How to find cheap movers in Canada

Are you relocating to a new home in Canada? Whether you're moving into a new building in bustling Toronto, a brand-new city in Ontario, or to the opposite side of the country, it pays to get help from movers.

Professional movers can make your life much easier during a move. They take care of the backbreaking labor and can relocate your life in only a fraction of the time it would take if you did everything yourself. While many assume that hiring movers in Canada is costly, you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to get help.

A brief introduction

Let's face it: Moving to a new home can be hectic. There are a million little things to manage as you uproot your life. The process can be stressful even if you move to a new street in the same neighborhood.

Finding cheap movers is a great way to make the process more manageable. They take care of the logistics and labor, allowing you to focus on more pressing matters. While hiring movers is another expense you must cover, their assistance is a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Think about how many trips you'd have to make if you did everything yourself. You'd need to pay for truck rentals, spend time packing, and likely beg your friends for a helping hand. Then, you'd need to cover fuel costs and hope everything gets to your new home in one piece!

When you hire professionals, those worries are nonexistent. You can leave the work to the experts, show up to your new home and start living your new life. Contrary to popular belief, hiring movers doesn't need to be expensive. The key is to do your due diligence and find affordable movers who can meet your needs while providing reliable service.

Factors to consider when hiring affordable movers:

There's no shortage of moving companies in Canada, and quotes for your relocation can vary dramatically from one mover to the next. The overall cost is likely a significant factor in finding the right movers, but it shouldn't be the only thing you consider. Quality of service matters, too.

When you hire movers, you must trust a team with belongings you've collected over a lifetime. Going with the cheapest quote you get could result in less-than-ideal service, lost or damaged items, and bigger headaches than you bargained for.

Consider the following factors to find the best movers in Canada within your budget.

Research and comparison

One of the first things you should do is comparison shop. You know your needs and how much you can spend on your move. Use that as your baseline to start your search. While the cost shouldn't be the only factor you take into consideration, you can use it to rule out higher-priced companies.

Do your research and see what movers operate in your area. Then, compare their prices and services. Moving your belongings from one home to the next is the core service. However, many also go the extra mile to operate as full-service movers. Therefore, you may see additional services like:

• Packing
• Furniture disassembly and assembly
• Materials and supplies
• Truck-loading
• Unpacking
• Packing material disposal

You may also find movers who don't touch certain items. For example, companies sometimes don't handle sensitive documents, perishable items, chemical products, furniture over specific values, or ultra-heavy items like pianos and appliances.

Check out what every mover in your price range offers, compare them to others in the area, and see how the service fits your unique needs.

Timing and flexibility

No two moves are the same. There's always a chance for delays that impact the timeline and how much you pay. Weather and traffic are unpredictable and could affect how long it takes to get your belongings from your old home to your new one.

Always look into timing and flexibility.

For timing, see how movers approach a client's needs. Do they promise to pack and load your items within a specific time frame? How long does the company allot to transport your items? Are there any costs associated with delays? Can the company accommodate you if you need to complete your move by a specific date?

Those are all important questions to answer during your research.

Additionally, the timing aspect also involves considering the season and the day of the week. Opting to move during peak seasons (typically from May to September) and on weekends might incur higher moving expenses.

Movers who emphasize flexibility are ideal. You never know what surprises will arise, so having some wiggle room to minimize stress makes all the difference.

Packing and preparation

Here's another crucial factor to consider.

Not every company approaches moves the same. Some movers leave packing up to you, and they expect your boxes and furniture to be ready by the time they show up. Movers typically have strict preparation rules to ensure safety and efficiency in those cases.

If you opt for a full-service mover, the company may require that you leave most of the packing to them. Generally, movers will provide the supplies and pack your items for you. This hands-off approach is beneficial for both parties. You get to leave packing to the professionals, and your movers use their techniques to ensure everything is secure and safe.

Of course, only some people feel comfortable allowing movers to pack their belongings. Before you hire a moving company, understand its packing and preparation policies.

Local vs. long-distance moves

When you start looking into companies, you'll find that some movers only operate within a specific radius. Always check a moving company's service area before you hire them. Local movers are usually more affordable. They have fewer overhead costs and can often finish moves much quicker.

However, local movers can't and won't serve you if you move to a new province. If that's the case for you, focus your search on long-distance movers. Long-distance moving companies are more expensive but often offer more comprehensive service packages to keep your belongings safe in transit.

Negotiation and transparency

Once you find suitable movers, it's time to start negotiating. Here's where you'll need to use your intuition to understand a company and its service quality better.

Transparency is a big deal in the moving industry. You're paying for an important service and need to know how much it'll cost you. Unfortunately, unscrupulous movers often try to take advantage of people already dealing with a stressful moving experience. To avoid getting caught up in overpriced and less-than-ideal service, look for transparency in pricing and time frames.

When negotiating with movers, discuss the rate, how many hours of service you'll get at your old and new properties, and how many movers will assist you. Question the company about base pricing versus add-ons. Then, inquire about additional fees.

The more transparent and upfront a moving company is, the better! The last thing you want is surprise fees that push the final cost higher than your budget allows.

References and credentials

Finally, don't forget to look for credentials and check references. In Canada, there are no government licensing requirements for moving companies. As a result, the industry has few rules and regulations to abide by.

The best thing you can do is look up the company's service record. Read reviews and ask for references from past customers.

It's also important to check for insurance. Movers don't need insurance to operate legally, but that extra protection matters. Movers with full protection, service guarantees, and insurance show they're serious about their business and reputation.

Additional tips for finding cheap movers in Canada

The best way to find cheap movers in Canada is to shop around. Get at least three quotes to compare prices.

Be confident and knowledgeable when discussing your needs with potential movers. Resist the urge to do all your negotiations online or over the phone. Everyone's needs are different, and one of the best ways for a moving company to provide accurate pricing quotes is to visit your home. Once there, they can see the extent of the job to give you more transparent pricing figures. Many will even offer binding quotes.

Stick with legitimate companies and avoid any “rogue” movers. Many people think they're up for the task of moving your belongings, but professional movers have the tools and resources to get the job done quickly, efficiently, and safely.

Learn more with Nobul

Relocating to a new home in Canada doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. With the best affordable movers in Canada, you can get into your new residence without weeks of backbreaking work. Moving should be exciting and fun, so leave the hard work to the professionals!

Need more information for your next move? Head over to Nobul to check out our homebuyer and seller guides. Nobul can also match you with qualified agents. View listings, read agent reviews, and connect with the experts you need. Get started today!