Your Move Details
The Real Total
$4,210 – $5,620
Moving + first month setup — everything combined so there are no surprises
Moving Costs (Professional Movers)
First Apartment Setup
DIY vs Professional Movers
DIY
$145 – $380
Moving costs only (not including setup)
- + More physical work
- + Risk of injury / damage
- + You control the timeline
Professional Movers
Selected$825 – $1,780
Moving costs only (not including setup)
- + Less stress and heavy lifting
- + Insured for damage
- + Faster on moving day
Professional movers cost roughly $1,040 more than DIY, but save you a lot of time and physical strain.
Ontario Note
Ontario landlords can only collect last month's rent as a deposit — not a general security deposit. This is applied to your final month of tenancy.
Tips to Save on Moving
Move mid-month, mid-week
Most leases start on the 1st. Moving mid-month on a Tuesday or Wednesday is typically the cheapest and least competitive time.
Book movers 2-4 weeks ahead
Last-minute bookings cost more. Get quotes early and lock in your date, especially during summer months.
Get at least 3 quotes
Prices vary significantly between moving companies. Always get multiple in-home or video estimates.
Check reviews and insurance
Use the Better Business Bureau and Google reviews. Make sure movers are insured and ask about liability coverage.
Declutter before you pack
Fewer items = smaller truck = lower cost. Sell, donate, or recycle anything you don't need.
Collect free boxes
Ask at liquor stores, grocery stores, and on local buy-nothing groups for free moving boxes.