Preparing for a move requires many steps. One of the most important and difficult tasks is setting a budget. When planning your expenses, you should consider various factors such as distance, the size of your move, and extra services you may need.
Although creating a financial plan for moving may seem extremely challenging, it is still possible to estimate the rough cost of moving across Canada. So, how much does it cost to move across Canada? Experts at our cross-Сanada moving company have prepared a guide with key information about relocation costs to make planning your expenses easier. It will definitely streamline the process and help you save money and time, so let’s delve in.
H2 What Are the Average Moving Costs in Canada?
To calculate the average moving cost in Canada, you should take into account several factors. To give you a general idea about the price of moving, here are some numbers:
- If you consider hiring movers, be prepared to pay them on an hourly basis. The hourly wages differ depending on the moving company and range from CAD $150 to CAD $250 (without taxes).
- If you are relocating from a one-bedroom apartment, it will cost you between CAD $400 and CAD $800, with two movers working approximately four to six hours.
- Naturally, the larger your current home, the higher the moving costs will be. Relocating a three-bedroom apartment ranges between CAD $1,100 and CAD $1,500.
- Overall cross-country relocation costs can reach between CAD $300 and CAD $17,000, depending on the size of your move, distance, and other factors.
Keep in mind that the provided information is approximate; moving expenses can be influenced by a variety of factors.
H3 Average Cost of Local Movers in Canada
As its name suggests, local moving occurs when an individual, a family, or a company relocates over a relatively short distance. It is considered the most affordable option because fuel costs are lower compared to long-distance relocations. However, you should still be prepared to pay your moving crew for extra services such as packing or furniture disassembly. So, how much does a moving company charge for local moving?
Cost Estimates for Local Moves in Canada
| Size, bedrooms | Approximate time, hours | Expense range |
| 1 | 2 to 5 | CAD $400-$750 |
| 2 | 5 to 7 | CAD $800-$1,100 |
| 3 | 7 to 10 | CAD $1,400-$1,800 |
| 4 | more than 10 | CAD $1,800-$2,500+ |
Basically, the size of the dwelling affects the cost of relocation most significantly, and the same applies to the time necessary for the move. If you’re renting a large house or apartment with several bedrooms, remember that transporting your belongings will require substantial resources. We recommend starting preparations early and wisely planning your budget and time.
H3 Average Cost of Long-Distance Movers
If you are preparing for a long-distance moving adventure, be aware that transportation costs are closely tied to the number of kilometers between your current and new location. When choosing a moving company, pay special attention to the list of destinations they serve. These details, along with pricing, are usually available on the moving companies’ websites. Here are some of the most popular directions with estimated costs:
- Moving from Toronto to Vancouver will cost you approximately CAD $1,300 to CAD $5,000, depending on additional services, the size of the move, and other factors.
- Although the distance from Calgary to Vancouver may seem pretty short, the cities are located in different provinces, and transporting of furniture and appliances can take more time and money than you think. In this case, moving services cost between CAD $1,100 and CAD $3,600.
- Relocating from Toronto to Calgary (or vice versa) will cost between CAD $890 and CAD $7,700.
- As you may know, the distance from Vancouver to Montreal is around 5,000 km, which is really huge. Consequently, the cost of relocation can range from CAD $1,050 to CAD $7,800, depending on your specific requirements.
- If you are planning to relocate from Vancouver to Halifax, your transportation expenses can vary between CAD $1,250 and CAD $11,700.
- The overall cost of relocation from Toronto to Montreal ranges between CAD $1,020 ― CAD $3,050
- Be ready to pay approximately CAD $850 ― CAD $6,000 for the transportation of your belongings from Toronto to Edmonton.
- If you decide to move from Saskatoon to Vancouver, hiring a moving company will cost approximately CAD $830 ― CAD $6,010.
- Moving from Montreal to Toronto is relatively inexpensive, with the total cost ranging between CAD $1,103 and CAD $3,150.
Now you have a general idea of the moving-across-Canada cost. For a precise estimate, it’s best to consult with a moving company.
H2 Factors That Impact the Cost of Moving in Canada
When planning a relocation, people often focus on the cheapest way to move across Canada. However, calculating realistic costs is a key factor for successful relocation. You shouldn’t concentrate on the most economical way to move, as you may face a lot of problems when choosing affordability over quality.
To create a thoughtful financial plan, consider the following factors:
H3 Moving Distance
It’s well-known that the distance of a move significantly influences the cost of relocation. When thinking about how much movers will charge you, consider not only the length but also the condition of the route. It’s better to contact several moving companies and discuss these factors to create the most accurate budget.
H3 House Size
The bigger your home is, the more things you have in there. Consequently, you will need more space in a moving truck to transport them to your new address. Have a look at the table below to learn about average prices.
