Toronto’s long distance movers play a vital role today as Canadians move between provinces to find cheaper housing or take advantage of remote work options. The right moving company can turn your cross-city or cross-province relocation into a breeze instead of a headache.
Anyone planning to make a big move in 2025 needs to start early. The best approach is to book long distance moving companies Toronto around 6-8 weeks before your move date. Companies with solid track records like North American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines bring real value to your move. Allied Van Lines stands out as a 95-year old veteran in the moving industry.
People move for many reasons – better jobs, affordable homes, or a change in lifestyle. This piece walks you through the steps to make your long-distance move successful. You’ll learn how to pick reliable movers, understand moving costs, and dodge common moving mistakes that will give a trouble-free move to your new home.
Top-Rated Long Distance Movers in Toronto
Toronto’s moving industry has plenty of options when you need to move far away. You need to think over a company’s experience, services, and track record to pick the right moving partner. Let’s look at five top-rated long distance movers Toronto locals keep recommending.
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines leads the world in long-distance moving with more than 500 agent locations across North America. This company has almost 100 years of experience and uses satellite tracking that lets customers watch their belongings move live. They give you complete services like full-service packing, fragile-only packing, and safe storage options.
The company gives you three pricing choices: bottom-line pricing with fixed totals, not-to-exceed pricing that could cost less than quoted, and customized pricing for moves that fit your needs. North American Van Lines holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Customer reviews tell mixed stories, especially about discounts and problem-solving.
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines has been around for 95 years and stands as one of the most trusted long distance moving companies Toronto offers. They focus on cross-country and interprovincial moves, knowing that long-distance moving is different from local moves.
Their service list includes packing and unpacking, putting furniture together and taking it apart, plus short and long-term storage. Each client gets their own moving team that helps them through every step. Allied also has a worldwide support system that works for local, national, and international moves.
Two Small Men With Big Hearts
Two friends started this company with just one truck. Now, Two Small Men With Big Hearts runs 25 offices across Canada after 40+ years. They work so well that most customers come back or tell friends about them.
The same team loads and unloads your stuff for long-distance moves, and they tell you exact delivery dates – something many other movers don’t do. They also have a smart Value Flex crated moving option that saves money when moving about one room’s worth of items between provinces.
United Van Lines
United Van Lines, a 100% Canadian company, earned the title “Canada’s Moving Company of Choice”. Their network of Canadian movers brings decades of experience in moves between provinces. They keep an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and score 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 3,000 customer reviews.
Beyond regular full-service moves, United lets you do it yourself with quality moving containers and professional drivers. They’ve gotten tech-savvy too, working with Yembo to use AI-powered surveys that create detailed visual lists live.
International Van Lines
International Van Lines shines when you need to move between Canada and the US or overseas. Forbes gives them 4.6 out of 5 stars, and they work in all 50 US states plus more than 150 countries.
They handle both local and worldwide moves with air and ocean freight options. Every move gets two account managers to keep communication clear. Reviews paint a mixed picture though, with some concerns about final costs being higher than original quotes.
How to Choose the Right Long Distance Moving Company
Picking the right moving partner needs good research and attention to detail. Many long distance movers Toronto offer similar services, so knowing how to review them can save you thousands of dollars and prevent major headaches. Here’s a complete guide to find the right moving company that fits your needs.
Check for licenses and insurance
Start by making sure any long distance moving companies Toronto you’re looking at have proper licensing and insurance. Moving companies don’t need a provincial license in Ontario, so you’ll need to do extra homework. See if the company belongs to the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM), which will give a guarantee they follow professional and ethical standards.
For moves between provinces or to the US, make sure the company has permits to work in your destination city. Good movers will show their credentials when you ask. On top of that, insurance isn’t optional—trusted companies give you several insurance choices to keep your belongings safe during the move.
Read third-party reviews
Past customers gave an explanation about how reliable and good the service is. Look beyond what companies say on their websites and check these independent review sites:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- HomeStars
- Google Reviews
- Yelp
A BBB study shows that almost 50% of moving company complaints are about extortion, rudeness, and unprofessional behavior. Look for patterns in bad reviews instead of one-off incidents. Companies with steady high ratings usually keep an A+ BBB rating and handle complaints professionally. Companies with ratings above 4.5 stars and 96% referral rates tend to deliver great service.
