Find the Best Moving Companies in Oshawa, Ajax & Whitby

Hourly pricing is a common pricing model used by moving companies across Canada. With this approach, the company charges you based on the time it takes to complete your move, offering an hourly rate. They’ll estimate the labor time required, giving you a clearer idea of the final cost, which helps in staying within your moving budget.

Flat rate pricing, however, is often used for larger or long-distance moves. To provide a flat rate, the company needs to assess various factors, including:

• A detailed inventory list to estimate the weight of your items, especially if you have large, heavy furniture or fragile items like pianos.
• The accessibility of your home, particularly if it’s in a densely populated area.
• Traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.
• Potential complications on moving day, such as weather conditions.

Because of these factors, flat-rate moves tend to be more expensive than hourly-priced moves, especially for complex relocations.

Moving insurance typically comes in two forms: released value protection and full value protection.

Released value protection covers damages that occur during the move and generally compensates at a rate of $0.60 per pound of the damaged item. The cost is usually included in the price, and there is no deductible, making it a popular choice for smaller moves within the same city.

Full value protection covers damages both during transit and at your home. This type of coverage can compensate at a rate of $5 to $10 per pound of the damaged item. It usually comes with a deductible and costs more upfront, making it a better option for moves involving valuable or fragile items, especially for long-distance relocations or moves with multiple stops.

Moving companies in Canada may have various fee-related policies. Typically, packing and unloading specialty items will incur additional costs due to their fragility (requiring extra protection), weight (necessitating more workers), and the extra space they take up in the truck (potentially requiring additional trucks).

You might also encounter extra fees for heavy items like sports equipment, pianos, and appliances. Additional charges could apply for stairs (above the 2nd floor) and for overnight or storage services if the move isn’t completed in one day. Fuel surcharges may also be applied, particularly for long-distance moves.

In many Canadian cities, moving trucks are allowed to park on the streets as long as they are in valid parking spots and actively loading or unloading items. Without a valid parking spot, you may need to apply for a temporary parking permit, typically granted for a limited number of consecutive days.

If the truck is a commercial vehicle, it may need to be parked in a designated commercial loading zone, often with time restrictions. This is particularly important in busy urban areas.

Movers usually handle the process of booking a parking permit for you, but it’s wise to discuss this with them ahead of time to avoid potential fines, which can be a common issue in densely populated neighborhoods.

The best time to move to get a lower price in Canada generally falls between December and March. During this period, moving companies are less busy due to the winter season and the holiday period, making prices more flexible.

Weekdays, particularly from Monday through Thursday, tend to offer cheaper rates as most people prefer to move during the weekends or at the end of the month. If you live in an apartment or condo, moving on a weekday can also make it easier to reserve elevators and parking spots.

Weather is another factor to consider. While snow and rain can complicate moves, many cities offer temporary street occupancy permits for moving days if you notify them in advance. Be prepared for weather-related challenges, especially during the colder months, and ensure you have the necessary gear to protect your belongings.