When looking for a good moving company, people are most concerned about price.  They want to avoid spending too much on their move at all costs. For this reason, most people look at the moving rates of moving companies and decide based on which is cheaper.

Is it better to move with an hourly rate or get a flat rate from the moving company? People are often nervous about fixed rates as they think it may be too much or they could be ripped off. But then, if you choose hourly rates, you’ll be watching the clock during the move and fret if the truck is stuck in traffic.

 

Below are some points to consider when choosing a mover and how you can manage your moving costs.

 

Hourly Movers and Flat Rate Movers Explained

There are many different types of moving companies and they offer a variety of moving services.  Their charges, however, are not always the same.

Hence, it is important for you to take the time to understand what your moving company will bill you.

 

How Most Movers Charge for an Hourly Move

If a customer is relocating within the same area or across town, the move is local (usually less than 50 miles) and hourly rates are generally offered by movers.

Hourly rates for local and small moves are recommended for the convenience of consumers to keep moving costs down.

Once you contact a reputable moving company for a local move, they send a team to do an in-house assessment to determine the quantity of your goods and what items would require special attention.

Their trained staff can make an evaluation of the length of time (how many hours) it will take to complete a move, the size of truck required, and how many movers you will need.

You are then provided with a moving estimate that specifies how many hours your move will take.

 

What is the hourly rate used by moving companies?

Moving companies have different hourly rates and they vary from one province to another.

In metropolitan areas like Toronto and B.C, hourly rates could be from $100-$150 an hour.

 

The hourly rate will also depend on a few other things:

1. Size of truck
2. Number of movers
3. Time of your move

For example, a moving company may offer $110 for truck and 2 movers and $135 for truck and 3 movers.  If you need additional movers, there will be an extra charge per mover.

Rates are also higher from June to September when the demand for moving services is high.

Many moving companies have a minimum number of hours required. Some movers require a minimum of 3 hours while others require only 2 hours.  Your moving estimate will also include travel time, for example, ½ hour from their office to your location and ½ hour from your new location to their office.

 

What is included with the hourly rate?

You may be wondering what services are included in the hourly rate? Is it only the truck and the movers?

 

Many moving companies will already provide the following with the hourly rate:

• ✓ Moving equipment
• ✓ Dollies, furniture pads, and packing tape
• ✓ Free disassembly and assembly of furniture including tools
• ✓ Basic insurance coverage

Depending on the size of your move, a 2-bedroom apartment could take around 4 hours to move while a 3-bedroom house may take about 7 or 8 hours.

If you are worried your moving cost could get out of hand, you can negotiate with the moving company for a cap of your moving cost.  Movers can also provide a not to exceed moving estimate which means you won’t pay more than the indicated amount.

If your move is completed for less than the number of hours estimated, you will be paying a lower cost.

If you are making a local move, you can find many local moving companies from our network with affordable moving rates.

 

When Flat Rates Are Recommended for Residential Moves

Moving companies also offer flat rates for moving for long distance and cross border moves.  A long distance move includes city to city moves such as from Ottawa to Quebec City and cross border movers such as from Alberta to Atlanta.

 

A flat rate for a move will include:

• ✓ Transport of your household goods by land, sea, or air
• ✓ Moving supplies (moving boxes, packing peanuts, packing tape, labels)
• ✓ Packing services (can be optional)
• ✓ Crating (as needed)
• ✓ Movers
• ✓ Disassembly and Assembly
• ✓ Loading and Unloading

 

How Flat Rate Moving Works

For a long distance or cross border move, you can obtain initial moving estimates with free moving quotes. Once you select a mover, a team will visit your home to assess the volume of your goods.

The movers will determine the price based on weight of your cargo. They will also calculate the number of movers needed to complete the move, moving supplies you will require, and the time it takes to finish the job.

After an in-home assessment, the moving company must issue a final moving quote which can be a guaranteed flat quote or a not to exceed moving quote.

• On moving day, the moving company will make a final weigh-in of your household goods.
• If the weight of your goods exceed the estimated weight, if it is a guaranteed quote, you will pay the same amount.
• In a not to exceed moving quote, you can pay less if the weight is below the estimated weight.

 

Below are some figures for flat rates (full service moves) for local moves:

2-bedroom small house (June to August) – from $850 to $1,100
3-bedroom home (June to August) – from $1,500 up
4-bedroom home (June to August) – from $2,200 up

Each move is different; these figures are averages but can vary (less or more) depending on other factors such as travel time, volume of goods, and time of the move.

Moving rates are also much lower during off season (after September).

 

Movers also charge Flat Rates for Specialty Items

Due to the complexity of moving specialty items, most moving companies also charge flat rates for the following:

• ✓ Pool table
• ✓ Piano
• ✓ Hot Tub
• ✓ Recreational vehicles

For example, a piano moving company will consider the following in providing a flat rate:

• Type of piano for relocation
• The distance of travel
• Difficulties of moving the piano due to stairs, no elevator, and narrow spaces
• How many movers are needed for lifting and moving the piano
• Special equipment required

These factors are used by piano movers to calculate the best moving quote for the customer.

Long distance moving and cross border moves require expertise and experience.  Movers with long distance moving services are familiar with requirements for interstate and cross border moves.  They also have the license and insurance required for transporting household items across state lines.

