The common amount to tip movers in Toronto is $5 per hour for each mover. Tips are not included in the quoted moving price and should be provided once the move is completed. Your tip should be based on their productivity and your satisfaction with their work. 

For a small move of 4 to 5 hours, it is recommended to tip each mover more or less $25 but if it is a large move of 8 to 10 hours, it is recommended to tip around $50 per mover. 

As Toronto is a large city with an elevated cost of living, your movers may expect a tip on the higher end of the average. 

Condos in Toronto have rigid rules in place to ensure proper order, especially when it comes to moving. Once you know your move-in/move-out date, it’s recommended to contact your condo board to organize your move and gather important information about the factors below. 

Elevator reservation – Depending on your building, you may have a separate elevator that is used for various delivery services. This is the elevator that would be used on moving day. The condo board will install protective padding in the elevator or possibly, yet rarely, ask your movers to do so. You may also have to pay a small fee. Pro-tip: ask your movers how long they’ll be using the elevator for, so you can reserve the elevator for the right amount of time. 

Parking regulations – Inquire about where the moving truck can be parked, and your condo board will let you know the most appropriate place to avoid bothering the residents. 

Timing – Even though moving can be stressful, it is crucial to be mindful of your new neighbors. A regular working day in Toronto is from 9 to 5, and it would be not only the most respectful time to move, but the most convenient time, as fewer people will be around. 

Noise policies – The City of Toronto’s Noise Bylaw prohibits noise deriving from loading/unloading objects and moving container drop-offs/pick-ups from 11PM to 7AM on weekdays and 11PM to 9AM on weekends and statutory holidays. If a neighbor complains to the authorities about noise deriving from these sources, you may be fined from $500 to $700. 

Pack and move valuables yourself – Move your jewelry, expensive items and small valuables yourself to limit liability on the movers. If you have any highly valuable items, ensure you notify your movers in advance, so they can prepare proper protective gear. 

Empty certain items – Before moving, remember to empty items that can be filled, like lawnmowers (gas), dishwashers, clothing dryers, and cabinets. Movers are forbidden from moving propane tanks, firearms, flammable, hazardous and explosive items. 

Prepare based on the weather – If you are moving between the months of June and mid-September, humidity can be at its peak in Toronto. It is recommended to prepare cold water bottles as a kind gesture to the movers, so they can keep hydrated while taking care of your belongings. 

Contact your condo board or building manager – Inquire about parking, elevator reservation and any other rules in place to avoid fines. Once you have this information, inform your movers as well. 

Practical tips: Remove items hung up on the walls like frames and posters to save the movers time and to keep your items from being damaged. Another tip is to color coordinate boxes and label the items with each room they will go to in your new home. 

While your move-in and move-out date will depend on your availability and circumstances, you may want to consider the following factors before hiring movers.

During summer months (June – August), movers in Toronto will charge higher rates due to the higher demand. The best time of year to move to get a good price is from mid-September through April. 

When leases are up at the end of the month, movers get invaded with moving demands, therefore raising their prices. Weekdays (Mon – Fri) are cheap as most people are at work and not available to move. Weekdays come with benefits if you’re living in a condo or apartment, as there will be fewer people in your way and the elevator will be available. 

1. Change your address: To avoid delays and fines, change your address at least 2 weeks before moving. Important address changes include: driver’s license and vehicle registration, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), banks (credit card), insurance providers, healthcare providers, and various home services like your internet provider.
2. Schedule a deep clean: The best course of action is to hire cleaning help before you move in so that you won’t have the additional challenge of having to maneuver around all the boxes and furniture.
3. Change your locks: Prepare ahead of time by scheduling a locksmith or buying the proper gear to change your locks.
4. Configure utilities with Hydro One: Get in touch with Hydro One and inform them of your new address. You’ll be required to set up payment information and arrange for a meter reading.

1. Where can I park my car? Where can the movers park during move-in day? Does the building have underground parking, or do you need a parking permit to park outside? Your landlord will specify all the details of where the movers can park the truck to unload into your new apartment to avoid fines.
2. How will the apartment be prepared before I move in? Communicate with your landlord to ensure all electrical outlets are functional, and to prepare the elevator for your move. Also, if you have agreed to a cleaning service with your landlord ahead of time, make sure the accordance was carried out.
3. I’m moving in the middle of the month; do I have to pay the rent in full? In this situation, you might be able to negotiate with the landlord to pay half the rent for that month specifically. 
4. When is the first rent payment due? Knowing when the first rent payment is due is important, as you may be moving days or weeks from the set rent payment date. 
5. What is the method of payment? While most rent payments in Toronto are completed through electronic payments like interact e-Transfer, your landlord may be old-fashioned and only take cash.

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