You found a new place. You’re excited. And then it hits you: I have to move all of this.
The first thing most people in Toronto and Durham Region search is some version of “how much do movers cost near me.” And honestly? Most of the results are vague, confusing, or written by companies that just want your phone number without actually answering the question.
We’re going to do things differently. This guide gives you real, honest numbers for local moves in Toronto, Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, and across the Durham Region — so you can plan your budget, avoid getting overcharged, and know exactly what questions to ask before you book.
And yes, we’re On The Move, a local moving company serving this exact area. We’re not going to hide that. But this guide is written for you, not for us.
What’s the Average Cost of Movers in Toronto & Durham in 2026?
Let’s cut straight to the numbers most movers won’t publish on their homepage.
For a local move (under 100 km) in the Greater Toronto Area or Durham Region, here’s what you can typically expect to pay:
- 1-bedroom apartment or condo: $350 – $600 (2–3 hours with 2 movers)
- 2-bedroom home: $550 – $950 (3–5 hours with 2–3 movers)
- 3-bedroom home: $900 – $1,500 (5–7 hours with 3 movers)
- 4+ bedroom home or large move: $1,400 – $2,500+ (full day, 3–4 movers)
- Commercial / office move: Quoted per job, typically $800–$2,000+ depending on size
These are realistic ranges for reputable, insured moving companies in 2026 — not the $99 bait-and-switch quotes you might see advertised online.
What Factors Actually Affect Your Moving Cost?
The range above is wide for a reason. Here are the variables that will move your quote up or down — and why each one matters.
1. Number of Movers & Truck Size
Most local moves use a 2-man crew with a 16–20-foot truck. Larger homes require 3–4 movers. More hands = faster move = fewer hours = lower total bill, even though the hourly rate is higher. A good company will recommend the right crew size for your job.
2. Distance & Travel Time
Local moves in Toronto or Durham Region are typically charged hourly, with a minimum of 2–3 hours. Travel time from the moving company’s depot to your location is often included in the first hour. If you’re moving from Oshawa to Toronto or Whitby to Brampton, that driving time counts.
3. Stairs, Elevators & Parking Access
Moving from or into a condo? Elevator bookings, narrow hallways, and long carry distances add time. Some buildings require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the moving company before they’ll allow movers on-site — always check with your building management in advance and make sure your movers are insured.
4. Packing Services
If you want the movers to handle packing and unpacking, that adds time and cost — but it’s often worth it. Professional packing protects your items better than most DIY attempts and can actually reduce the risk of damage claims. Expect to add $150–$400 to your bill depending on how much needs to be packed.
5. Time of Month & Day of Week
End-of-month dates (the 28th–31st) are the busiest for movers in Toronto and Durham Region because most leases end then. If you can move mid-month or on a weekday, you’ll often get better availability and sometimes lower rates. Saturdays in the summer? Book early — they go fast.
6. Special Items
Pianos, gun safes, large antiques, pool tables, and awkward oversized furniture require special equipment and extra labor. Always disclose these upfront when getting a quote — any honest mover will ask, and it avoids surprises on moving day.
How to Get an Accurate Moving Quote (And Spot the Sketchy Ones)
Here’s something nobody tells you: the $99 moving quote you see advertised online almost never ends up being $99. These lowball quotes are designed to get you to commit, then the bill climbs once your furniture is already on the truck.
To protect yourself, here’s what to do:
- Get a written quote with a clear hourly rate, minimum hours, truck size, and number of movers included
- Ask if there are travel fees, fuel surcharges, or extra charges for stairs or long carries
- Confirm the company is licensed and insured — ask for proof of WSIB coverage and liability insurance
- Check Google Reviews and look for patterns in complaints (late arrivals, hidden fees, damaged items)
- Be specific about what you’re moving when you call — give an honest inventory of large items
A reputable moving company will never pressure you to commit on the spot, and they’ll answer your questions directly. If a company can’t tell you their hourly rate over the phone, that’s a red flag.
Local vs. Long-Distance Moving: What’s the Difference in Cost?
Local moves (within the same city or under 100 km) are almost always charged by the hour. Long-distance moves — for example, from Toronto to Ottawa, Kingston, or anywhere else across Ontario — are typically quoted as a flat rate based on distance, weight, and the size of the load.
For Ontario-wide moves, expect to budget:
- Toronto to Ottawa (450 km): $1,500 – $2,800 for a 2-bedroom home
- Durham Region to Kingston (200 km): $900 – $1,600
- Toronto to Barrie (100 km): $700 – $1,200
These are ballpark figures. Every long-distance move is different. The best approach is always to get a written flat-rate quote that covers everything — fuel, mileage, tolls, and labor.
5 Ways to Lower Your Moving Costs Without Compromising Quality
You don’t have to rent a truck and beg your friends for help to save money on your move. A few smart decisions can meaningfully reduce what you pay professional movers.
- Declutter before you move. Every box the movers don’t carry saves you time and money. Donate, sell, or dispose of things you won’t need in the new place. It also makes unpacking on the other end much easier.
- Pack yourself where possible. If you have time, packing your own boxes is the biggest single way to reduce moving costs. Movers charge for the time they spend packing, so doing it yourself — even just the smaller rooms — saves hours.
- Book on a weekday or mid-month. As mentioned above, Fridays, weekends, and end-of-month dates command higher demand. Mid-month Tuesday? Much easier to get the date you want.
- Be ready when the movers arrive. Every minute the crew spends waiting for you to finish packing last-minute items is a minute you’re paying for. Have everything boxed and labeled before the truck shows up.
- Ask about junk removal in the same visit. If you have items to discard, many moving companies — including us — offer combined moving and junk removal. Bundling services can save a separate trip and separate cost.
Why Local Movers Are Usually the Better Choice in Toronto & Durham
There are large national moving chains operating in the GTA, and they have their place for certain large interstate or international moves. But for local and Ontario-wide moves, hiring a locally owned and operated moving company almost always works out better — here’s why.
- Local companies know the area. They know which condo buildings have tricky parking, which streets in Oshawa have construction, and how to navigate downtown Toronto efficiently.
- You’re not a number. Local movers depend on word-of-mouth and local reviews. Your satisfaction directly impacts their business — that accountability matters.
- Easier communication. You’re talking to the actual team, not a call center. If something changes, you can reach someone who knows your booking.
- Competitive pricing. Without large corporate overhead, local movers can often offer better rates for the same — or better — level of service.
Ready to Get a Real Quote? Here’s What to Do Next
If you’re planning a move in Toronto, Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, Markham, or anywhere in the Durham Region, we’d love to give you a straight, honest quote with no pressure and no hidden fees.
On The Move is a locally owned moving company based in Hampton, Ontario. We’ve been helping families and businesses relocate across the GTA and Durham Region with reliable, insured service and transparent pricing. Whether you need a two-bedroom apartment move, a full commercial office relocation, or help with junk removal before or after your move — our team handles it.
📞 Call us: 289-987-2434
✉️ Email us: onthemoveandjunk@gmail.com
🌐 Get a free quote: onthemove1.ca
We serve: Ajax, Aurora, Barrie, Bowmanville, Brampton, Clarington, Cobourg, Durham Region, Etobicoke, Markham, Mississauga, Newmarket, Oshawa, Pickering, Port Perry, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Toronto, Vaughan, Whitby, and more.