Affordable Ways to Move Cross Country: Top Movers and Best Methods

The cost of hiring movers typically ranges from $120 to $180 per hour for long-distance moves under 500 km. Most companies require a minimum of 3 hours of labor. For moves over 500 km, charges are based on the weight of your items. Keep in mind that costs may vary if you have unusually large or fragile items, or if access to your location is challenging.

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.

Weight-Based Pricing (flat-rate pricing)

To initially determine the price of your move when you receive your moving quote, long distance moving companies and professional moving companies rely on the detailed inventory list of your home that you provide. This list helps estimate the weight and volume of your belongings. On moving day, industrial scales are used to officially weigh the items and establish the final price based on the total weight.

Hourly Pricing

While hourly pricing is uncommon for long-distance moving, some smaller local movers offering long-distance relocations may use this model. Note that these local movers are often less specialized than a larger professional long-distance mover, which typically charges based on weight.

Hourly pricing might work to your advantage if you have fewer items and are moving a shorter distance, such as less than 500 km. Local movers, who generally offer more competitive rates, can provide efficient service for moves within this range, making it a cost-effective option for same-day delivery.

However, for long-distance moves exceeding 500 km, smaller local movers may lack the necessary transportation expertise, potentially leading to additional unexpected costs. Large-scale long-distance carriers, such as van lines, are usually better equipped for these moves, offering a more predictable and comprehensive service.

For both weight-based and hourly-priced moves on long distances, items that are highly fragile, valuable, or unusually large—such as pianos or large appliances—may incur extra charges for crating or special handling by your professional moving company.

Click here to better understand your long-distance moving quote!

For long-distance moving services across Canada, such as those between Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary, you have two main insurance options:

• Release value protection, which is typically included at no extra cost and covers damage at a rate of $0.60 per pound.
• Full value protection, which offers complete coverage for the replacement or repair of damaged items. This usually involves an additional fee and a deductible.

During a cross-country move or any long-distance relocation, you may encounter additional fees such as:

• Costs for packing and handling special items like pianos.
• Charges for moving large appliances.
• Fees for navigating furniture up/down stairs or other difficult access points.
• Fuel fees for the moving truck.

For moves in urban areas of Canada, you might need a temporary parking permit for the large moving truck. If the moving vans are not that big, the movers might be able to park on the street by following the street signs, but this will depend on local regulations and the size of the truck. Many international van lines can help arrange this in advance, so check with them early to avoid any issues.

For local relocations, booking 1 month ahead is usually sufficient. However, for longer cross-country relocations like from Calgary to Toronto or Montreal to Vancouver, it’s best to book 2-3 months in advance. This ensures availability and allows professional moving companies to properly prepare for your move.

Here’s a summary chart for booking timelines:

Booking early helps professional long-distance movers and commercial moving services to provide flexible moving services and organize packing, warehouses, storage, pick up, and drop off logistics, and other aspects of your move efficiently.