A local move in Ontario with two professional movers starts at $119 per hour. Your final moving cost depends mainly on the number of hours, the size of your home, access conditions, travel time, and any additional services you choose.
Pricing reviewed in August 2026. Estimates below are before 13% HST.
Quick answer: Most smaller local moves take approximately 3–7 hours, putting the labour estimate at about $357–$833 before HST at the $119 hourly rate.
This is a planning estimate, not a guaranteed quote. Travel time, packing, stairs, long carries, heavy items, storage, or a larger crew may affect the total.
Average Moving Cost in Ontario by Home Size
The table below uses an hourly rate of $119 for two professional movers. The time ranges are practical planning estimates; the actual duration depends on how much you are moving and how easy both properties are to access.
| Home size | Estimated time | Estimated cost | With 13% HST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio apartment | 3–4 hours | $357–$476 | $403–$538 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | 4–6 hours | $476–$714 | $538–$807 |
| 2-bedroom home | 5–7 hours | $595–$833 | $672–$941 |
| 3-bedroom home | 7–10 hours | $833–$1,190 | $941–$1,345 |
| 4+ bedroom home | 10–14+ hours | $1,190–$1,666+ | $1,345–$1,883+ |
Estimates are based only on $119 × estimated hours for a two-mover crew. Larger homes may require an additional mover or a customized quote.
How Are Moving Costs Calculated?
Most local moves in the GTA are priced by the hour. You pay for the time needed to complete the move, plus any agreed additional services or charges.
Hourly Pricing
Hourly pricing works well for local moves because the final amount reflects the actual time required. At $119 per hour, a five-hour move costs $595 before HST.
Flat-Rate Pricing
A flat rate is more common for long-distance moves. It may be based on distance, shipment size, access, and requested services rather than hours alone.
What Can Change the Number of Hours?
- The volume of furniture and boxes
- Elevator availability, stairs, and long hallways
- Walking distance between the truck and the entrance
- Traffic and travel time between locations
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Whether everything is packed and ready before the crew arrives
Additional Moving Costs to Consider
Ask what is included before booking. Depending on the details of your move, your quote may include separate charges for the following:
Packing
Boxes, packing materials, and professional packing or unpacking services.
Heavy or Specialty Items
Pianos, safes, pool tables, artwork, antiques, or unusually large furniture.
Access Challenges
Multiple flights of stairs, long carries, difficult parking, or elevator delays can add time.
Storage
Short- or long-term storage if your new property is not ready for delivery.
Mention all special items and access conditions when requesting your moving quote. A complete inventory helps the moving company recommend the right crew and provide a more accurate estimate.
Your Rights When Hiring Movers in Ontario
Get the estimate in writing and make sure it is included in your contract.
Ontario guidance says a moving-service contract worth more than $50 must be in writing. If an estimate is included in the contract, the mover generally cannot charge more than 10% above it unless you request additional or different services and agree to the change.
Before booking, confirm that the written agreement includes:
- The company name, address, and contact information
- A clear description of the moving services
- An itemized list of prices and the total estimated cost
- The number of movers, estimated hours, and vehicle size
- Payment terms and the scheduled moving date
- Responsibility for loss or damage and available protection options
Protecting Your Belongings During a Move
Ask the mover to explain its basic liability and any replacement value protection available. Without added replacement value protection, a mover’s liability for loss or damage may be limited—commonly to approximately $0.60 per pound ($1.32 per kilogram) per item.
Check your homeowner’s or tenant’s insurance as well. Coverage varies, and high-value items such as artwork should be declared before the move. Review all conditions and exclusions before choosing protection.
How to Reduce Your Moving Cost
- Declutter first: fewer items usually mean fewer hours.
- Pack before moving day: label boxes and have everything ready when the crew arrives.
- Reserve elevators and parking: easier access helps prevent delays.
- Move mid-week or mid-month: availability may be better outside peak periods.
- Share accurate details: provide photos, an inventory, and information about stairs or large items.
- Compare complete quotes: check what is included instead of comparing only the hourly number.
Ontario Moving Cost FAQ
How much does a five-hour local move cost?
At $119 per hour for two professional movers, five hours cost $595 before HST or approximately $672.35 with 13% HST.
How much does a two-bedroom move cost?
A two-bedroom move often takes approximately 5–7 hours. At $119 per hour, the estimated labour cost is $595–$833 before HST.
Does the $119 hourly rate include tax?
No. The examples on this page show the price before Ontario’s 13% HST unless the table specifically displays the total with HST.
Are packing and heavy-item charges included?
Not necessarily. Packing, supplies, storage, specialty items, or other requested services should be listed separately in your written estimate.
How can I get an accurate moving estimate?
Provide both addresses, the size of your home, an inventory or photos, access details, and a list of any large or fragile items. The more complete the information, the more accurate the estimate can be.
Get an Accurate Moving Quote
Tell us what you are moving and receive a personalized estimate based on your home, access conditions, distance, and required services.
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