How Much Do Movers Cost? (Updated for 2026)

Planning a local move in Ottawa? One of the first questions most homeowners ask is how much moving companies in Ottawa charge?

While price is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor guiding your decision. In the moving industry, the lowest quote is rarely the best value.

Professional moving costs go beyond labour alone. Experience, equipment, coverage, and training all influence whether your move is smooth or stressful.

Understanding moving companies’ Ottawa prices helps you compare quotes accurately and avoid hidden costs or unpleasant surprises on moving day.

Below, we break down average Ottawa moving costs in 2026, what affects pricing, and why choosing the cheapest mover can often cost you more in the long run.

Average Ottawa Moving Costs in 2026

At Cassidy’s Moving & Storage, we charge by the number of movers andhow many hours the move takes.

For the average Ottawa move in 2026, we charge $200–$250 per hour for 3 movers and a moving truck, with a 4-hour minimum. This means the minimum cost for any move is $1,000 plus tax.

Here’s what you can expect for local Ottawa moves in 2026 based on home size:

Local Moving Rates Comparison

Home Size	Crew Size	Estimated Hours	Estimated Cost
Studio/1-Bedroom	3 movers + moving truck	4 hours	$1,000 + tax
2-Bedroom	3 movers + moving truck	4-6 hours	$1,200-1,500 + tax
3-Bedroom	3-4 movers + moving truck	6-8 hours	$1,500-2,000 + tax
4+ Bedroom	4-6 movers + moving truck	8+ hours	$2,000 (minimum) + tax

These rates include the truck, moving pads, dollies, and basic equipment. Packing services and storage are quoted separately.

Many trusted moving companies suggest booking your move from September 1st to May 15th. Peak moving months run from June to August and are rarely open for bookings. However, these rates can drop significantly from September onwards. 

Please remember: we need to visit your home and do a proper estimate to give you an accurate cost for your unique situation. Contact us for further information.

Packing Services

Packing is often the most time-consuming part of any move; it can take days or even weeks to do properly on your own. 

Professional packing saves you that time and ensures your belongings are protected for the journey. 

Full packing for a typical 3-bedroom home costs $2,000–$3,000. To learn more about what’s included, check out our blog post: What You Get With A Full Service Moving Package? 

Partial packing is available at a lower cost. Talk to your Moving Consultant for an accurate estimate based on your needs. Get a quote today!

Moving Cost Calculator

What Impacts The Cost Of Your Ottawa Move?

Several factors influence your final moving bill. Understanding these helps you budget realistically and avoid surprises.

Here are some things that will affect the final cost when selecting a trusted moving company.

Need a way to keep track of moving costs? Use our Moving Budget Calculator to help keep things organized.

1. Moving Distance (KM)

Local and long-distance moves are priced differently. 

While local moves (such as moving from Ottawa to Kelowna) are billed hourly, moving to a new province or moving internationally from Canada to the USA are calculated based on distance and shipment weight.

Distance is fixed, but the total cost also depends on the weight of your belongings and any additional services required, such as packing, disassembly, or storage. A professional estimate is needed to determine these costs accurately.

2. Home Size

Larger homes cost more to move because they contain more furniture and boxes, which increases labour time and crew size. For local moves, this means more movers and hours. 

For long-distance moves, home size affects shipment weight and loading time.

3. Seasonality

Summer is the busiest (and most expensive) time of year for moving. Most people relocate between June and August, which leads to higher rates and limited availability.

If you’re flexible with your moving dates, moving between September and May is usually cheaper and makes it easier to secure your preferred date, often with less notice required.

4. Number of Movers

We determine the number or Ottawa movers eeded to keep your move efficient and avoid overtime, which typically applies after nine hours. Crew size can also vary with seasonal demand. 

Larger homes (4+ bedrooms) often require 4 movers. Meanwhile, while smaller homes may need fewer, depending on the volume and type of items being moved. 

Homes with heavy, fragile, or specialty items (such as a marble statue collection) take more time and care than those with simpler, minimalist furnishings.

5. Time It Takes to Complete Your Move

Moving time includes loading your belongings, driving to your new home, and unloading. The moving distance is the biggest factor, but preparation also plays a major role.

You can help reduce moving time by:

• Packing items into clearly labelled boxes
• Disassembling furniture in advance
• Making rooms easy to access

If you choose professional packing services from our moving experts those costs are billed separately and are not included in the moving time.

