Moving often comes with a sense of excitement — a new home, a fresh start. But for many Canadians, it also comes with sticker shock. By the time you factor in movers, packing supplies, utility deposits, and maybe even a storage unit, relocation can easily cost thousands of dollars.
The key to making your move less stressful (and less expensive) is planning ahead. With the right strategies, you can reduce moving expenses, avoid financial surprises, and even free up cash to put toward your new beginning.
Create a Moving Budget
A budget is the foundation of a cost-effective move. Without one, you risk overspending on things you didn’t account for — and those “little” extras add up fast. Careful planning at this stage is where real moving cost savings begin.
Assess Your Potential Expenses
Before you can create a realistic moving budget, you need a clear picture of what your move is likely to cost. That means listing out every possible expense — not just the obvious ones like trucks or movers, but also the smaller charges that sneak up on people during the process.
Start by writing down all the costs you may encounter. Below is a list of potential costs and a ballpark for a local move (a long distance move could cost more):
- Packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap): $50-$200 depending on the size of your move.
- Truck rental: $100-$300 per day, plus mileage and gas.
- Professional movers: $50-$70 per hour per mover.
- Gas, tolls, or parking fees: $50-$150, depending on distance and city.
- Insurance for your belongings: $100-$500, depending on coverage.
- Storage costs if needed): $50-$150 per month for a standard unit.
- Utility connection or cancellation fees: $50–$200, depending on the provider.
- Cleaning supplies: $25–$100 for basics like cleaners, sponges, and garbage bags.
- Repairs or small modifications: $100–$1,000+, depending on whether it’s patching and painting or more significant fixes.
- Pizza and drinks for helpers: $40–$100, depending on the number of people.
According to Canada Moving, local moves under 100 km typically cost $650 to $1,500, while long-distance relocations can range from $2,000 to $5,000+, depending on distance and services. That’s why estimating upfront is so important.
Pro tip: Using a worksheet can help you estimate expenses and give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Set a Realistic Budget
Once you know what you’re up against, the next step is to create a budget that reflects your actual situation. Moving can feel unpredictable, so the goal isn’t to account for every single detail perfectly, but to build a plan that gives you control and flexibility.
- Prioritize essentials first (movers, transportation, insurance).
- Set aside at least 10–15% as a buffer for surprises (because they will come up).
- Keep an eye on your spending using a simple spreadsheet or monthly expense tracker to make sure your overall budget stays on track.
Think of your budget like a moving roadmap — it won’t eliminate expenses, but it will keep you from feeling blindsided.
Declutter Before the Move
It may seem obvious, but it’s worth noting: the fewer items you move, the less it will cost — both in money and effort.
Sort and Purge Unnecessary Items
Go through your home room by room and sort everything into four categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard.
When I moved out of my first apartment after university, I was shocked at how much I had stuffed into closets and drawers. After donating and selling, I cut my moving volume by nearly a third — which meant I could rent a smaller truck and save a few hundred dollars.
Sell Unwanted Items
Decluttering doesn’t just save space, it can also put cash back in your pocket. In fact, many people are surprised by how much value is sitting in items they no longer use. Old furniture, electronics, clothing, and even décor can often find a second life with someone else, and the money you earn can help offset the cost of your move.
Consider:
- Hosting a garage sale
- Selling furniture or electronics on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji
- Using apps like Poshmark for clothing or accessories
Proceeds from these sales can directly offset moving costs, making this one of the most practical budget-friendly moving tips.
Choose the Right Moving Option
Now that you have a better idea of what you’ll be moving, the next step is deciding how you’re going to move it all. The option you choose — whether DIY, hiring professionals, or something in between — will have the biggest impact on your budget.
DIY Moving
Doing it yourself is often the cheapest option, especially if you’re moving locally. Renting a truck and recruiting family or friends to help can cut costs significantly.
Pros:
- Lower overall expenses
- More control over timing and packing
Cons:
- Physically demanding
- Time-consuming
When I helped my brother move into his first home, he rented a small U-Haul for $200 and paid his “helpers” with pizza and beer. It was chaotic, but it worked — and saved him at least $1,000 compared to hiring movers.
Tips for success:
- Reserve your truck early, especially during peak seasons.
- Label boxes clearly to stay organized.
- Offer food or small thank-yous to friends who help.
