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How to Save On Moving Costs
- Ahmad Kadura
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
Moving is expensive. And most people don't realize just how fast the costs pile up until they're already in the middle of it.
Timing, volume, distance, last-minute add-ons — all of it quietly inflates your moving costs before you've even loaded the first box. But a bit of planning upfront can save you a few hundred dollars without cutting corners on reliability.
Here's what actually makes a difference.
Key Takeaways
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Before you start searching for movers or buying boxes, you need to understand where your money is actually going. A moving budget doesn’t mean you’re trying to cut every expense possible. It simply helps you avoid surprises.
A lot of people focus only on the moving truck or the hourly rate of movers and forget about everything around it. Packing materials, storage, extra labour, and last-minute changes can quickly increase your total bill. Understanding the average cost of movers in your area gives you a realistic starting point.
Figure Out What You’re Actually Spending
Your moving expenses usually come from a few main categories:
Labour costs
Moving truck
Packing supplies
Storage (if needed)
Special handling for large items
Tips for movers
For local moves, companies often charge based on the number of movers required and the time needed to complete the job. This is why the size of your home and how prepared you are before moving day matters.
A simple cost breakdown can look like this:
Cost Category | Estimated Range |
2 movers + truck (local, hourly) | $129–$159/hr |
Additional mover | Around +$50/hr |
1-bedroom apartment move | Approx. $400–$550 total |
3-bedroom home move | Approx. $800–$1,200 total |
Packing supplies (DIY) | Around $50–$150 |
Storage | Depends on requirements |
Your final price can change depending on factors like stairs, elevators, parking distance, travel time, and the amount of furniture being moved. And timing matters more than many people realize. A weekend move or booking at the end of the month is usually more expensive because demand is higher.
Set a Budget That Has a Buffer
Even after calculating your expected expenses, it’s smart to leave some room in your budget. A good rule is to keep around 15–20% extra available for unexpected situations.
Why? Because moving rarely goes exactly as planned.
Maybe the elevator reservation changes. Maybe the movers need extra time because of narrow stairs. Maybe you realize you need temporary storage. These things happen.
This is why a proper moving estimate is useful. A professional moving company can review your situation and give you a clearer idea of what your move will actually require instead of guessing.
Declutter Before Your Move (It Directly Affects Your Bill)
One of the easiest ways to lower your moving costs is also one of the most overlooked: move fewer things.
It sounds simple, but every extra box, chair, or appliance takes time to pack, load, transport, and unload. If you’re paying movers by the hour, more items usually mean more hours.
Sort and Purge What You Don’t Actually Need
Before packing, walk through each room and separate your belongings into three groups:
Keep
Donate
Toss
Don’t try to organize your entire home in one day. Start room by room.
Advance Moving also offers junk removal services, which can help if you have larger items you don’t want to take to your new home.
Sell or Donate Unwanted Items Before Moving Day
Selling items before a move can actually help cover some moving expenses. Heavy furniture like old couches, dressers, dining tables, or appliances can cost more to move because they require extra handling. Even making a few hundred dollars from unwanted items can offset the cost of packing supplies or other moving expenses.
If selling isn’t an option, donating is another practical choice. Local shelters, thrift stores, and organizations like Habitat for Humanity often accept household items depending on their needs.
The goal isn’t to get rid of everything. It’s to avoid paying to move things you no longer use.
Understand Your Moving Options and What Each One Actually Costs
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to move yourself or hire professionals. There’s no single answer that works for everyone. The right choice depends on your home size, distance, schedule, and how much work you’re comfortable handling.
So, is the cheapest option always the smartest one? Not necessarily.
DIY Moving: When It Makes Sense (and When It Doesn’t)
A DIY move can look attractive because you’re avoiding professional movers' costs upfront. You rent a truck, pack your things, gather some friends, and handle the move yourself. For smaller moves, this can work well. DIY might make sense if:
You’re moving from a studio or small apartment
The distance is short
You don’t have many large items
You have enough time and help
But many people forget the hidden costs. You’ll need to consider:
Truck rental fees
Fuel
Insurance
Moving equipment
Your personal time
Risk of damaging furniture
A move that looks inexpensive can become much more expensive when unexpected problems come up.
