Understanding Your Moving Costs in Canada
Need help budgeting for your next move? Whether it’s local or long-distance, a moving cost calculator can give you a reliable estimate for expenses and help you compare prices across companies—so you can plan with confidence.
So, how much does it cost to move? The price of your move will depend on factors such as distance, home size, shipment weight, and the services you choose.
Average Moving Costs by Move Type
Every move is different, but the table below provides an overview of average linehaul costs based on moving distance and home size.
| 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 |
Key Takeaways
- Moving costs in Canada vary based on distance, home size, shipment weight, and the moving services you select.
- A one-bedroom move of 50–250 kilometers may cost approximately $1,950–$2,335, while longer-distance moves can cost significantly more.
- Optional services such as packing, unpacking, storage, specialty-item handling, and additional labor can increase the total cost of your move.
- You may be able to reduce moving expenses by downsizing before your move, packing your own belongings, comparing quotes, and scheduling during less busy periods.
Factors That Affect Moving Costs
Every move is different and requires different services. The factors with the biggest impact on moving costs include distance, home size, and the weight of your belongings. Travel fees, stair-carrying fees, fuel charges, and other service-related expenses may also affect the final price.
A moving cost calculator can take these factors into consideration and provide an estimated breakdown of expenses to help you plan accordingly.
Breakdown of Moving Services and Their Costs
When using an online moving calculator, you can customize your quote to align with your unique needs. You can select the services you need so your moving plan better reflects your budget and relocation requirements. Here’s a look at some popular moving services that may affect your estimate.
Packing and Unpacking Options
If you don't plan to pack or unpack your items yourself, you can add packing and unpacking services to your moving plan. Movers can carefully pack your belongings and prepare them for transit. Once your items arrive at your new home, they can also assist with unpacking, assembly, and debris removal.
To reduce additional moving costs, consider packing and unpacking some or all of your belongings yourself.
Loading, Unloading and Furniture Disassembly
Movers can help load and unload your belongings from the moving truck. The cost of these services may depend on the layout and accessibility of your property. For example, carrying items up several flights of stairs or moving through a high-rise building with limited elevator access may require additional time or fees.
Depending on the moving company, elevator fees, stair-carrying fees, or other access-related charges may be included in your moving estimate.
Transportation and Logistics
The farther you move, the more you can generally expect to pay. For long-distance moves, transportation and travel-related expenses may be added to your estimate to account for fuel, labor, and logistics.
These costs are especially important when planning long-distance or cross-country relocations. Local moves generally involve shorter travel distances and may therefore have lower transportation costs.
Storage Solutions
Are you downsizing to a condo or apartment? Do you need a temporary solution for your belongings? Storage can be a helpful add-on service if you're downsizing, need additional space, or are moving somewhere temporarily.
Storage can also be useful if your new home isn't ready when you need to leave your current residence. Units are available in a variety of sizes and may be rented on a short- or long-term basis.
Moving companies such as North American Van Lines provide storage solutions as an optional addition to your moving plan.
Specialty Item Handling and Custom Crating
If you need help transporting fragile, valuable, or unusually shaped belongings, consider adding specialty-item handling or custom crating services to your move.
Professional movers can help pack and transport items such as chandeliers, grandfather clocks, artwork, antiques, and other delicate belongings. These specialized services may increase your moving costs but can provide additional protection during transit.
Ways to Save on Moving Costs
Moving can get expensive, but there are several ways to help reduce your overall costs:
- Downsize before you relocate to reduce the overall weight and volume of your shipment.
- Compare pricing and moving estimates from different companies.
- Consider moving on a weekday or during the off-season when demand may be lower.
- Pack and unpack some or all of your belongings yourself.
- Ask friends or family members for help with packing and other moving-day preparation.
Why Choose North American for Your Move
For over 90 years, North American Van Lines has been helping individuals and families relocate across the United States and Canada. We have experience assisting with local, long-distance, and cross-country moves.
Our personalized moving plans allow you to select services based on your budget and relocation needs, helping you build a moving package that works for your situation.
How to Get an Official Moving Quote
Whether you're moving down the street or to a new city, North American Van Lines can help you plan your relocation. If you're ready to get started, use our free online moving calculator to request an estimate for your local, long-distance, or cross-country move.