When getting ready for a move, the most asked question is “What are the moving costs in Ontario?”, especially if you are trying to stick to a budget.
At Compare Movers, we know how to ease your way through this new chapter of your life. Therefore, we provide all the essential information to help you budget wisely, choose the right movers, and even get free personalized quotes tailored to your needs.
- In this article, we break down the average moving costs in Ontario and share expert tips to help you save money so you can relocate with confidence.
What are the hourly rates for movers in Ontario?
Let’s talk about moving costs in Ontario! The cost that professional movers charge you to transport your belongings from one home to another mostly depends on the time of the year.
Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for yourself:
- The priciest time to hire movers is July 1st, with hourly rates ranging between 300$ and 500$ for 3 movers.
- The period between mid-May and the end of June is also on the expensive side, with rates around 175$ to 230$ per hour for 3 movers.
- The cheapest time to move is between September and April, with hourly rates starting around 110$ to 140$ for 3 movers.
Most of the time, you don’t really have the luxury to choose the perfect date. Your lease is up or you sold your home, and then, you try to find the best day to move. But sometimes, you can decide. And if so, here are some tips to help you minimize your moving costs.
- Move on a weekday
- Off-moving season is more affordable
- Avoid holidays and weekends
- High-season prices are the highest
The table below will help you understand better the pricing method of Ontarian movers.
Date | Price/2 movers | Price/3 movers |
May 1st – 30th | 110$ – 165$/h | 130$ – 195$/h |
June 1st – 15th | 125$ – 180$/h | 150$ – 230$/h |
June 16th – 23rd | 150$ – 270$/h | 170$ – 300$/h |
June 24 – 30th | N/A | 175$ – 310$/h |
July 1st | N/A | Up to 500$/h |
July 2nd – 10th | 145$ – 170$/h | 170$ – 200$/h |
July 11 – 30th | 125$ – 150$/h | 170$ – 190$/h |
August 1st – April 30th | 110$ – 150$/h | 130$ – 175$/h |
*These rates are general and approximate. No guarantees are offered.*
What is the average moving cost in Ontario?
According to the services you need, the size of your home and the distance to cover, the cost of moving is influenced by many factors.
In order to help you plan your finances accurately, here are some average price ranges to consider:
- For a local move, you can expect to pay between 650$ and 1 500$. This includes smaller moves within the same city or region, typically within a few hours of work.
- If you're tackling a long-distance move, the cost can range from 2 000$ to 5 000$, depending on the distance and the complexity of the move.
In general, the average moving cost in Ontario falls between 300$ and 5 000$. While this may seem like a wide range, it’s important to remember that your specific needs will strongly influence the final price.
What's the price difference between hiring 2 movers vs. 3 movers?
If you are planning to move professionally to Ontario, from Ontario, or within the province, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how much you’ll be paying for movers.
On average, expect to pay :
140$ - 150$ per hour for two movers
Typically, the rate for two movers includes basic services, like loading and unloading, but could vary based on the size of your move and the distance.
150$ - 250$ per hour for three movers
In need of a bigger crew, this price range might sound like a higher cost.
However, more movers often mean a faster move, saving you time (and potentially money) in the long run.
At Compare Movers, we make it easy to find the best rates for your move. Whether you choose two or three movers, our moving partners are ready to send you quotes.
Based on your needs, they make sure that you’re getting the best value for your budget.
How to estimate your moving costs in Ontario?
If you are here, you might be interested in learning how moving prices are calculated and what are the different pricing methods.
First, it’s important to understand that in Ontario, moving companies generally charge hourly rates, either for 2 or 3 movers.
This means the duration of your move has the biggest impact on the overall cost. With that being said, in some cases, movers may offer a flat-rate price for a move. Yet, the vast majority of movers charge by the hour.
How to estimate your moving costs?
[HOURLY RATE X DURATION] + ADDITIONAL FEES = TOTAL COST OF MOVE
*Additional fees are explained further down in this article.
