Top 5 Moving Companies in Ottawa and the surrounding area

Hourly pricing is the most commonly used pricing model in Ottawa. It’s simple, the company will provide you with an hourly rate and charge you based on the time it takes to complete your move. The more prepared you are, the less it will cost.

In your quote, movers will provide you with an estimated labor time, so they can precisely estimate the final cost. 

Services considered in the labor time: 

• Wrapping and protecting 
• Dismantling and reassembling 
• Packing/unpacking (additional service if requested)
• Loading and unloading the truck 
• Miscellaneous requests 
• Driving from the pickup to the drop-off location (and to/from their office) 

To cover travel time and fuel, movers may charge you for the time it takes them to drive to and from their office. Alternatively, they may charge a pre-established truck fee, which will be based on the distance to be driven and the size of the truck. 

Certain services are included in the final price such as: basic insurance (release value protection), moving blankets, moving equipment and sometimes wardrobe boxes.

All moving companies in Ottawa have diverse fee-related policies. Generally, packing and unloading specialty items will be an added cost to your moving bill for their fragility (extra protection required), weight (more workers required), and extra space they may take up in the truck (additional truck required). 

The moving company may charge extra fees for heavy items like sports equipment and appliances. Extra stair fees (above 2nd floor) and overnight or storage fees (if the move was not completed in one day), may be charged. Also, fuel fees could apply, especially for longer distances. 

There are two types of moving insurance protections: release value protection and full value protection. 

Release value protection covers the damages happening in the moving truck and can cover $0.60 per pound of the damaged item. The cost is typically included in the price and there is no deductible.  

Whereas, full value protection applies to damage done in the moving truck and in your home. This can cover anywhere between $5 to $10 per pound of the damaged item. Expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for full value protection, and know that there is a deductible and that it will vary. 

The Condominium Authority of Ontario establishes strict regulations that are important to follow when planning to move to or from a condo. Ask your condo board about these rules upon knowing your moving date.

Elevator reservation – It’s best to discuss this with the condo board in advance, so they can let you know if there are any fees or regulations. The condo board will install padding in the elevator or give you the material to avoid any damage to the elevator. In addition, it is a good idea to plan this ahead of time, so the movers can start planning your move.

Time of the move – It’s highly recommended to ask your condo board if there are specific times when moving is permitted to avoid disturbing the other residents. This is also information that you should give to your moving company, so they can organize the move accordingly. Pro-tip: It’s a good idea to move on a weekday during the middle of the day because most people will be at work and so the building will be less busy. 

Parking – Ask your condo board if there is a specific parking spot where the movers can park the truck, or if a parking permit is needed. In Ottawa, the movers can park on regular vehicle parking as long as they are abiding by the existing parking regulations. Outside these parking regulations, the movers will be required to get an encroachment permit.