Hiring Professional Movers — The Real Cost Breakdown
For many GTA moves, professional movers charge based on hours, labour, and the services included. The average cost of movers per hour depends on the following:
Number of movers
Truck size
Distance
Amount of furniture
Additional services
For example, Advance Moving’s local moving rates start around the following:
2 movers + truck: $129–$159/hr
Additional mover: approximately $50/hr
The advantage is that you’re paying for experience. Professional movers handle:
Loading
Transportation
Unloading
Furniture protection
Assembly and dismantling when required
If you choose Advance Moving’s packing and moving service, boxes may also be included, helping reduce separate packing supply expenses. Here’s how different options compare:
Moving Option | Best For | Rough Cost | Risk Level |
Full DIY (rented truck) | Small moves, short distance | $150–$400High | High |
Hybrid approach | Budget-conscious families | $400–$900 | Medium |
Full-service professional movers | Homes, offices, larger moves | $500–$3,500+ | Low |
The cheapest option isn’t always the one with the lowest price tag. Sometimes paying for experience saves you from costly mistakes.
The Hybrid Approach — Pack Yourself, Let Pros Handle the Rest
If full-service moving feels outside your budget, but handling everything yourself feels overwhelming, a hybrid approach can be the right middle ground. This option gives you more control over your spending while still getting help where it matters most.
You can handle tasks like packing clothes, books, and smaller household items while professional movers take care of the heavy lifting, transportation, and large furniture. This approach works especially well for 1–2 bedroom homes where you want to reduce the number of hours billed but don’t want to spend an entire day carrying furniture. It can also help keep your professional movers costs more manageable because the movers spend less time on smaller tasks.
The Date You Pick Can Cost You — or Save You
The date you choose can directly affect your moving costs. Many people focus only on convenience, but demand, availability, and timing can change your final price.
In Ontario, the busiest moving season is usually between May and August because of better weather, school breaks, and lease changes. Since demand is higher during this period, availability can be limited and rates may increase.
If your schedule allows, consider moving during fall or winter when there’s usually more flexibility.
Mid-Week and Mid-Month Moves Are More Affordable
The end of the month is one of the busiest times for movers because many leases end during this period. Weekend moves are also more popular and may come with higher rates. To save money, consider:
Moving Tuesday to Thursday
Choosing a mid-month date
Booking early to compare moving estimates
Even adjusting your moving date by a few days can help reduce costs.
Ready to Plan Your Move Without Overspending?
Saving money on a move doesn’t mean doing everything yourself or choosing the cheapest option available. It’s about making smarter decisions before moving day arrives. Advance Moving helps customers across the GTA, including Mississauga, Etobicoke, Toronto, Brampton, Oakville, and surrounding areas, with transparent pricing and professional moving services.
Whether you need help with a full household move or only certain parts of the process, getting a clear estimate before you start can help you plan with confidence. Get in touch and receive a free moving estimate today — no commitment, no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average cost of movers per hour in Etobicoke?
The average movers' cost depends on your move size and labour needed. Advance Moving typically charges $129–$159/hour for 2 movers and a truck, with extra costs for additional services.
Is it cheaper to move yourself or hire professional movers?
DIY may be cheaper for small moves, but truck rentals, fuel, time, and risks add up. For larger moves, professional movers offer better value, speed, and convenience.
3. What’s the cheapest day to hire movers?
Weekday moves, especially Tuesday to Thursday, are usually more affordable due to lower demand. Mid-month bookings can also cost less compared to busy month-end moving dates.
4. How can I lower my movers and packers price without sacrificing quality?
The easiest ways are:
Remove items you no longer need
Pack smaller belongings yourself
Choose a flexible moving date
Compare moving estimates
Book early
You should also avoid choosing a mover only because they offer the lowest price. A company without proper experience or insurance can create bigger costs later through delays, damages, or hidden fees.
5. How much does it cost to move a 2-bedroom apartment?
A 2-bedroom apartment move typically costs around $500–$800, depending on furniture, access, stairs, and moving time. A personalized estimate gives a more accurate cost.
6. What’s a binding estimate vs a non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate is a fixed moving price based on the details provided, while a non-binding estimate is an approximate cost that may change. Knowing the difference helps avoid surprises.
What’s the average cost of a 1-bedroom move?
A 1-bedroom move is usually less expensive, running between $400 and $550, because there are fewer items and less labour involved. Depending on distance, access, and services needed, costs may range around a few hundred dollars for a local move. Getting a personalized moving estimate is the best way to understand your actual cost.
How much does it cost to disassemble and reassemble furniture?
The cost depends on the type and amount of furniture involved. Large items like beds, wardrobes, and complex furniture may require additional labour time. Many professional movers include furniture handling as part of their service, but it’s best to confirm before moving day.
Is it cheaper to move on a weekday?
Yes, weekday moves are often more affordable because demand is usually lower. If your schedule allows, moving during the middle of the week can help reduce your overall moving costs.
What’s the difference between full-service and labour-only movers?
Full-service movers handle the complete process, including loading, transportation, and unloading. Labour-only movers usually provide help with lifting and loading while you arrange the truck and transportation yourself.
The better option depends on your budget, time, and how much responsibility you want to handle during the move.
