Planning a move, whether it is local or long-distance, requires careful consideration and research. You want things to go well and save as much as possible.

Having the most information at your disposal can help you plan a successful move.

Below you will find useful answers to the most frequently asked questions about moving in Ottawa and Ottawa moving companies.

 My lease is expiring but my new home won’t be ready for another 2 months. What can I do with my furniture?

Some good moving companies in Ottawa offer portable storage containers that can be delivered to your doorstep. You can put all of your things there which makes more sense than moving them to a temporary home then moving again in a couple of months.

If you don’t have yard space, some movers also offer storage containers to be parked in their yard. Other moving companies also offer secure and climate-controlled storage space for a month or long-term.

Is a consolidated move safe?

Consolidated moves cost less than a regular move. For a long-distance move that costs thousands of dollars, you can save a lot from consolidating your move. The moving company will combine your move with another customer and perhaps use only one truck to hold all your possessions. The moving company will be responsible for your cargo and will take all precautions to keep your belongings safe.

If you choose to consolidate your move, expect your household belongings to arrive later.

Do movers require a deposit for a move?

Yes, most movers will ask for a small deposit (no more than 20%) once you book a moving date. However, you can cancel a move free of charge subject to the policies of the moving company.

Do I need moving insurance?

Moving companies are required to provide minimum insurance coverage for all moves. This type of coverage is limited to a maximum of $0.60 per pound. This means if your sofa costing $16,000 gets damaged, you won’t be able to claim the full value. Some moving companies offer replacement value insurance although their moving rates may be higher.

If you have valuables in your moving inventory, you could buy optional insurance. You can also check your homeowners’ insurance policy.

Is it advisable to get packing services for a move?

If you are packing up a whole home for 4 family members, you need a lot of time to do it. Consider if you have other members to help you. You don’t want to be throwing things in a box and not knowing where they went after the move. It is important to have a system in place because unpacking later can become a nightmare.

If you don’t have help, don’t have a lot of time, and your move is fast approaching, it may be a great idea to get movers to pack for you. They are skilled at packing kitchenware, odd-shaped items, and fragile items to prevent damage and breakage.

To save some money, you can choose to just pack your clothes. Partial packing is less expensive than a full pack service. Movers charge hourly rates for packing services.

How do I choose a moving company in Ottawa?

When it comes to finding a good moving company in Ottawa, you won’t lack choices. There are many good movers but you need to find one that is available on your moving date and offers you the best price.

Get free quotes to compare using our short online form. Ask questions from your potential moving company, check the insurance coverage of your move, and look at their track record and experience.  You can verify moving companies with organizations like the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) or the Better Business Bureau.

Because you are entrusting your life-long possessions to your movers, make sure to hire one you can trust.

What is a full-service move?

A full-service move means that your moving company will do all the work including packing, loading/unloading, dismantling of your furniture and appliances, and delivering the cargo from origin to destination.  This type of moving service is perfect for homeowners who don’t have time to handle some aspects of the move or prefer to leave the work to the capable hands of movers.

Is it better to choose a van line or a small moving company?

Van lines are ideal for long-distance and cross-border moves such as Ottawa to Vancouver, or Ottawa to New York City. They have more resources and logistics to handle even complex and large moves. Smaller moving companies, however, can provide more personalized moving services and lower rates. They can be ideal for small moves, local moves, or long-distance moves such as from Ottawa to Toronto or Montreal.

There are many pros and cons to consider when choosing between a van line and a small moving company. The most important thing to look into is the capability of the company to conduct the move efficiently and the cost.

How do moving companies calculate the price for my move?

We understand you want to calculate your moving cost and plan your budget. Know that your moving cost will depend on a lot of factors – your moving date, origin and destination, weight of your belongings, your inventory (do you have a piano or pool table with your cargo?), etc.

As a rule, movers charge hourly rates for local moves which includes a moving truck and movers. For a small studio, your move could take no more than 3 hours if you do your own packing. Long-distance moves are charged flat rates by movers, depending on the distance of travel and your inventory.

The best way to calculate the moving cost is to get free quotes from reliable movers using our short online form.

Are instant quotes accurate or guaranteed?

Honestly, instant moving quotes obtained online in 1 or 2 minutes are just estimates; they are far from being accurate. This is because a moving company needs to know exactly what belongings you have to move to give an accurate price.

When you request free moving quotes using our short online form, our partner moving companies will provide a quote based on your information (size of home, moving date, destination) but will require an assessment (from photos, videos) to give you a more accurate quote.