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Moving Costs

The total expenses associated with physically relocating from one home to another, including professional movers or truck rental, packing supplies, insurance, temporary storage, utility setup fees, mail forwarding, and cleaning costs for both properties. Moving costs are often underestimated and can range from $1,500 for a small local move to $10,000 or more for a larger home or long-distance relocation within Ontario.

Why It Matters

Moving costs are one of the most commonly overlooked expenses in a home purchase or sale. Buyers focus on closing costs, land transfer tax, and the down payment but forget to budget for the move itself. For sellers, moving costs come on top of real estate commissions and legal fees. Having a realistic moving budget prevents last-minute financial stress during what is already a hectic transition.

Real-World Example

You are moving from a two-bedroom condo in Toronto to a three-bedroom home in Oakville. A professional moving company quotes $3,200 for a weekday move with two movers and a truck. You spend $350 on packing supplies, $200 on cleaning the condo for the new owner, $150 on utility disconnection and reconnection fees, and $180 to redirect your mail. Your total moving cost is approximately $4,080 -- on top of all other closing costs.

Ontario & GTA Context

Moving costs in the GTA tend to be higher than other parts of Ontario due to demand, traffic, and building logistics. Condo moves often require elevator booking fees ($100 to $500) and proof of insurance from your movers. Some Toronto buildings restrict moves to specific hours or days. If you are moving during the summer months (peak season), expect to pay 20 to 30 percent more for professional movers. Long-distance moves within Ontario, such as Toronto to Ottawa, can easily exceed $5,000 to $8,000 for a typical family home.

How It Works in Practice

Get at least three quotes from licensed movers. Confirm that the quote includes insurance coverage for your belongings in transit. Book early, especially if your closing date falls on a month-end or during summer. If you are buying and selling on the same day, coordinate timing carefully -- many buyers arrange temporary storage as a backup in case closings do not align perfectly.

Common Questions

How much does it cost to hire movers in the GTA?▾
For a local move within the GTA, expect to pay $1,500 to $4,500 depending on the size of your home, the number of movers required, the floor level (condo moves cost more due to elevator time), and whether you need packing services. A basic two-bedroom apartment move with two movers typically runs $1,500 to $2,500. A four-bedroom house with a full pack usually costs $4,000 to $6,000.
Are moving expenses tax deductible in Canada?▾
Yes, if you move at least 40 kilometres closer to a new place of work or post-secondary school. Eligible expenses include transportation, storage, travel costs, and temporary living expenses for up to 15 days. You claim these on your tax return using Form T1-M. The deduction applies to employment or self-employment income earned at the new location.
Should I move myself or hire professionals?▾
A DIY move with a rental truck is cheaper upfront ($200 to $800 for the truck plus gas) but takes significantly more time and effort, and you assume all liability for damage. Professional movers are faster, insured, and handle heavy or awkward items safely. For condos with strict elevator booking windows, professional movers are strongly recommended to avoid overtime fees.
What is an elevator booking fee?▾
Most condo buildings in the GTA require you to reserve the service elevator for your move. The fee typically ranges from $100 to $500 and is often refundable if you complete the move within the allotted time and leave the elevator area clean. You usually need to book one to two weeks in advance through your property management office.

Related Terms

Home Inspection
Title Insurance

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