Ask for in-home estimates
Good long distance movers Toronto always want to do an in-home or virtual survey before giving you a quote. This step is crucial and helps avoid surprise fees later. If a company gives you a price without seeing your stuff, call it a big warning sign.
During a review, movers look at:
- How much your items weigh and their size
- Special care needed for valuable items
- Challenges like stairs or narrow hallways
- Parking rules and restrictions
Many companies now let you do virtual surveys through FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom. Whatever way you choose, this review helps the company give you a detailed written estimate based on your needs.
Compare quotes and services
Get estimates from at least three different long distance moving companies Toronto to know what prices are fair. As you compare quotes, know how each company figures out costs—some use weight while others, like High Stream Moving, use volume.
Watch out for quotes that seem too good to be true—they often lead to surprise charges after loading your stuff. Ontario law says movers can’t charge more than 10% above the written estimate unless you agree to extra services.
Note that the lowest price isn’t always your best choice. Look at what each quote includes:
- Packing and unpacking help
- Taking apart and putting together furniture
- Special packing for breakable items
- Storage if you need it
Look for transparent pricing
Clear pricing shows you can trust a moving company. Always get written quotes that break down all services and costs. This paperwork protects you from disputes and hidden fees.
Ask about extra costs for stairs, elevators, long carries, or special equipment. Good companies tell you these details upfront instead of surprising you on moving day. You should also ask about price guarantees—some companies, like Atlas Van Lines, promise your final bill won’t go up more than 10% from the estimate.
Taking time to review potential long distance movers Toronto will increase your chances of having a smooth move and protect you from common scams and letdowns.
Understanding Long Distance Moving Costs
Planning to move across the country needs a solid budget. Long distance movers Toronto prices can change based on many factors. A clear understanding of these costs helps you avoid any money surprises during your move.
Factors that affect pricing
The distance to your new home plays a vital role in the final cost. Long distance moving companies Toronto base their charges on travel distance and how much stuff you’re moving. Moving between provinces costs way more than local moves.
Your belongings’ weight and size directly affect the price – more items mean higher costs. Most companies use a three-bedroom home with 7,500 pounds of items as their standard comparison point.
The timing of your move matters too. Moving prices jump 20-30% during summer. Weekend and month-end dates cost extra because more people need movers then.
Sample cost estimates for 2025
A typical long-distance move in 2025 will cost between CAD 3,065 and CAD 23,547, based on how far you go and your home’s size. Moving a 2-3 bedroom house over 1,000 miles costs about CAD 5,991.
Distance makes a big difference in total costs. A 250-mile move for a 2-3 bedroom home ranges from CAD 3,165 to CAD 6,051. The price jumps to CAD 5,902-11,907 for moves beyond 2,500 miles.
Toronto to Montreal moves usually cost CAD 2,090 to CAD 5,573, depending on how much you’re moving and what services you pick.
Hidden fees to watch out for
Your moving budget might face some surprise charges:
- Stair and elevator fees: CAD 69-104 for each flight of stairs, adding CAD 313+ for third-floor homes
- Long carry charges: CAD 1.39-2.79 per foot after 75 feet from truck to door
- Fuel surcharges: CAD 1.39-2.79 per mile for long trips
- Storage fees: CAD 69-418 monthly if your new place isn’t ready
- Weekend/peak season premiums: 20-30% extra on regular rates
Extra costs might include special item handling (CAD 69-209 per appliance) and smaller truck fees (CAD 278-696) when big trucks can’t reach your home.
How to get accurate quotes
Getting exact prices is key. Ask several long distance movers Toronto for home visits or virtual tours. This gives them a full picture of your items’ weight, size, and any moving challenges.
Make sure to get written estimates that list every possible charge. Questions about stairs, elevators, and carrying distances help avoid unexpected costs.
Get quotes from at least 2-3 reliable companies. Look beyond the total price and check what each quote includes. Packing supplies, taking apart furniture, or moving special items might cost extra.
Unlike local moves that charge by the hour, long-distance moves usually price by weight/volume and distance. Your mover should explain exactly how they calculate costs.
Packing Tips for a Smooth Long Distance Move
Your relocation’s success depends on how well you pack your belongings for the trip. Working with long distance movers Toronto means proper packing can make all the difference between items arriving intact or damaged.
Start early and declutter
Starting the packing process early helps reduce stress substantially. You should start packing at least a month before your moving date. Pack seasonal items and decorations first. Decluttering is a vital first step – moving fewer items saves money on transportation costs and packing supplies. You can sell unwanted items to get extra cash for your move.
