Typical price ranges by home size
| Home | Truck / DIY | Professional movers | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio or 3 1/2 | 150 to 350 CAD | 400 to 800 CAD | 2 to 4 h |
| 4 1/2 | 250 to 500 CAD | 700 to 1,400 CAD | 4 to 6 h |
| 5 1/2 | 400 to 700 CAD | 1,100 to 2,000 CAD | 6 to 10 h |
| House or 6 1/2+ | 600 to 1,000 CAD | 1,800 to 3,500 CAD | 8 to 14 h |
Truck rental versus professional movers
Truck rental
Pros
Cheaper on small volumes
More flexible scheduling
Can make sense for a well-organized studio or 3 1/2
Cons
Needs physical help
Higher injury and damage risk
Not the same protection level as a mover
Professional movers
Pros
Major time savings
Better fit for bulky furniture
More practical for heavy loads and stairs
Cons
Higher price
Tighter availability around July 1
Quality varies significantly between companies
Most commonly missed costs
Packing materials
50 to 200 CADBoxes, tape, bubble wrap, and protective material.
Parking or permits
0 to 200 CADMay be required depending on the city or neighbourhood.
Cleaning
100 to 400 CADOften left out of the total move-out budget.
Storage
100 to 400 CAD / monthCan add up quickly when dates do not align.
First month of home insurance
50 to 150 CADShould be in place before move-in.
Practical ways to reduce the total
1
Avoid July 1
Prices spike around that date. A small shift in timing can materially change the total.
2
Compare several quotes
Getting at least three quotes remains one of the best ways to avoid overpaying.
3
Declutter before the move
The less you move, the less you pay in time, labour, and truck volume.
4
Find free boxes
Liquor stores, groceries, and local marketplaces are still an easy source of savings.
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical moving price?
For a local 4 1/2, a professional move often lands around 700 to 1,400 CAD, less if you handle part of the work yourself.
Truck or movers?
For a small apartment and a reliable help network, a truck can be rational. For heavier or fragile volumes, movers quickly earn their cost.
Can moving costs be deductible?
Yes in some employment or education cases under federal rules. Receipts need to be kept.
Track the key tasks before and after moving day.Review protection for the new home before move-in.