The bottom line: Choose hourly rate for small moves or moving across town, especially if you plan on doing your own packing. Choose flat rates for more complex and long distance moves.

 

Sample Hourly Rates from Top Moving Companies in Canada

To make it easy for you to compare hourly moving rates, we have compiled rates offered by top moving companies in the country.

Take note that most moving companies increase hourly rates during peak season and holidays.  Further, some movers start the clock upon arrival at your location while others charge for travel time from their office to your location and back.

Moving Company	Hourly Rate	Minimum Hours	Inclusions
Mr. Nice Guy Movers (Calgary)	$99.99/ hour (mid-month) $109.99/hour (month-end)	3 hours + 1 hour travel time	Large truck with 2 movers
2 Burly Men Moving (Victoria, BC)	$95 / hour		Large truck with 2 movers
First Rate Movers (Ottawa)	$115/hour	3 hours	Truck with 2 movers Full value replacement insurance for full-service moves
Cassidy’s Moving and Storage (Ottawa)	$150/hour peak season $105/hour off-peak	4 hours	Truck with 2 movers Moving equipment, pads, dollies
Move Ottawa	$105/hour	3 hours +1 hour travel time	Truck with 2 movers
Dynamic Move (Montreal)	$80/hour		Truck with 2 movers
Alpha Movers (Toronto)	$75/hour	3 hours	Truck with 2 movers
Angel’s Moving (Vancouver)	$99/hour (mid-month) $106/hour (month-end)	3 hours + flat travel time	Large truck with 2 movers
Van City Moving (Vancouver)	$100 – $110/hour	3 hours	Truck with 2 movers
Easy Moving (Kitchener-Waterloo)	$99/hour		Truck with 2 movers

 

These hourly moving rates give you a good idea of how much movers charge. When you compare rates, look at truck size, minimum hours and travel time, and number of movers.

Many moving companies don’t publish rates and provide moving quotes by request.

 

How much will it cost to move from your city in Canada and the US?

Unlike local moves, long distance moves are charged on a per pound basis for moving services in Canada and the United States.  Canada uses the metric system but moving companies use the imperial system for weight shipments and for providing flat rates for interstate and long distance moves.

 

The Cost per pound – Long Distance Moves Are Priced Based on Weight

You are probably wondering how much movers charge per pound for long distance moves. It also varies based on origin and destination as well as the quality of your chosen moving company.

 

The price may also vary based on timing of the move, the insurance coverage, and the accompanying services such as packing and unpacking services.

If you are making a long distance move within Quebec or British Columbia, your moving company may provide you with a flat rate that is not based on weight.

 

Average Long Distance Moving Prices in Canadian Cities

Moving quotes for long distance moves are always approximate because it is difficult to tell your exact moving bill until your cargo is packed and weighed.  Moving costs are calculated on an individual basis since it depends on weight, distance, time, other services obtained, and mode of transport.

If you are making a long distance move, assuming it is more than 1000 kilometers away, you may be paying within the following price range:

 

Size of House	Weight of Cargo	Average Cost
Studio Apartment	2000 pounds	$1500
1-bedroom home	Up to 3500 pounds	$2000 – $2500
2-bedroom home	Up to 6000 pounds	$3800 – $4500

** These figures will increase if you obtain moving services like full packing, piano moving, storage

** These figures are meant to give you a range and not a definite estimate. Rates can be higher or lower depending on your choice of moving company.

 

Your choice of moving company will also affect your final moving cost.  There are many moving companies that offer flat rates for moving to cities where they make regular runs such as from Ottawa to Quebec, Ottawa to Montreal, or to New York City, Boston, and other US cities.

Moving can be very expensive but when you shop for moving services through online moving quotes, you can definitely save a ton of money.

 

Smart Moving Tips to Lower Moving Expenses by 30%

1. Choose an affordable moving company using free moving quotes online. Take the time to ask questions from your mover and check on customer reviews. You shouldn’t go with the lowest quote without making sure your requirements are satisfied.
2. Time your move well. Avoid moving on holidays and weekends when moving rates are higher. Moving companies cut their tariffs during off-season.
3. Whether you are moving locally or long distance, your inventory plays a crucial role in determining your moving cost. Discard items you don’t really need. Inspect items you have stored for a long time and donate or throw out junk items.
4. Do what you can to reduce the moving services you’ll need. You can do your own packing or let your movers pack only fragile and hard to pack items.
5. Anticipate requirements needed during moving day such as parking. Be prepared when the movers arrive to avoid waste of time.

These simple tips can go a long way to reducing your moving expenses, by as much as 30%.

 

Find the Best Moving Companies with our Free Online Quotes

Why should you use 5 free Movers’ Quotes? That’s easy; it is quick, convenient, free, and no obligation.

Our free moving quotes will allow you to compare various movers, their services and their prices, so you can conveniently choose the best moving deal.

This system also helps you to avoid wasting time on the phone and getting confused with phone estimates that are not clearly explained or are misleading.

With written quotes from reputable movers, you can take your time in reviewing your needs and your budget to pick the right moving service.

Making a local or long distance move soon? Fill-out our short online form today to receive competitive moving quotes from experienced moving companies near you.