Cost Estimates for Moves Based on Property Size
| Size of dwelling, bedrooms | Expense range |
| 1 | CAD $300 – $700 |
| 2 | CAD $500 -$1050 |
| 3 | CAD $700 – $1500 |
| 4 | CAD $1000 – $2800 |
H3 Number of Movers
As mentioned before, the hourly rate for movers can vary between different moving companies. On average, movers cost between CAD $100 and CAD $250 before taxes. Naturally, if you have a large home and want to pack (and unpack) your belongings quickly, you should hire 3-4 people. For a one- or two-bedroom apartment, two movers usually suffice.
How Much Do Movers Cost?
| Season | Two Movers | Three Movers |
| High | CAD $130 – $150 | CAD $180 – $197 |
| Mid | CAD $120 – $140 | CAD $165 – $180 |
| Low | CAD $100 – $120 | CAD $150 – $165 |
H3 Moving Season
Relocation has its own seasonality, which might come as a surprise. The peak moving season is during the warmer months, from late May to late September, when moving companies are the busiest, and prices tend to rise.
In contrast, fewer people move during late autumn, winter, and early spring. Therefore, if you’re looking to save your money, consider relocating between November and March.
H3 Services Provided
Some relocation companies offer a wide range of extra services. These include boxing and unboxing your belongings, dismantling and assembling furniture, multi-location delivery and collection, short-term storage, and more. Using these services involves additional costs.
H3 Cost of Moving Supplies
If you’re extremely busy or prefer not to handle the packing process and moving supplies yourself, you can always hiring packing services from a relocation company. Estimating the cost can be challenging, as it depends on several factors, such as the quantity of items, their size, and more.
H3 Travel Time
Travel time is proportional to the distance between your current home and your new address. The condition of the route and the season also impact travel time. For non-professionals, estimating how these factors will influence the cost can be challenging, so we recommend consulting with experts. It’s better to choose days and times when traffic is light to avoid delays.
H3 Insurance
The cost of insurance includes many elements, such as the value of your belongings, their fragility, the distance, and the protection plan. Most companies offer several insurance options, allowing clients to choose the most suitable one. We encourage you not to opt for the cheapest one, as it may not provide the desired coverage in case of an unpredictable situation.
H3 Weight
The weight of your belongings seriously affects the total cost of their transportation. Most local moving companies have weight calculators on their sites, which are very useful when planning the cost to move across Canada. It’s hardly possible to accurately calculate the cost of relocating based on the weight of your belongings by yourself, so consider contacting your chosen moving company and discussing this factor with them.
H3 Payment Method
Please be aware that some companies impose extra charges for credit card payments, typically around three percent of the total amount.
H3 Exceptional Services
If you have expensive items such as musical instruments, antiques, appliances, or similar belongings, you need to inform your relocation company. Your mover should prepare special equipment for transporting your fragile items, which usually involves extra costs.
H3 Storage
When you start packing weeks in advance, you may experience a lack of free space in your current house or apartment. In this case, consider storage solutions, which will make the moving process more convenient and won’t influence the total cost a lot.
H3 Taxes
While setting your moving budget, keep in mind that prices on companies’ websites might exclude taxes. Each province in Canada has its own approach to taxes, which may range from seven to fifteen percent. We recommend researching this topic in advance, as it might be surprising for those who forget about this budget-influencing factor.
H3 Additional Moving Fees
Before calculating the final cost of your move, consider any additional fees. These can significantly impact your budget, so it’s important not to overlook them.
H2 What Is the Cheapest Way To Move Across Canada?
So, what is the cheapest way to move across Canada? Here are some handy tips we’ve prepared for you.
H3 Find Affordable Movers in Canada
Be prepared to check dozens of websites in search of a budget-friendly option. Plan your time for browsing the internet, around two hours a day. Take notes and compare options to make an informed decision. Keep an eye on previous clients’ reviews and check whether your potential moving partner has any hidden costs.
H3 Take Only Valuable Stuff
If saving money is your top priority, consider getting rid of unnecessary items. Think about selling or donating your belongings. The fewer things you transport to your new property, the lower your moving costs will be.
H3 Pack Things Yourself
Some companies offer additional services, such as packing and unpacking your belongings. While this is very convenient, it can also be quite expensive. By boxing up your items yourself, you can definitely save your money.
H3 Rent a Truck To Move
If you consider yourself a safe driver, think about renting a truck to transport your furniture and appliances. This option is certainly cheaper than hiring movers and a driver.
H3 Use a Moving Container
For those who need extra storage space during the moving period, we have a great option. You can rent a moving container, which can even be delivered to your driveway. These containers are generally more affordable than storage at a moving company’s facility.
H2 Conclusion
To sum up, your moving cost can be affected by many factors. To accurately calculate your expenses, it’s best to consult with a relocation company. Contact us to learn more about prices for local and long-distance moves. Our specialist will provide all the necessary information and answer any questions you may have.