Cost of Moving Across Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

Young couple sitting on a flour and calculate the cost of moving across Canada
Young couple sitting on a flour and calculate the cost of moving across Canada

Preparing for a move requires many steps. The second important thing after finding a reliable cross-Сanada moving company is setting a budget, which, let’s be honest, is a difficult task. 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? We 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.

Average Cost of Long-Distance Movers

Young couple packing their belongings to reduce moving costs

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.
  • To hire movers who will help you relocate from Toronto to Calgary (or vice versa) costs 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
  • Expect to pay professional movers 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.

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:

Moving Distance

It’s well-known that the distance of a move significantly influences the cost of relocation: a long-distance move means higher costs than a local move. However, 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.

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, don’t plan your relocation for the peak season.

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 extra cost.

Cost of Moving Supplies

If you’re extremely busy or prefer not to handle the packing process and moving supplies yourself, you can always hire packing services from a relocation company. Estimating the cost of moving boxes, bubble wraps, and tape can be challenging, as it depends on several factors, such as the quantity of items, their size, and more.

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.

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. 

Payment Method 

Please be aware that some companies impose extra charges for credit card payments, typically around three percent of the total amount.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Move Across Canada?

So, now that you know the answer to the question “How much do movers cost to hire?”, let’s go on with another important one: “What is the cheapest way to move across Canada?” Here are some handy tips we’ve prepared for you. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Use a Moving Container

For those who need an extra storage unit 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 renting a storage facility.

Conclusion

To sum up, your moving cost can be affected by many factors, such as distance, size of your move, season, additional services you might need, and more. To find out how much hiring a moving company costs, it’s best to consult with a relocation company. Contact us to learn more about prices for local and long-distance moves and get your moving estimate. Our specialist will provide all the necessary information and answer any questions you may have.