Some Canadians are moving to other provinces looking for more affordable housing, while others are moving for work or taking advantage of remote work options offered by their employers, which allow them to move anywhere. That’s all good, but the moving process is one of the most important things to consider. So, whether you’re looking to move across borders, to another city, to another province, or across the country, here are some tips and suggestions for the best long-distance movers in Canada.
Key Takeaways
- Long-distance movers offer various services, such as packing, disassembly, and vehicle moving
- Reading reviews and checking the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are excellent ways to narrow down your list of long-distance movers
- Long-distance moving costs vary significantly based on distance, weight, and services needed
Best Long-Distance Movers in Canada
Moving from city to city or province to province can be long and complicated. Thankfully, plenty of great long-distance moving companies in Canada can help make moving day easier. Unfortunately, reports of moving scams are common in the media, so reading reviews is essential.
If you’ve done your research but want to narrow your choice to the best long-distance moving companies in Canada, we’ve got the perfect shortlist.
Miracle Movers
Miracle Movers is based in Toronto; however, they have a presence in many cities in Canada. They have over two decades of experience and are well-equipped to help you with your long-distance move.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Google Rating: 4.9
- Pros:
- Local, cross-country, and cross-border moving
- Vehicle shipping
- Member of the Canadian Association of Movers
- Cons:
- Does not move plants
- Not Better Business Bureau accredited
Great Canadian Van Lines
Great Canadian Van Lines, headquartered in Surrey, British Columbia, has been moving Canadians for over 35 years. They boast a low claim average (3.5%) and are skilled at cross-country and cross-border moves. Additionally, they cover everything your belongings need to get across the border safely.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Google Rating: 4.9
- Pros:
- Local, cross-country, cross-border, and overseas moving services
- Will disassemble some furniture, like standard beds
- Member of the Canadian Association of Movers
- Better Business Bureau accredited
- Cons:
- Not as many locations as other moving companies
Quality Move Management (QMM)
Quality Move Management (QMM) is Allied Van Lines’ most significant agent in Canada. With locations in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Edmonton, they can help you navigate a long-distance move with confidence. They provide packing and unpacking, assembly and disassembly, short and long-term storage, and custom boxing and crating. Moreover, the professional movers at QMM Provide excellent customer service, are attentive, careful, and prompt and deliver on all promises.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Google Rating: 4.5
- Pros:
- Local, cross-country, cross-border, and overseas moving services
- Vehicle and motorcycle shipping
- Special attention given to antiques and fine arts
- Member of the Canadian Association of Movers
- Better Business Bureau accredited
- Cons:
- Does not move plants
AMJ
AMJ is a leader in long-distance moving in Canada. With 29 offices across Canada, chances are there is one close to you. When you move with AMJ Campbell, you’ll have a dedicated representative to ensure your move runs smoothly.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Google Rating: 4.5
- Pros:
- Local, cross-country, cross-border, and overseas moving services
- GPS-tracked delivery vehicles
- Special attention given to antiques and fine arts
- Member of the Canadian Association of Movers
- Some offices are Better Business Bureau-accredited
- Cons:
- Moves may be contracted to an agent provider
- Not all offices are Better Business Bureau accredited
Viktoria Professional Movers
Viktoria Professional Movers started in Toronto, and has since expanded to Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Ottawa, Barrie, Brantford and Sudbury. Notably, they are committed to going green by gradually replacing disposable packing materials with reusable ones.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Google Rating: 4.4
- Pros:
- Local, cross-country, and cross-border moving services
- Green initiatives
- Member of the Canadian Association of Movers
- Most offices are Better Business Bureau-accredited
- Cons:
- Not as many locations as other moving companies
Trans Canada Movers
Trans Canada Movers has been moving Canadians for the last 25 years. This family-owned business specializes in long-distance and cross-border moving but also handles moves of any size. Its comprehensive moving calculator is an excellent resource for budgeting your long-distance move.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Google Rating: 4.4
- Pros:
- Local, cross-country, and cross-border moving services
- Online moving calculator
- Member of the Canadian Association of Movers
- Cons:
- Located in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary
Centennial Moving
Centennial Moving, in business since 1995, offers moving services across Canada, including Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia. They truly tailor each move to the client and location. For instance, moving to or from PEI? They use equipment sized for rural roads and plan around bridge closures or ferry schedules.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Google Rating: 4.2
- Pros:
- Local, cross-country, and cross-border moving services
- Vehicle shipping
- Member of the Canadian Association of Movers
- Cons:
- Not as many locations as other moving companies
- Not Better Business Bureau accredited
Atlas Van Lines
Atlas Van Lines has been in the moving industry for over 65 years and is committed to prioritizing its clients’ needs. Whether moving between cities, provinces, to the United States, or internationally, Atlas Van Lines’s professional movers will provide everything you need to move.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Google Rating: 4.2
- Pros:
- Local, cross-country, cross-border, and overseas moving services
- Locations in each Canadian province and territory
- All personnel have passed a criminal background check
- Member of the Canadian Association of Movers
- Better Business Bureau accredited
- Cons:
- Moves may be contracted to an agent provider
United Van Lines
United Van Lines offers full-service packing, storage, and even corporate moving services. In addition, this moving company even offers a unique “self-moving” service, which lets you select your moving container and pack it yourself. Then, a driver will collect your belongings before delivering them to their final destination. This affordable option can be great for budget-conscious long-distance movers.
