving insurance.
- The timing of your move can greatly affect your moving expenses. Moving during peak season or on weekends is usually more expensive due to higher demand.
- You can also ask your moving company if they offer consolidated moves to lower your moving cost.
Compare moving quotes tailored to your move by requesting FREE and NO-OBLIGATION quotes using our short online form.
The Average Cost of Cross-Country Moves in 2025
We understand that COST is a primary consideration for choosing the best moving option for a cross-country move.
Here is a breakdown of the average prices for cross-country moving in Canada to assist you in planning your moving budget.
| Type of Move | Distance | Cost for 1-3 Bedrooms | Timeframe |
| DIY Truck Rental | Vancouver to Toronto (4,400 km) | $2,200 – $5,000 | 5-10 days |
| Moving Container | Calgary to Ottawa (3,500 km) | $3,200 – $6,500 | 7-14 days |
| Backloading (Shared Load) | Montreal to Edmonton (3,600 km) | $2,500 – $4,500 | 10-21 days |
| Full-service movers | Halifax to Vancouver (5,000 km) | $6,500 – $12,000 | 7-21 days |
| Freight | Quebec to Winnipeg (2,500 km) | $2,500 – $4,500 |
Consider the following factors when comparing costs:
- Weight of your goods
- Accessibility
- Packing services
- Storage needs
- Fuel/Toll/Other Surcharges
To get accurate quotes, it is recommended that you obtain multiple quotes from reputable companies. Our partner cross-country moving companies will be happy to send you FREE QUOTES tailored to your move.
Please fill out the short online form on this page to start comparing cross-country moving options today!
When DIY Moving Is Not Ideal for Moving Cross-Country
DIY cross-country moving in Canada is not ideal when dealing with large quantities of belongings.
The risk of damage during the move and the stress of navigating long distances are 2 important reasons to consider getting professional movers.
When you lack the necessary experience or resources, a DIY cross-country move can be especially challenging.
Unless you are moving with minimal furniture or a few belongings across the country, the best strategy is to consider a full-service moving company or a moving container company.
This is particularly true if you are moving with limited help or have a limited timeframe to complete your move.
For large households, you can have more peace of mind and a positive moving experience if you choose to hire a professional moving company.
The Hidden Costs of Cross-Country Moves
Hidden costs in cross-country moving can greatly affect your budget.
These can include additional charges for packing, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, long carry fees, stairs and elevators, bulky items, moving insurance, move cancellation, storage due to delayed delivery, and moving insurance.
It is important to know these hidden costs to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Here is an overview of how these hidden costs work.
Packing Labour:
If you have fragile items or hard-to-pack items on moving day, your movers could charge extra fees for packing labour.
Movers provide a moving quote, but other charges can arise during moving day.
Packing Materials:
If movers provide moving boxes, packing peanuts, bubble wrap, tape, and other supplies, they can be added to your bill.
Disassembly and Reassembly of Furniture:
If movers disassemble and reassemble furniture, the service can be charged extra.
Moving Insurance:
Moving companies provide free basic moving coverage, but it is limited to a certain amount per pound of your items.
If you need additional protection, you will need to buy moving insurance. It is not mandatory, but you will have more peace of mind if you are moving expensive appliances or furniture.
Elevator and Stairs Fees:
Some moving companies charge fees for elevators and stairs.
Long-carry Fees:
If the moving truck cannot pack close to your home, movers may charge extra for carrying your items over a longer distance. This is because it takes them more time to complete the move, and more equipment could be needed.
Cancellation Fee:
Some movers charge fees for cancelling your move, especially at the last minute.
Storage Fees for delayed delivery
If your home isn’t ready on delivery day, movers could charge storage fees for your items per day of the delay.
Some of these hidden costs can be avoided, but others may be beyond your control. By being aware of them, you can budget appropriately and avoid being burdened financially by your cross-country move.
When to Contact Movers for a Cross-Country Move
If you are planning a cross-country move, get in touch with professional movers 8 to 12 weeks before your planned moving date.
Contacting movers ahead of time allows for enough planning, comparison of movers, and confirming your moving date. This is especially important if you are moving during peak season.
Within this time, you can book your moving company, start packing, and finalize plans.
As soon as you finalize your choice of movers and the date, you will be asked to pay a down payment. Don’t worry because this is a standard practice. Your moving company needs assurance that the date they will reserve for you won’t be wasted. However, movers should not ask for a big advance.
The total cost of your move will be paid after your household goods arrive minus your down payment.
Compare Professional Moving Prices at No Cost
When it comes to cross-country moving, the safety of your goods is paramount.
You can ensure a successful and stress-free move by choosing the right professional moving company specializing in cross-country or long-distance moves.
Experienced movers offer a variety of services that can be tailored to your needs so that your relocation is less complicated or difficult.
The good news is that our reputable moving companies can provide you with FREE and NO-OBLIGATION quotes so you can compare and choose the right movers for you!
Fill out the short online form below to receive multiple cross-country moving quotes tailored to your needs.