6. Travel Time

If you’re moving within the main city of Ottawa, we apply a standard travel charge of half an hour to reach your home and half an hour for the return after unloading. This applies to moves such as:

• Kanata to Orléans
• Stittsville to Barrhaven

When relocating to the Ottawa Valley, such moving to Arnprior or moving to Pembroke, travel time is charged based on the actual distance and duration.

7. Shipment and Storage

You might be moving across the country on a temporary basis and need storage for some items until you move back. Or maybe your new home is smaller than before, and you need extra storage space.

The cost of renting will vary depending on:

• Length of the rental
• Size of the container
• Whether you need the container delivered

Our containers are excellent for general storage but can also be used as workshops, sheds, studios, or garages. Whatever the reason, we have permanent, convenient storage available to rent or own.

8. Packing Services and Supplies

If the idea of packing, stacking, and moving (and doing it all in reverse to unload!) sounds like a nightmare, you can take advantage of our wide variety of packing services. Professional moving companies use thick-walled, sturdy cardboard boxes that stack well without collapsing. Speciality items, such as delicate china, are put in double-thick cartons with reinforced corners.

How To Save Money While Moving

If you’re tired of DIY moving, getting good value from a moving company doesn’t mean choosing the cheapest quote. It means finding the right balance of price, service, and peace of mind. 

One of the biggest factors in controlling your moving costs is how prepared you are before moving day.

Be Prepared Before Movers Arrive

The more work your movers need to do, the longer your move will take… and the more it will cost. Making sure everything you’ve committed to packing is fully packed before moving day is one of the easiest ways to save money.

You can help reduce moving time by:

• Packing belongings into clearly labelled boxes
• Disassembling furniture like beds, tables, and shelving in advance
• Clearing hallways and ensuring easy access to all rooms
• Packing kitchen appliances, packing your refrigerator and securing washing machine drums
• Packing your garage or workshop before moving day

Book During Off-Peak Times

Timing plays a major role in pricing. Moving between September and May typically costs less than summer moves, when demand is highest. 

Mid-week moves are often more affordable than weekends, and mid-month dates tend to be less hectic than month-end.

If you’re flexible, off-season moves can save you anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on how much you’re moving.

Get an In-Home Estimate

Online quotes are a helpful starting point, but an in-home assessment provides the most accurate pricing. 

A Moving Consultant can identify challenges such as narrow staircases, heavy or specialty items, and access issues that affect time and cost.

Ask the Right Questions Before Booking

Before hiring any mover, make sure you ask:

• Are your movers employees or day labourers?
• Do you conduct background checks?
• What coverage is included?
• What happens if something is damaged?
• Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?

Asking the right questions helps you compare quotes properly and ensures you’re paying for professional service, not just the lowest number.

How Much Does It Cost to Move Across Canada?

Long-distance moving costs are calculated based on the total weight of your shipment and the distance travelled. 

If you’re planning a move to another province, it’s important to understand the requirements involved before making that decision.

Learn more about long-distance and international moving →

Why a Low Price Doesn’t Mean Quality

When comparing moving companies, the cheapest quote can be tempting but an unusually low price often means corners are being cut somewhere.

The moving industry has faced significant cost pressures in recent years. According to the International Association of Movers, vehicle and driver-related costs rose 37.3% between 2020 and 2024, while liability-coverage costs have climbed even more dramatically.

These aren’t arbitrary price hikes, they reflect the real cost of doing business properly. So when a quote seems too good to be true, ask yourself: what are you not paying for?

Why Ottawa Homeowners Trust Cassidy’s Moving & Storage

Cassidy’s has been moving Ottawa families and businesses since 1908. Our longevity reflects consistent service, experienced crews, and honest pricing.

Trained and Vetted Moving Staff

Every mover on our team passes a background check, ensuring professionalism, accountability, and peace of mind when inviting our crews into your home.

Career Movers With Long-Term Experience

Many of our movers have been with Cassidy’s for 10–15 years. This experience means your belongings are handled by professionals who know how to manage everything from heavy furniture to delicate items.

Structured Training for New Hires

During busy seasons, new team members are paired with experienced movers. This ensures proper handling techniques are followed and reduces the risk of damage during your move.

Coverage & Accountability

Your belongings are protected throughout the moving process. Our coverage and accountability standards are part of our commitment to doing the job properly.

Get a Transparent Ottawa Moving Quote

When comparing moving companies in Ottawa, prices only tell part of the story. Experience, training, insurance, and preparation are what protect your home (and your budget).

Contact us today for a clear, no-surprises moving quote tailored to your needs!