- BBB Rating: A+
- Google Rating: 4.2
- Pros:
- Local, cross-country, cross-border, and overseas moving services
- Locations in each Canadian province and territory
- DIY and small move services are available
- Member of the Canadian Association of Movers
- Better Business Bureau accredited
- Cons:
- Moves may be contracted to an agent provider
Long-Distance Moving Costs
It’s important to ask your moving company whether they charge hourly or by weight. However, most companies charge by weight for long-distance moves, which may be subject to a minimum distance. For instance, United Van Lines charges hourly for moves under 241 kilometres (150 miles), and by weight for moves above 241 kilometres.
The cost of hiring movers for a long-distance move can vary greatly, depending on several factors, including:
- The distance of the move
- Number of movers and trucks needed
- Amount of household items
- Total shipment weight
- Specialized services required (such as packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly, etc.)
- Whether or not you need temporary storage
- Dates of your move, as weekends and holidays may be more expensive
Consider these sample costs, according to MoveAdvisor, for two-bedroom homes, including 13% tax and excluding additional services such as packing:
How to Find the Right Long-Distance Moving Company
Finding reliable and affordable moving services can be tricky, but it is possible. Check out the five tips below to help you out:
Timing is Important
Start searching for a moving company when you have a confirmed moving date. As you’d expect, all of the best and most popular movers are likely busy with bookings. So, to ensure you end up with a high-quality and inexpensive company, scheduling as much lead time as possible, ideally two or three months ahead of your moving date, is essential.
Ask Around
It’s not uncommon to find every single result of your “moving companies near me” search query describing themselves as the best of the best. Not only is this incredibly difficult to prove, but it is also extremely time-consuming to sort through.
To get a more accurate idea of which moving company delivers when it comes to excellent service, ask your friends and family for their recommendations.
Read Reviews
Online reviews are a great way to find a reliable moving company and are usually very honest and descriptive. Check out websites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, MoveAdvisor, and HomeStars. In addition, you should ensure your mover is registered with the Canadian Association of Movers, which validates its members for reputation and professionalism.
You can narrow down your options by doing so and see what additional services companies offer, like providing packing supplies or short-term storage.
Get a Quote
When moving on a budget, it’s best to fill out online forms and call moving companies for quotes or estimates to determine which fits your budget best. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the household items they’ll be moving so they can provide the most reliable estimate.
If you’re looking for long-distance movers, try to find a company that offers in-house estimates to avoid surprises on your final bill.
Compare and Book
It’s essential to shop around to find the right company. Do your research and compare at least three companies regarding services, reviews, and quotes before deciding. Then, once you’ve found the right one, it’s time to go ahead and make that booking with peace of mind!
Long-Distance Moving Resources
Moving is an exciting and challenging adventure, and it’s best to be as prepared as possible. If you’re looking for additional moving resources, we recommend checking out the following sites for more helpful advice, tips, and suggestions.
- Moving Checklist
- How to Change Your Address in Canada
- Creating a Moving Budget
- The Ultimate House Cleaning Checklist for Moving into a New Home
Bottom Line
If you’re planning a big move, booking the right long-distance moving company is undeniably essential. But, with research and planning, you can make your move as stress-free as possible. Visit the Zolo blog for more information on refinancing your mortgage, buying a home, or finding the best places to live in Canada.
Long-Distance Movers FAQ
How much does a long-distance move cost in Canada?
The total cost for a long-distance move in Canada will depend on the distance, your belongings, and whether specialized services such as packing are required. However, you can expect to pay between $1,932 and $5,520 on average, according to MoveAdvisor.
Is it cheaper to move furniture across the country or buy new?
Typically, moving your current furniture is more affordable than buying new. However, for low-cost and easily replaceable furniture, you may want to consider replacing it after you move.
How far is considered a long-distance move?
A long-distance move is generally considered a move of more than 250 kilometres. However, some moving companies may use a different definition. Additionally, any move from one major city to another major city may be considered a long-distance move.
