Hamilton Movers

Hourly pricing is the most commonly used pricing model in Hamilton. It’s simple, the company will provide you with an hourly rate and charge you based on the time it takes to complete your move. The more prepared you are, the less it will cost.

In your quote, movers will provide you with an estimated labor time, so they can precisely estimate the final cost. 

Services considered in the labor time: 

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

To cover travel time and fuel, movers may charge you for the time it takes them to drive to and from their office. Alternatively, they may charge a pre-established truck fee, which will be based on the distance to be driven and the size of the truck. 

Certain services are included in the final price such as: basic insurance (release value protection), moving blankets, moving equipment and sometimes wardrobe boxes.

All moving companies in Hamilton have diverse fee-related policies. Generally, packing and unloading specialty items will be an added cost to your moving bill for their fragility (extra protection required), weight (more workers required), and extra space they may take up in the truck (additional truck required). 

The moving company may charge extra fees for heavy items like sports equipment and appliances. Extra stair fees (above 2nd floor) and overnight or storage fees (if the move was not completed in one day), may be charged. Also, fuel fees could apply, especially for longer distances. 

There are two types of moving insurance protections: release value protection and full value protection. 

Release value protection covers the damages happening in the moving truck and can cover $0.60 per pound of the damaged item. The cost is typically included in the price and there is no deductible.  

Whereas, full value protection applies to damage done in the moving truck and in your home. This can cover anywhere between $5 to $10 per pound of the damaged item. Expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for full value protection, and know that there is a deductible and that it will vary. 

The moving truck will be able to park in front of your building on move in day as long as they keep in mind some regulations. As the City of Hamilton does not offer permit parking on city streets, you may park your vehicle on a street where permitted. It is important to keep in mind, moving trucks cannot be parked for 12 hours and parking is prohibited from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. every day of the year. 

Otherwise, keep in mind the winter regulations to avoid complications for obstructing snow clearing or road maintenance. 

The common amount to tip movers in Hamilton is $5 per hour for each mover. Tips are not included in the quoted moving price and should be provided once the move is completed. Your tip should be based on their productivity and your satisfaction with their work. 

For a small move of 4 to 5 hours, it is recommended to tip each mover more or less $25 but if it is a large move of 8 to 10 hours, it is recommended to tip around $50 per mover. 

Condos in Hamilton have rigid rules in place to ensure proper order, especially when it comes to moving. Once you know your move-in/move-out date, it’s recommended to contact your condo board to organize your move and gather important information about the factors below. 

Elevator reservation – Depending on your building, you may have a separate elevator that is used for various delivery services. This is the elevator that would be used on moving day. The condo board will install protective padding in the elevator or possibly, yet rarely, ask your movers to do so. You may also have to pay a small fee. Pro-tip: ask your movers how long they’ll be using the elevator for, so you can reserve the elevator for the right amount of time. 

Parking regulations – Inquire about where the moving truck can be parked, and your condo board will let you know the most appropriate place to avoid bothering the residents. 

Timing – Even though moving can be stressful, it is crucial to be mindful of your new neighbors. A regular working day in Hamilton is from 9 to 5, and it would be not only the most respectful time to move, but the most convenient time, as fewer people will be around.

Pack and move valuables yourself – Move your jewelry, expensive items and small valuables yourself to limit liability on the movers. If you have any highly valuable items, ensure you notify your movers in advance, so they can prepare proper protective gear. 

Empty certain items – Before moving, remember to empty items that can be filled, like lawnmowers (gas), dishwashers, clothing dryers, and cabinets. Movers are forbidden from moving propane tanks, firearms, flammable, hazardous and explosive items. 

Prepare based on the weather – If you are moving between the months of June and mid-September, humidity can be at its peak in Brampton. It is recommended to prepare cold water bottles as a kind gesture to the movers, so they can keep hydrated while taking care of your belongings. 

Contact your condo association or building manager – Inquire about parking, elevator reservation and any other rules in place to avoid fines. Once you have this information, inform your movers as well. 

Practical tips: Remove items hung up on the walls like frames and posters to save the movers time and to keep your items from being damaged. Another tip is to color coordinate boxes and label the items with each room they will go to in your new home.

While your move-in and move-out date will depend on your availability and circumstances, you may want to consider the following factors before hiring movers.

During summer months (June – August), movers in Hamilton will charge higher rates due to the higher demand. The best time of year to move to get a good price is from mid-September through April. 

When leases are up at the end of the month, movers get invaded with moving demands, therefore raising their prices. Weekdays (Mon – Fri) are cheap as most people are at work and not available to move. Weekdays come with benefits if you’re living in a condo or apartment, as there will be fewer people in your way and the elevator will be available. 

1. Change your address: To avoid delays and fines, change your address at least 2 weeks before moving. Important address changes include: driver’s license and vehicle registration, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), banks (credit card), insurance providers, healthcare providers, and various home services like your internet provider. 
2. Schedule a deep clean: The best course of action is to hire cleaning help before you move in so that you won’t have the additional challenge of having to maneuver around all the boxes and furniture. 
3. Change your locks: Prepare ahead of time by scheduling a locksmith or buying the proper gear to change your locks. 
4. Configure utilities with Hydro One: Get in touch with Hydro One and inform them of your new address. You’ll be required to set up payment information and arrange for a meter reading. 

1. Where can I park my car? Where can the movers park during move-in day? Does the building have underground parking, or do you need a parking permit to park outside? Your landlord will specify all the details of where the movers can park the truck to unload into your new apartment to avoid fines.
2. How will the apartment be prepared before I move in? Communicate with your landlord to ensure all electrical outlets are functional, and to prepare the elevator for your move. Also, if you have agreed to a cleaning service with your landlord ahead of time, make sure the accordance was carried out.
3. I’m moving in the middle of the month, do I have to pay the rent in full? In this situation, you might be able to negotiate with the landlord to pay half the rent for that month specifically. 
4. When is the first rent payment due? Knowing when the first rent payment is due is important, as you may be moving days or weeks from the set rent payment date.
5. What is the method of payment? While most rent payments in Hamilton are completed through electronic payments like interact e-Transfer, your landlord may be old-fashioned and only take cash.