Hiring Professional Movers
Professional movers take away much of the stress, but they’re usually the most expensive part of a move.
If you’re considering this route, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Get at least 3 quotes from reputable companies.
- Read online reviews and confirm credentials.
- Ask exactly what’s included (packing, loading, insurance).
On average, professional movers charge $50–$70 per hour per mover for local moves in Canada. For a full-day move with 3 movers, that adds up quickly.
Hybrid Approach
For many people, the sweet spot is somewhere in between.
You might choose to pack and organize your belongings yourself, then bring in movers just for transportation. Or you could rent a truck to save money but pay professionals to manage the heavy lifting, like furniture and appliances.
This method can shave hundreds of dollars off the total bill while still taking the pressure off your back (literally).
Source Affordable Packing Supplies
Now, let’s talk about packing. The supplies might not look costly at first, but those little expenses add up fast.
Utilize Free or Low-Cost Materials
With a little resourcefulness, you can find plenty of free or low-cost alternatives that work just as well.
Here are some suggestions:
- Ask local grocery stores, liquor stores, or big-box retailers for free boxes.
- Repurpose household items (towels, blankets, clothing) instead of bubble wrap.
- Save delivery boxes in the weeks leading up to your move.
- Reuse supplies from previous moves or borrow from friends.
A friend of mine wrapped her entire kitchen set in beach towels and sweaters. Not a single plate broke, and it saved her from having to pack the towels separately!
Purchase Supplies Wisely
When you do need to buy, consider this:
- Purchase in bulk or at discount stores.
- Focus on quality where it matters (for example, strong tape or sturdy boxes).
Time Your Move Strategically
When you move can be just as important as how you move. The timing of your relocation affects everything from the rates moving companies charge to the availability of trucks and even the stress levels you’ll face on moving day.
Choosing the right time is one of the simplest affordable relocation strategies that can make a big difference.
Consider Off-Peak Moving Seasons
Peak moving season in Canada runs from May to September. Prices are higher, demand is greater, and availability is limited. If possible, plan your move during the fall or winter months when moving companies are less busy and rates are lower.
Mid-Week and Mid-Month Moves
Most people move at the beginning or end of the month and on weekends. By booking mid-week and mid-month, you’ll often pay less and have more flexibility with parking, elevators, and movers’ schedules.
Manage Utilities and Subscriptions
In the rush of packing and planning, it’s easy to forget about utilities and subscriptions — but overlooking them can lead to unnecessary charges.
Cancel or Transfer Your Services Promptly
Start by arranging the disconnection or transfer of your essential services, like electricity, gas, and internet, well before moving day. This ensures you’re not paying for services you’re no longer using. At the same time, update your address with banks, insurance providers, and any subscriptions so your bills and deliveries make it to your new home without interruption.
Avoid Unnecessary Charges
Before you hand back the keys, return any rented equipment such as modems, cable boxes, or water heaters to avoid unnecessary fees. It’s also wise to pay off any outstanding balances with your providers — clearing the slate now prevents late charges and protects your credit rating down the line.
Leverage Tax Deductions
Not all moves qualify for tax relief, but it’s worth checking.
Explore Tax Deduction Eligibility
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows certain deductions if you’ve moved at least 40 km closer to work or school.
Eligible expenses include:
- Transportation and storage costs
- Temporary accommodation
- Utility disconnection and reconnection fees
Always confirm with a tax professional to see what you qualify for.
Inquire About Employer Relocation Assistance
Some employers offer relocation packages or reimburse moving expenses. Even a few hundred dollars of support can make a difference, but you won’t know unless you ask.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Moving doesn’t have to drain your savings. With careful planning, realistic budgeting, and a few smart strategies, you can cut costs without cutting corners. This kind of cost-effective moving advice will help you feel more confident and in control as you start your next chapter.
The key is resourcefulness. By planning ahead, selling or donating what you no longer need, and being flexible with your moving options, you can keep expenses manageable while easing the stress of relocation.
Remember: moving is just one of many major life transitions that impact your finances. For more tips, check out how to save money on everyday expenses in Canada and how to navigate the financial impacts of major life transitions.
If you’d like personalized support with budgeting or managing debt before or after your move, speak to a Credit Canada counsellor or call us at 1(800)267-2272.
We’re here to help you get out of debt, so you can get back into life.
