Moving in Toronto? Whether you’re relocating to a downtown condo, a suburban home in Etobicoke, or a new apartment in North York, choosing the right moving company is one of the most important decisions you'll make. A reliable team can make your move smooth, while the wrong movers can turn it into a nightmare.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to pick a professional moving company that fits your needs, budget, and timeline - without the stress.
1. Start with Research (and Local Reviews)
Toronto is full of moving companies, but not all are created equal. Begin by searching online for movers in your specific area: “Toronto moving companies,” “Scarborough movers,” “Mississauga local movers,” etc. Look at reviews on Google, HomeStars, and Yelp. Pay close attention to recent reviews - companies can change over time.
Red flags include:
- Lots of reviews mentioning delays or damage
- Pushy sales tactics or unclear pricing
- No business address or phone number listed
Look for companies with consistently positive feedback about communication, professionalism, and care for belongings.
2. Verify Insurance and Licensing
In Ontario, professional movers should be fully insured and properly registered. This protects you in case something goes wrong — like damage to your furniture or an injury during the move.
Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation. A legitimate moving company will have no problem providing these documents. If they hesitate, walk away.
3. Ask What’s Included (and What’s Not)
One of the most common causes of frustration is hidden fees. When you ask for a quote, make sure you understand:
- Is the quote hourly or flat-rate?
- Does it include truck fees, fuel, or equipment?
- Are there additional charges for stairs, elevators, or long walking distances?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
Get a written estimate and make sure everything is clearly outlined before you agree to anything.
4. Look for Transparency and Communication
How a company communicates during the booking process says a lot about how they operate. Do they answer your questions clearly? Are they responsive via phone or email?
Great movers will guide you through the process, offer helpful tips, and stay in touch leading up to moving day. If you’re struggling to get straight answers, it’s a red flag.
5. Match Services to Your Needs
Not every move is the same. Think about what you actually need and make sure the company can deliver. For example:
- Local moves: Apartments, condos, or houses within Toronto or the GTA.
- Long-distance: Moving to another city in Ontario or even across provinces.
- Last-minute moves: Some companies offer emergency or same-day moving services.
- Specialty items: Heavy items like pianos, safes, or gym equipment may require specific tools or training.
- Packing/unpacking: If you don’t have time, ask about full-service options.
Choose a company that has experience with the type of move you're planning.
6. Visit Their Website and Social Media
A professional moving company should have a clean, informative website with detailed service pages, contact info, and possibly pricing. Look at their blog, social channels, and photos. Do they show real trucks, real crews, and real jobs? Or just stock images?
Instagram and Facebook are often great places to see recent jobs and customer interactions.
7. Get Multiple Quotes
It pays to compare. Contact 3-5 companies and ask for a written estimate based on your inventory, moving date, and destination. Don’t automatically go with the cheapest offer. Extremely low quotes could mean low-quality service — or surprise charges later.
Instead, look for fair pricing, good communication, and detailed explanations.
8. Check for Extra Value
Some companies go above and beyond by offering:
- Free wardrobe boxes or mattress bags
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Floor protection and door frame padding
- Temporary storage solutions
Ask what extras are included in the price - sometimes a slightly higher quote includes valuable services that save you time and stress.
9. Read the Contract Carefully
Before you sign anything, go through the contract line by line. Make sure all services, rates, and conditions are included. If anything seems unclear or confusing, ask for clarification. Don’t rely on verbal promises - get everything in writing.
10. Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, you should feel confident in the company you choose. Moving is personal - your movers will be handling your most valuable and sentimental belongings. If something doesn’t feel right during the booking process, it’s okay to walk away and keep looking.
Bonus: Average Moving Costs in Toronto
Wondering what a move in the GTA costs? While prices vary, here’s a rough breakdown:
- 1-bedroom local move: $400–$700
- 2-bedroom apartment: $600–$1,000
- 3+ bedrooms or long-distance: $1,200 and up
Remember, these prices depend on the size of your move, time of year, distance, and services included. Weekends and end-of-month bookings tend to be more expensive due to demand.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right moving company in Toronto isn’t just about finding the cheapest rate. It’s about trust, transparency, and finding a team that makes your move easier, not harder.
Do your research, ask the right questions, and always choose a company that puts your needs first. Whether you’re moving across town or across the province, the right movers will help you feel confident from start to finish.
