What kind of move are you planning?
Studio or 1-bedroom — usually the fastest, cheapest booking, but still worth comparing 2–3 quotes.
Full house move — budget more time for an in-home or video walkthrough quote.
Long-distance (e.g. to Toronto) — expect a very different pricing model than a local move.
Moving in peak season (May–Sept) — book 4–6 weeks ahead if you can.
Ottawa's moving market is competitive but uneven in pricing — knowing what a legitimate quote looks like in 2026 can save you hundreds of dollars and a lot of moving-day stress.
$130–150
typical hourly rate, 2 movers + truck
$550–800
average 2-bedroom apartment move
$2,200–3,800
Ottawa → Toronto long-distance move
10–20%
cheaper in winter (Nov–Mar)
What to Check Before You Book Anyone
- ▸Licensing and incorporation:Confirm the company is a registered Canadian business, not just an ad with a phone number.
- ▸Cargo insurance:Reputable Ottawa movers carry at least $100,000 in cargo insurance — ask for the policy number.
- ▸A binding written estimate:This guarantees your final price won't exceed the quote by more than about 10%, provided your inventory doesn't change.
- ▸An in-home or video walkthrough quote:A mover who quotes sight-unseen over the phone can't give you an accurate price — treat that as a warning sign.
- ▸Verified reviews across multiple platforms:Google, HomeStars, and the BBB together give a fuller picture than any single review site.
If a quote comes in 30–50% below every other quote you've gathered, that's usually a sign something's missing — no insurance, a non-binding estimate, or hidden fees that appear on moving day.
2026 Ottawa Moving Costs at a Glance
| Move size | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Studio | $300–$450 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | $550–$1,050 |
| 3-bedroom house | $750–$1,400 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $2,000+ |
| Long-distance, Ottawa → Toronto | $1,200–$7,000+ |
Most companies also charge:
▸ 2-4 hour minimum
▸ Travel time (often 1 additional hour)
▸ HST (13%)
▸ Extra fees for packing, stairs, pianos, safes, or long carry distances
Based on 2026 published rates for two-to-three-mover crews; specialty items (pianos, safes) typically add $250–$1,400.
When to Book — and When to Avoid
Cheapest daysMid-month, Tuesday through Thursday, tend to have the lowest demand and best pricing.
Cheapest seasonWinter moves (November–March) typically run 10–20% below peak summer rates.
Avoid if possibleJuly 1 and September 1 are extreme-demand dates in the Ottawa-Gatineau area due to lease turnover and student moves.
Book ahead3–4 weeks minimum during peak season (May–September); same-day bookings depend entirely on crew availability.
Watch for building rulesCondo buildings often require elevator bookings and a Certificate of Insurance (COI) — confirm this with your building management early.
Compare more than priceTwo Small Men, You Move Me, and various local Ottawa-based companies all compete on price and service — get at least 2–3 quotes rather than booking the first one.
Hourly vs. Flat-Rate Pricing
Most Ottawa movers offer one of two pricing structures, and each suits a different situation:
- ▸Hourly:Good for simple, predictable moves where you want the upside of a fast, efficient crew — but a bad fit if you expect surprises like stairs, traffic, or heavy furniture, since the clock keeps running.
- ▸Flat-rate/binding:Locks in your price upfront based on an inventory walkthrough — better for larger or more complex moves where you want zero surprises on the invoice.