Typically a local move is one that travels less than 50 miles/80kms - usually within town or between two neighbouring communities. Local moving companies typically charge according to the time required to complete the move. An hourly rate (that varies depending on the size of the crew assigned) is used as the basis of charges. After your estimate, if items are added to your move or removed from your move, the charges may vary. Additional factors affecting the cost (time to complete) include things like access, long carries, stair carries, elevators, as well as any particularly large or complex items being moved.

Moving can feel overwhelming - regardless of the distance you may be travelling. But if you break down the tasks, things can start to feel more manageable. Once you know when you’re going to move - even if the exact date isn’t yet known, there are steps you can take to make the actual move go more smoothly. A checklist can be a big help to keep you organized and on track. There are several available in the Tips section of our website. Our local moving consultants can also provide you with a checklist. Be sure to ask for this resource when you book your estimated appointment.

Scheduling an appointment with several moving companies will help you decide if a professional move is within your budget and also gives you the chance to ask questions. Be sure to ask friends, family, co-workers for recommendations for local moving companies. Do your homework. There are a lot of options in the market - cost should not be your sole consideration when choosing a mover. Look for evidence of accountability and experience. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau, and the Canadian Association of Movers can also help verify movers for you.

During the “peak” moving season - May through September - it’s good to book with as much notice as possible to ensure you secure the date you need for your move. In the quieter months - October through March - more notice is always better but booking two-three weeks in advance is possible. Planning for your local move should definitely start earlier than that. Depending on your community, April may also be a busy month as many post-secondary students are moving home/between residences at this time.

Hourly moves are based on time and an hourly rate (which varies depending on the size of the crew assigned to your move). If the move is large, overtime rates may come into effect. Some local moves may be priced on a fixed rate. Ask your moving consultant what might work best for your needs and budget. Time-based fees are the most common pricing model for local moves.

This depends on the services you have requested and booked. Many local moves are transportation only. Movers will pad and wrap all of your furniture and large items, and put hanging clothes into wardrobe cartons, but otherwise the packing of your belongings into moving cartons is up to you. Still, there are quite a few local customers who do not wish to deal with the work of packing up their items. Packing services are always available with any local move. Usually the professional packing team will visit your home a day before moving day to pack up all of your belongings - or those that you have requested packing services for. The following day the movers will come to load your packed cartons and furniture onto the moving van. In the case of a small move - packing and moving may be completed on the same day. Packing services may be provided for all household items or just fragile or high value items. It’s up to you! Your estimate will include charges for packing and moving if you are interested in purchasing professional packing services.