Find the Best Moving Companies in Toronto and the GTA

The cost of hiring movers in Toronto, 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 Toronto, Ontario. This model is straightforward: the company provides an hourly rate and charges based on the time required to complete your move. To keep costs down, ensure you’re well prepared for the move. Your quote from the best moving companies in Toronto will include an estimated labor time to help provide a precise final cost. 

Services considered in the labor time include:

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

To cover travel time and fuel, Toronto movers may charge for the time taken to drive to and from their office. Alternatively, they may apply a pre-established truck fee, which depends on the distance and truck size. Certain services included in the final price are basic insurance (release value protection), moving blankets, moving equipment, and sometimes wardrobe boxes.

Different Toronto moving companies have varying fee-related policies. Generally, there is an added cost for handling specialty items due to their fragility and weight, which may also require additional truck space. Extra fees may also apply for heavy items like sports equipment and appliances. Additionally, charges may be applied for stairs above the second floor, overnight or storage fees if the move isn’t completed in a day, and fuel fees for longer distances.

Moving insurance provided by the best moving companies in Toronto offers two types of protection: release value protection and full value protection. 

• Release value protection covers damages that occur during the move, offering $0.60 per pound of the damaged item. This cost is typically included in your moving price and does not require a deductible. 
• Full value protection covers damage during the move and in your home, providing coverage between $5 to $10 per pound of the damaged item. This protection usually costs several hundred dollars, includes a deductible, and varies based on the specifics of the move.

The Highway Traffic Act mandates that the City of Toronto, Ontario allow moving trucks to park on the street while loading or unloading, as long as they adhere to parking and traffic regulations on street signs. If using a moving container, you’ll need a temporary street occupation permit to keep it on the road or boulevard. Contact the best moving company in Toronto of your choice to discuss this in advance.

For local moves within Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area, including areas like Hamilton, Markham, Burlington, Kitchener, Vaughan, Peterborough, Scarborough, North York, Whitby, Richmond Hill, Cambridge, St. Catharines, Guelph, Mississauga, and London, booking your movers 1 month in advance is usually sufficient. 

For long-distance moves, even though MovingWaldo will do their best to handle last-minute bookings, it’s best to book top moving companies at least 2-3 months ahead, especially for relocations to or from areas like Montreal, Ottawa, Southern Ontario, Kingston, and the United States. This advance notice helps ensure availability and a smooth transition with our recommended professional Toronto movers. 

Here’s a breakdown to help you visualize:

• Local moves: 2-3 weeks in advance (low season), 6 weeks in advance (high season)
• Long-distance (>50 km): 8 to 4 weeks in advance (low season), 12 weeks in advance (high season)
• Last-minute moves: 1–2 days in advance with little chance (low season), less likely to find availability (high season)

For a stress-free move, it’s always best to plan ahead. Professional moving services and the best moving companies in Toronto are more likely to have availability and can offer packing services, storage solutions, and other moving needs when booked in advance.

To have your move in Toronto or Ontario, Canada fully managed with minimal effort on your part, here’s how the process typically works:

• Initial Contact: Reach out to local Toronto movers or professional moving services in the GTA area. Whether you’re looking for expert Toronto moving businesses or reliable movers from other nearby regions, you’ll discuss your upcoming move, including details about your current property and the new location. Make sure to specify that you want a white glove move/all-in moving services for a high level of service.
• Assessment and Quote: The moving service will conduct a detailed in-home assessment or virtual inventory to evaluate the volume of items, including furniture, pianos, and other high-value items. You’ll receive a comprehensive moving plan and a flat-rate or hourly estimate covering packing materials, labor, specialized services, and transportation.
• Packing and Preparation: On moving day or beforehand, the movers and packers will handle packing services, using protective materials such as bubble wrap and packing tape. The uniformed movers will manage the disassembly of large items and ensure all belongings are securely packed.
• Loading and Transport: The trusted Toronto movers will carefully load your items into the moving truck, ensuring they are secured for transit. They’ll manage the transportation process, navigating the route from Toronto to your new location, and handling all driving responsibilities.
• Unpacking and Setup: Upon arrival at your new home or apartment, the Canadian movers will unload and unpack your belongings. They will assist with furniture assembly, setting up your new place, and arranging items as per your instructions. They might also offer additional services like cleaning and junk removal.
• Final Steps: The moving company will perform a final walkthrough to ensure everything is in order and to address your customer satisfaction or concerns. This final check helps guarantee that all aspects of the move, from loading and unloading to unpacking, meet your expectations for a stress-free experience.

By entrusting your move to experienced Toronto movers or professionals in the GTA area, you can enjoy a smooth transition with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on settling into your new neighborhood.