Minimums cover the fixed costs of dispatching trained movers, commercial vehicles, insurance, and scheduling overhead — even for smaller jobs.

Traffic, elevators, and parking make move time unpredictable. Hourly pricing reflects real conditions, while flat-rate pricing is more common for long-distance or clearly defined-scope moves.

Expect $600–$1,000 for a 1-bedroom, $1,100–$1,400 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,500–$1,750+ for a 3-bedroom under standard access conditions.

•  Minimum bookings: Most reputable movers require a 3–4 hour minimum

•  Travel / truck fees: A one-time charge (typically $100–$300) covering dispatch time to and from your location

•  Taxes: 13% HST applies in Ontario

•  Credit card payments may include ~3% processing surcharge

If you receive a written estimate, the final invoice generally cannot exceed it by more than 10% unless you approve additional services.

Move mid-week or mid-month, declutter early, pack and disassemble in advance, and compare multiple written, itemized quotes — not just the lowest number.

Several factors have a direct impact on the total price of a move:

Timing & seasonality

Peak season (May–September) can raise rates 15–30%. Weekends and month-end dates cost more; mid-week and mid-month moves are often 10–15% cheaper.

Building access & logistics

• Stairs: $25–$75 per flight
• Long carries from distant parking areas
• Elevator booking restrictions and wait times

• Specialty or heavy items

Pianos, safes, pool tables, antiques, and oversized furniture commonly add $100–$500+ per item due to extra labour or equipment.

Packing & supplies

Packing labour: $40–$80 per hour
Materials: a full packing kit for a 4-bedroom home can exceed $650

Most professional movers charge $120–$250 per hour for a standard crew (2–3 movers with a truck). Rates significantly below $90–$150 per hour often indicate hidden fees, uninsured crews, or incomplete service coverage