How to Budget for a Move in Canada

The movers are usually the biggest line in a moving budget, but they are rarely the only one. A realistic budget covers the move itself, supplies, tax, deposits and the overlap costs that appear around moving day, plus a cushion of 10 to 15% for surprises.

What goes into a moving budget?

Start with these categories and fill in your own numbers:

• Movers: the hourly or flat-rate quote, plus sales tax. That is 13% HST in Ontario, GST only in Alberta, GST and QST in Quebec, HST in Nova Scotia, and GST plus any provincial tax that applies in other provinces. Always check whether a quote is shown before or after tax.
• Truck and travel fees: a flat fee or per-kilometre charge on top of the hourly rate. Ours is a $99 truck fee.
• Packing supplies: boxes, tape, paper, bubble wrap and mattress covers, or the crew’s packing service if you want it.
• Extras: extra flights of stairs, long carries, and specialty items such as pianos or safes.
• Overlap rent or mortgage: a few days where you pay for both homes.
• Cleaning: a final clean of the old home, especially for rentals.
• Utilities and internet: transfer or connection fees and possible deposits.
• Time off work: unpaid days are a real cost.

What do people forget?

• Parking permits or elevator booking deposits at condos and apartments
• Cleaning supplies, light bulbs, curtain rods and small fixes in the new home
• Food for moving day, since the fridge is often empty or unplugged
• Insurance for the move itself, if you want more than basic cover. Basic liability of $0.60 per pound per item is included with Forge Movers; full-value protection is available at the price listed on our pricing page.
• Mail forwarding and updating documents (see our change of address guide)
• For a move between provinces: a new driver’s licence, vehicle registration and possibly a short gap in health coverage (see moving to another province)

How do I keep the cost down?

Declutter before you pack, because you pay to move everything you keep. Book on an off-peak day if you can, which is Monday to Thursday from November to March for us, when our Guelph rate drops from $139 to $129 an hour. Pack ahead of time and clear a path to the truck, because an hourly crew works faster when the work is ready. Our tips to save money on your move go through this in detail.

How do I get a number I can trust?

Request quotes from two or three movers using the same inventory, and compare what is included, not just the headline rate. Ask for the quote in writing. Our guide to comparing moving quotes shows what to look for, and how much movers cost in Canada lists our rates in every province we serve.

A simple way to set the budget

Add up your quotes and estimates, then add 10 to 15% on top. If the total looks too high, the biggest levers are the date, the amount you move and how much you pack yourself. When you are ready for a real figure, request a free quote and we will itemize it for you.