Hidden Costs of Moving: Insurance, Service Fees, Extra Stops
When most Canadians we work with think about moving, the focus usually lands on the big, obvious expenses: renting a truck, hiring movers, or paying for packing supplies. You make a budget, get a few quotes, and feel like you’ve covered your bases. But here’s the truth—moving often comes with hidden costs that can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared.
From insurance add-ons to service fees and extra stops, these little details can quickly inflate your final bill. Understanding what to look out for not only helps you avoid surprises, it gives you the power to budget smarter and negotiate better with your moving company.
Let’s walk through some of the most common hidden costs Canadian consumers face during a move. Get your notepad out.
1. Moving Insurance: Peace of Mind or Pricey Add-On?
One of the biggest surprises for many people is the cost of insurance. Most moving companies in Canada include basic liability coverage in their rates, but it’s often minimal—sometimes as little as 60 cents per pound of belongings.
Why It Matters: Imagine your flat-screen TV or antique dining table gets damaged during the move. Under basic coverage, you might only receive a fraction of its value. That’s where additional insurance comes in.
Types of Coverage:
Released Value Protection (included but limited).
Full Value Protection (an extra cost that covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement).
Third-Party Options: Some Canadians opt for separate insurance through their home insurance provider, which can sometimes be cheaper than buying it directly from movers.
Tip: Ask for a clear explanation of what’s included in your moving quote. Don’t assume you’re fully covered—read the fine print.
2. Service Fees: The Extras That Add Up
Beyond the hourly rate or flat fee, movers often charge for services you might not realize aren’t included.
Stairs and Elevators: If your home or condo involves multiple flights of stairs—or if the elevator is too small and requires more trips—you may see an extra charge.
Heavy or Bulky Items: Pianos, gym equipment, safes, or oversized furniture often come with a surcharge. These items require special handling, extra crew, or even equipment like dollies and lifts.
Assembly and Disassembly: Need your bed frame taken apart or office furniture reassembled? Many movers charge extra for this labour.
Packing Materials: Boxes, tape, mattress covers, and bubble wrap aren’t always included in a quote. Buying them directly from your moving company is convenient, but not always the cheapest option.
Tip: Before signing a contract, ask your movers for a detailed breakdown of service fees. This ensures you’re comparing apples to apples when shopping for quotes.
3. Extra Stops: Convenience at a Cost
Moves don’t always go directly from point A to point B. Maybe you need to stop by a storage unit, pick up items from another location, or drop off furniture for a family member. These detours can cost more than you expect.
Additional Pickup or Drop-Off Fees: Movers often charge a flat fee or an hourly extension for every extra stop.
Long Carry Fees: If movers can’t park right outside your home or stop, and need to carry items a long distance, this can add extra charges.
Waiting Time: If you’re not ready when the movers arrive at a stop (say, your storage unit gate isn’t open yet), the clock keeps ticking.
Tip: If you know you’ll need extra stops, be upfront when booking. This helps movers give you an accurate estimate and prevents surprise charges later.
4. Travel Time and Fuel Surcharges
Many Canadian moving companies include travel time in their costs—but it may not always be obvious in the quote.
Travel Fees: Movers often charge for the time it takes to get from their office to your home, and from your new location back to their base.
Fuel Surcharges: With gas prices fluctuating across Canada, some movers add a fuel fee on top of their hourly rate. This is especially common for long-distance moves.
Tip: Ask whether travel and fuel costs are built into your estimate or listed separately. This prevents a nasty surprise on moving day.
5. Storage Costs
Sometimes your moving dates don’t line up perfectly—you need to leave one place before the new one is ready. That’s where storage comes in.
Overnight Storage: Some moving companies offer overnight truck storage for an additional fee.
Longer-Term Storage: If you need your belongings held for a few days or weeks, moving companies often transfer items to a warehouse. Fees vary based on the size of your load and duration.
Access Fees: If you need to retrieve items while they’re in storage, expect to pay an extra handling charge.
Tip: If storage is likely, compare moving companies’ storage rates to stand-alone storage units in your area—you may find cheaper options.
6. Timing Costs: Weekends, Holidays, and Peak Season
Just like booking a flight, moving costs fluctuate depending on timing.
Summer Season: Late spring through early fall is peak moving season in Canada, especially around June 30 and July 1 when many leases turn over. Rates are often higher, and movers get booked months in advance.
Weekends and Holidays: Moves scheduled on Saturdays, Sundays, or long weekends often cost more. Movers are in high demand, and labour costs may rise due to statutory holiday pay.
After-Hours Moves: If your condo board only allows moves outside of business hours, you might face extra charges for evening or night shifts.
Tip: If you can, schedule your move mid-week and mid-month to get the best rates.
7. Cleaning and Disposal Fees
Not all costs come directly from movers—some come from what’s left behind.
Junk Removal: If you’re leaving furniture, appliances, or junk that won’t fit in the new space, disposal fees can add up quickly.
Cleaning Charges: Some landlords or condo boards require a unit to be professionally cleaned after move-out, and the cost often lands on you.
Tip: Donate unwanted items to charities like Habitat for Humanity or local thrift stores. Many will even pick up large items for free.
8. Condo or Building Fees
If you’re moving in or out of a condo, be prepared for some building-specific costs.
Elevator Reservations: Many condo boards require a deposit or fee to book the service elevator.
Damage Deposits: Buildings sometimes ask for a refundable deposit in case movers scratch walls or floors.
Restricted Hours: Limited moving hours can force you into premium time slots with higher moving costs.
Tip: Talk to your building manager early. Knowing the rules ahead of time helps you schedule movers properly and avoid last-minute fees.
9. Tipping Movers
While not technically a hidden cost, many Canadians don’t factor tips into their moving budget. Tipping is optional, but it’s common practice if the crew works hard, handles your belongings with care, and finishes on time.
Typical Range: 10–20% of the total bill or $20–$50 per mover for a day’s work.
Other Gestures: Providing coffee, water, or lunch goes a long way, especially on a long moving day.
When it comes to moving in Canada, the quote you receive from a moving company is rarely the final number you’ll pay. Hidden costs—like insurance, service fees, extra stops, and fuel surcharges—can add up quickly if you’re not prepared.
The good news is, most of these costs aren’t truly “hidden.” With the right questions and a bit of planning, you can uncover them before moving day. Always ask for a detailed, written estimate, clarify what’s included, and don’t be shy about comparing companies.
By budgeting realistically and preparing for these extra costs, you’ll keep stress to a minimum and ensure your move is as smooth—and affordable—as possible.
