Complete Guide to Moving Costs in Canada

Are you planning to move from Vancouver to Toronto? Are you ready to wave goodbye to Manitoba and settle down in Winnipeg? No matter where you're moving to or from, moving is never easy. There are many unexpected costs and tasks associated with the process. Before you start packing, take some time to compare the average costs of moving in Canada to ensure you have the budget for the project.

How much does it cost to move across Canada? We put together a complete guide to help you assess the pricing. Here's everything you need to know:

Average Moving Costs in Canada: Quick Snapshot

The average cost to move across Canada can vary, and the distance will have the biggest influence on pricing. Here's a quick overview of the average moving costs in Canada:

Studio apartment from Toronto to Vancouver: $3,850 - $4,230
Single-family home from Quebec to Vancouver: $11,400 - $13,340
Two-bedroom home from Winnipeg, MB to Calgary, AB: $5,100 - $6,000
Three-bedroom home from Victoria, BC to Edmonton, AB: $6,050 - $7,050

Key Factors That Influence the Cost of Moving Across Canada

The cost of moving across Canada will vary depending on several factors. Here's a quick overview of which factors will influence the price the most:

Home Size: Bigger homes typically have more items that need to be moved, which can lead to higher costs.
Item Weight: Most professional moving companies charge by the weight of your items. A great way to cut costs is to downsize before you relocate. Determine if there are any items you can recycle, donate, or dispose of before your move-out day.
Distance: Long-distance and interprovincial moves tend to be more expensive than local moves, primarily due to higher fuel, transportation and labor costs.
Moving Services: Movers will be as hands-on or hands-off as necessary. Full-service moves can be more expensive, but all aspects of your move are handled by professionals. If you have a tight budget, you can pick and choose which services you need to save on expenses.
Time of the Year: Summer is considered the peak season for moving, so you can expect prices to be higher between May and September than during the winter months.
Day of the Week: Demand for scheduling a move on a weekend is higher than on a weekday, which means it's typically cheaper to plan your move-out day during the week.

Breakdown of Moving Costs by Distance

Distance can have the largest influence on moving costs. The further the distance, the more time and labor are needed from professional movers. For example, you can expect to pay more for a move from Toronto to Vancouver than for a move from Toronto to Brampton. Here's a look at how moving costs differ by distance:

Distance	One-Bedroom	Two-Bedroom	Three-Bedroom
50-250 Kilometers	$1,950 - $2,335	$2,850 - $3,355	$3,780 - $4,410
300+ Kilometers	$4,300 - $5,225	$6,500 - $7,600	$8,385 - $9,780

Service Add-Ons and Their Impact on Price

Add-on services are also available to add to your moving package. It's worth exploring the benefits of these services to determine which might be necessary for your move. Here's a look at some popular add-on services from North American Van Lines:

Storage Solutions

If you need more space or you're relocating temporarily, consider storing your items in a storage unit. Storage units are available for short- and long-term leases. We also have a variety of small and large units.

Fragile-Only Packing

If you need help relocating family heirlooms or breakable items, you can add-on fragile-only packing services to your move. With our fragile-only packing services, our team will arrive with the equipment and packing supplies to protect your items in transit.

Custom Crating

We offer custom crating for chandeliers, sculptures and art pieces. Our custom wooden crates are specifically made for the weight and size of your items. The cost will vary depending on the size and quantity needed.

Specialty Boxes

We offer a variety of specialty boxes for mattresses, wardrobes, picture frames, and more. The cost for these boxes varies by size.

DIY vs Professional Movers: Cost Comparison

When comparing the cost of DIYing a move vs. hiring professionals, you'll always find that hiring professionals has higher upfront costs. The price you're quoted for moving across Canada will include all expenses associated with your move. This included fuel fees, labor costs, moving supplies and transportation.

DIYing your move, you'll be required to pay for everything individually. This makes it more challenging to accurately budget for your move. You'll find that every small expense will start to add up throughout the process. If you DIY a move, you'll need a larger budget to work with to ensure you have enough for gas, lodging, food and unexpected emergencies during the transportation process.

Most homeowners find that the convenience of hiring movers far outweighs the flexibility of doing it themselves during a move.

How to Save Money on Your Canadian Move

If you have a tight budget you need to work with, there are ways you can cut costs and save on your expenses. Here are some quick tips and tricks to consider:

Downsize before you relocate to lower the weight of your belongings
Compare quotes from different moving companies to find the best price
Self-pack your items and only hire movers to assist with the heavy lifting
Invest in a storage unit if you're moving temporarily
Consider using self-pack shipping containers for some of your items

How to Get an Accurate Moving Quote

Once you're ready to start exploring the cost of moving across Canada for yourself, you'll want to get started with a moving cost calculator. A moving cost calculator will provide you with an estimate for your moving expenses. The moving cost calculator takes all potential factors into consideration to provide you with an accurate breakdown of expenses.

Try our moving cost calculator today.

Making Smart Decisions for Your Move

Moving somewhere new is never easy. Before you hire the first moving company you find online, you must take some time to explore the pricing to find the best option for you.

If you're planning a relocation and need help with the heavy lifting, North American Van Lines is here to help. We've been assisting people with relocating across Canada for over 90 years.

Our movers are professionally trained and certified. They know the main highways, rural areas and city streets better than any other moving company in the business. No matter where you're moving to or from, we're here to ensure your next move is as stress-free and affordable as possible.