Hourly rate
- Price per hour: 150$ for 2 movers
- No extra
- Total = 450$
Flat rate
- Fixed price for the move
- No extra
- Total = 2 800$
Be aware of the minimum charge!
You also need to know that it’s not rare for movers to have a minimum charge. which means they will require you to pay a set amount, even if your move takes less time.
For example, if your move only takes 3 hours and the hourly rate is $150, your total would normally be $450. However, the movers may impose a minimum price of $500, meaning even though your move was shorter, you still have to pay the minimum fee.
Always ask about any minimum charges upfront to avoid surprises!
What is a good moving budget in Ontario?
Creating a solid moving budget is key to ensuring you don’t overpay. The right budget depends largely on the size of your move. Here are a few examples to help you plan:
Small move (Studio or 1 bedroom apartment)
- Expect to spend around 650$ to 1 200$.
- For a smaller load, your move might only take a few hours, and you’ll likely need 2 movers
Medium move (2-3 bedroom home)
- For a larger move, the cost will be between 1 200$ and 2 500$.
- This will cover 3 movers for a few hours, plus added costs like packing and insurance.
Large move (4+ bedroom home)
- If you're moving from a large house or family, budget between 2 500$ and 5 000$.
- With more items to transport and a longer distance, you’ll need more movers and extra time.
And that’s not it. The distance is also a key factor in the budgeting strategy.
- Local move: 650$ - 1 500$
- Longer move: 2 000$ - 5 000$
It’s also wise to factor in a little extra for unexpected fees.
To keep your move affordable, start by getting free quotes from movers to compare prices and services.
What is covered in moving costs in Ontario?
When budgeting for your move in Ontario, it’s important to know what’s included in the cost. Typically, your moving fee will cover the basics, like the hourly labour for the movers, transportation of your belongings, and insurance for the move.
What can you expect?
- Labour Costs: loading, and unloading.
- Transportation fees: The cost of driving your items from your old home to your new one, including fuel.
- Insurance: Basic coverage for damage to your belongings during the move.
Always ask for a detailed quote to make sure all services are included. Compare Movers helps you get transparent quotes to avoid hidden fees!
What additional moving fees can you expect?
While your main moving cost covers the basics, there are a few extra fees that might pop up depending on the specifics of your move. Knowing these can help you with your budget.
Here are some common additional fees:
- Mover’s travel cost
- Long distance fees
- Stairs or elevators
- Packing and unpacking
- Packing supplies
- Special handling fees
Each company may offer different services and have different policies on additional fees. For that reason, always ask for a clear breakdown of costs to avoid extra costs on your moving day.
What are the best ways to save on moving costs in Ontario?
Moving doesn’t have to break the bank! Only by implementing some proven strategies, you can easily reduce the price of your move.
Let’s explore the best smart saving tips:
- Move off-season when the hourly rates are lower.
- Do all the packing and unpacking yourself.
- Downsize before the move.
- Ask for multiple quotes from the best movers.
Don’t sleep on it and let Compare Movers help you get free and customized quotes to make your move cost-effective.
Why work with trusted movers from Compare Movers?
Is hiring movers recommended by Compare Movers really worth it? Absolutely! Do you want to know why?
Verified and trusted
Our movers are carefully chosen for their reliability, professionalism, and great customer service.
Customized quotes
By working with Compare Movers, you’ll get personalized quotes that match your unique needs, ensuring you pay only for what you need.
Time and cost-efficient
Our partners offer competitive rates, and with our easy comparison system, you can find the best deal for your budget.
Peace of mind
You are directly connected to movers who are experienced, insured, and equipped to handle everything from start to finish.
Oh and before we forget, it’s entirely free and you are under no obligation to sign a contract. It’s up to you!
Compare up to 5 quotes from professional movers in Ontario, in just a few clicks!
Ready to take the budgeting game seriously? In this case, Compare Movers is happy to guide you through this process.
- Compare moving costs in Ontario easily! Fill out our short form and get up to 5 free quotes from local movers, customized to your needs.
Why settle for anything less when you can choose from the best? Start your new chapter with peace of mind and find the perfect moving company that fits your needs.
