Find the Best Moving Companies in Ottawa

The cost of hiring movers in Ottawa, ON generally ranges from $120 to $180 per hour. Most companies require a minimum of 3 hours of labor. Keep in mind that if you have unusually large or fragile items, or if your location presents access challenges, the cost may vary.

While MovingWaldo takes care of this for you by listing only Waldo Verified moving companies, here are some steps you can follow to choose the right moving company and avoid scams:

1. Check Ratings and Reviews: Look for companies with at least 4 stars and a minimum of 20 reviews on Google and MovingWaldo.
2. Verify Their Online Presence: Ensure they have a professional website and an active social media presence.
3. Confirm Insurance: Contact them to verify that they have at least the minimum legal insurance coverage of $0.60 per pound, without additional charges.
4. Check Accreditations: Look for accreditations from CAM, BBB (with a rating of B+ or higher), or Waldo Verified on MovingWaldo. Having at least one of these is a positive indicator.
5. Assess Their Experience: Make sure the company has been in the industry for a few years or is well-established.
6. Evaluate Pricing: Be wary of unusually low or high prices. Rates below $100 per hour or above $300 per hour may be red flags.
7. Trust Your Instincts: If you have any doubts, do not hire the company. Avoid movers found on platforms like Kijiji or marketplace sites, as they may present risks such as holding your items hostage.

Additional tips to avoid moving scams:

• Seek Referrals: Get recommendations from friends or family who have had positive experiences with moving companies.
• Use MovingWaldo: Rely on our service to simplify the process and ensure you choose a verified, trustworthy moving company.

Stay safe and make informed choices!

Choosing a Waldo Verified company ensures you receive top-tier reliability and peace of mind. Our thorough screening process guarantees that:

• Legality and Credentials: Movers are fully licensed and insured.
• Quality Assurance: You benefit from exceptional service with transparent, upfront pricing.
• Safety and Security: Comprehensive protection is provided, including a clear cancellation policy.
• Dedicated Support: Whether you book online or by phone, you receive personalized assistance from A to Z throughout the entire process.

To discover how we further safeguard your move, visit our 10 Point Moving Protection page for complete details.

Hourly pricing is the most commonly used pricing model in Ottawa. It’s straightforward: the moving 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, Ottawa movers will provide you with an estimated labor time to precisely calculate the final cost.

Services considered in the labor time include:

• Wrapping and protecting furniture
• Dismantling and reassembling
• Packing/unpacking (additional service if requested)
• Loading and unloading the truck
• Miscellaneous requests
• Driving from the pickup location to the drop-off site (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, 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 due to their fragility (extra protection required), weight (more workers needed), 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 the 2nd floor) and overnight or storage fees (if the move was not completed in one day) may be charged. Fuel fees could also apply, especially for long-distance moves.

There are two types of moving insurance protections: release value protection and full value protection. Release value protection covers damages occurring in the moving truck and can cover $0.60 per pound of the damaged item. The cost is typically included in the price with no deductible. Conversely, full value protection applies to damage done in the moving truck and in your home. It can cover between $5 to $10 per pound of the damaged item. Expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for full value protection, and note that there is a deductible which will vary. 

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

• Elevator reservation: It’s best to discuss this with the condo board in advance so they can inform you of any fees or regulations. The condo board will install padding in the elevator or provide you with the material to prevent any damage. Planning this ahead of time helps the movers organize your move effectively.
• 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 other residents. This is also information you should provide to your moving company so they can plan accordingly. Pro-tip: Moving on a weekday during the middle of the day is ideal as the building will be less busy.
• Parking: Inquire if there is a specific parking spot where the movers can park the truck or if a parking permit is needed. In Ottawa, movers can park in regular vehicle parking spaces as long as they adhere to existing parking regulations. Outside these regulations, the movers will need to obtain an encroachment permit.

The best time of the year to move in Ottawa depends on what one is looking for. If one wants to save money, winter is the cheapest season. The only issue is the weather is not always suitable. Summer is also usually the perfect season where there are no issues with the weather, although it can also be the most expensive. Before hiring movers, just a reminder that the move-in and move-out dates will be based on your availability and specific circumstances. Here are a few things that one could consider:

• The season: The Spring and Fall seasons of the year are the best to move during the year in Ottawa, as there is no threat of severe weather or low humidity.
• Cost: You will find the cheapest rates from mid-September through April since school is in, along with most holidays. The moving companies will have more leeway with prices and their schedules.

Weekdays: Besides lower rates, moving any day from Monday to Thursday is most feasible because most people work and can’t move.