Label boxes by room
Smart labeling makes unpacking much easier. Put colored stickers or tape on boxes that match specific rooms to show where each box belongs. Labels should go on multiple sides of each box, not just the top. This ensures visibility whatever way boxes are stacked. A master inventory list tracking box numbers, contents, and destinations helps maximize organization.
Use quality packing materials
Quality supplies are the foundations of successful long-distance moves:
- Sturdy corrugated boxes with double or triple walls for heavier items
- Quality packing tape that stays secure during transit
- Bubble wrap and packing paper for fragile items
- Specialty boxes like wardrobe boxes and dish packs
Pack essentials separately
Keep an “essentials box” with items you’ll need right away – medications, toiletries, simple kitchen supplies, and important documents. Prominent long distance moving companies Toronto suggest taking these essentials in your personal vehicle instead of the moving truck.
Think over professional packing services
Professional packers are a great way to get expertise, especially for fragile items. These services typically cost between CAD 69.67 to CAD 97.54 per hour. Professional packers use proper techniques to protect your belongings and offer full packing or fragile-only options. Most movers find that professional packing reduces damage risks and makes the whole moving process smoother.
Avoiding Scams and Common Pitfalls
Toronto’s moving industry faces a concerning increase in scams, as fraudulent movers continue to expand their operations in the region. Moving scam reports jumped 12% in 2023 compared to the previous year. Consumers lost an average of CAD 1,164.85 during each incident.
Red flags to look out for
These warning signs could point to a scam while researching long distance movers Toronto:
- Quotes that seem very low and too good to be true
- They just need large upfront deposits (legitimate movers rarely ask for more than 25%)
- Missing physical business address with only a website and phone number
- They won’t provide written estimates or give estimates without seeing your belongings
- You see movers showing up in unmarked or rental trucks instead of company-branded vehicles
- They want you to sign blank documents or contracts with confusing terms
Legitimate long distance moving companies Toronto always inspect what they’re moving before providing an estimate. You should be suspicious if a company won’t do an in-home or virtual survey before giving you a quote.
How to verify a mover’s legitimacy
Here’s how you can make sure you’re working with legitimate professionals:
Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) membership proves proper licensing. Moving companies in Canada don’t have government regulation, but CAM certification shows they follow professional standards.
Look up reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Watch out for companies that keep changing names to hide negative reviews.
A company’s physical address should be easy to find and visit. Real moving companies have offices, warehouses, and branded moving trucks.
What to do if you suspect a scam
These steps will help if you think you’ve become a victim:
File a report right away with Consumer Protection Ontario and the Better Business Bureau. Toronto residents should also contact Toronto Police Service.
Credit card payments might be recoverable – contact your card company about a possible chargeback.
Ontario law states that movers can’t charge more than 10% above their written estimate unless you agree to extra services. Charges beyond this limit should prompt you to seek legal help. The consumer protection legal clinic at Osgoode Hall Law School provides free help with moving issues.
Conclusion
Moving between provinces brings more challenges than moving locally. You need reliable long distance movers Toronto to make your transition to a new home stress-free. This piece covers everything in planning your 2025 move, from picking the right company to packing methods and costs.
Your best protection against scams and letdowns comes from researching long distance moving companies Toronto thoroughly. Take time to check licenses, look up third-party reviews, get multiple quotes, and look for clear pricing. It also helps to plan your move 6-8 weeks ahead to book quality services when you need them.
Understanding costs plays a big part in successful moves. The final bill depends on distance, timing, and how much stuff you’re moving. Note that summer moves cost 20-30% more than moving during off-peak seasons.
Good packing makes all the difference in protecting your belongings during the move. You can reduce damage risks by a lot when you start early, declutter aggressively, and use quality packing materials. Professional packing services might be worth the extra cost for valuable or delicate items.
Stay alert to protect your belongings and money from scams. Watch out for warning signs like quotes that seem too good to be true, big deposits upfront, or trucks without company logos. The moving industry has its share of frauds, but this piece helps you work with legitimate professionals only.
Your long-distance move needs careful planning, deep research, and partnerships with experienced companies. A smooth transition to your new life deserves time spent finding the right moving partner. The right preparation and a trusted moving company can turn your 2025 relocation into an exciting new chapter instead of a headache.