How Much Does It Cost to Move An Apartment in Toronto?
Transparent insights into hourly rates for GTA movers, hidden fees for condos, and logistics for downtown high-rises.
Calculate Your CostHow much does it cost to move an apartment in Toronto?
Average moving cost for a 1-bedroom apartment in Toronto is between $900 and $1,300. This generally includes 5 to 7 hours of labor for a 2-person crew at a rate of $135–$155 per hour, plus a standard one-hour travel fee. Studio apartments may cost as low as $550, while large 2-bedroom condos often range from $1,600 to $2,400 depending on elevator access and volume.
| Apartment Size | Approx. Time | Crew Size | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Bachelor (400-600 sq ft) | 3 - 5 Hours | 2 Movers | $550 - $850 |
| 1-Bedroom (600-800 sq ft) | 5 - 7 Hours | 2 Movers | $900 - $1,300 |
| 2-Bedroom (800-1100 sq ft) | 7 - 9 Hours | 3 Movers | $1,600 - $2,400 |
| 3-Bedroom / Large Condo | 9+ Hours | 3-4 Movers | $2,500+ |
What are the hourly rates for a 2-person moving crew in Toronto?
For 2024/2025, the standard hourly rate for professional movers in the GTA is $130 to $160 for two movers and a truck. For larger moves requiring three movers, expect to pay $180 to $210 per hour. Most companies require a minimum booking of 3 to 4 hours, plus a one-hour flat travel fee to cover transit to and from their depot.
2 Movers + Truck
$125 - $155 / hr
Ideal for Studios & 1-Bedrooms.
Standard 4-hour minimum.
3 Movers + Truck
$175 - $210 / hr
Recommended for 2-Bedrooms & small 3-Bedrooms.
4 Movers + Truck
$230 - $260 / hr
Required for Large Condos, 3+ Bedrooms & Heavy Items.
What factors influence the total cost of moving in Toronto?
Beyond simple hourly rates, total moving costs are dictated by volume, access, and timing. Moving a fully furnished unit in Liberty Village with a booked elevator is significantly different from a walk-up in The Annex. Seasonality also plays a role, with rates peaking between June 25th and July 4th.
Total Volume
More items mean more loading time. A minimalist 1-bedroom takes ~4 hours; a cluttered one can take 7.
Elevator Access
High-rise moves require booking the service elevator. Missed windows result in costly downtime or penalties.
Stairs (Walk-ups)
If no elevator is available, stair fees apply (approx. $25 per flight per mover) for floors above the 2nd.
Parking Proximity
"Long Carry Fees" apply if the truck cannot park within 75ft of the entrance. Permits may be needed.
Seasonality
Rates are highest end-of-month and summer. Winter mid-month moves are often 10-15% cheaper.
Assembly
Disassembling IKEA furniture or gym equipment adds billable hours. Doing this beforehand saves money.
Are there hidden fees when hiring apartment movers in the GTA?
Yes, common extra charges include stair fees for walk-ups ($25+/flight), long carry fees if the truck parks over 75 feet away, and fuel surcharges (typically 10-15%). For condos, ensure you ask about Certificate of Insurance (COI) fees, as some movers charge to generate this document required by building management.
Long Carry Fee
Applied when the truck cannot park close to the loading dock/entrance. If the distance exceeds 75 feet, surcharges apply due to the extra time/labor intensity.
Shuttle Service
Downtown row houses (e.g., The Annex) often have laneways too narrow for 5-ton trucks. A shuttle van transfer is required, adding significant cost.
Condo Penalties
Condo boards may fine you $250-$500 if the move exceeds the elevator booking window or if damage occurs without floor runners/protection.
How do moving costs differ between Downtown Toronto and the Suburbs?
Moves in downtown cores like CityPlace or Liberty Village often incur higher costs due to elevator reservations, parking permit requirements ($100-$150), and traffic congestion compared to suburban moves in Etobicoke or North York which typically have easier driveway access and less idle traffic time.
| Factor | Downtown Toronto (Old Toronto) | GTA Suburbs (Etobicoke, Scarbs, North York) |
|---|---|---|
| Parking | Street Occupation Permit required (~$150). | Usually Driveway / Free Street Parking. |
| Access | Elevator Booking Mandatory. Long walks to loading docks. | Often ground floor or simple walk-up. |
| Traffic Impact | High congestion. 15km can take 45+ mins. | Lower congestion. Faster transit times. |
| Vehicle Size | Restricted. May need shuttle van for narrow lanes. | No restrictions. 26ft trucks fit easily. |
What is the price difference between moving a 1-bedroom vs a 3-bedroom apartment?
The price gap is substantial because a 3-bedroom unit typically requires double the manpower and truck space. A 1-bedroom move is usually a half-day job for 2 movers ($900-$1,300), whereas a 3-bedroom apartment is a full-day operation for 3-4 movers, often exceeding $2,500 due to the sheer volume of furniture and boxes.
| Feature | 1-Bedroom Apartment | 3-Bedroom Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Crew Size | 2 Movers | 3 to 4 Movers |
| Truck Size | 16ft - 20ft Truck | 24ft - 26ft Truck (or two trips) |
| Packing Materials | ~20-30 Boxes | ~60-80 Boxes |
| Duration | 5 - 7 Hours | 9 - 12 Hours (Full Day) |
| Avg Cost | $900 - $1,300 | $2,500+ |
How can I save money when moving apartments in Toronto?
To reduce costs, schedule your move for mid-month (10th-20th) or during the winter season when rates drop by 10-15%. Additionally, reducing billable hours is key: have all small items packed in uniform boxes, disassemble furniture beforehand, and reserve the elevator to ensure a continuous workflow.
Money-Saving Checklist
Do I need moving insurance for apartment moves in Ontario?
By law, all movers must include Basic Liability Coverage ($0.60 per pound per article), but this is often insufficient for high-value items. For total peace of mind, consider Full Value Protection (FVP). Furthermore, Condo Boards in Toronto strictly require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to protect the building's common areas during the move.
Basic Liability
Included by law at no extra cost. Covers items at $0.60/lb. E.g., a 50lb TV is covered for $30. Good for rugged items, poor for electronics.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Mandatory for most condos. It proves the mover has liability insurance to cover damage to the elevator, lobby floors, or hallways.
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Best Affordable Moving Companies Toronto Reviews
We pride ourselves on transparency and reliability. Here is what Toronto residents say about their apartment moving experience with us.
"Moved from a condo in Liberty Village to a house in Etobicoke. The crew handled the elevator booking and COI perfectly. No hidden fees at the end."
- Sarah J.
"I was worried about the hourly rate running up, but these guys were fast. 1-bedroom move done in 5 hours flat. Highly recommend."
- Mike T.
"Best movers in Toronto for the price. They wrapped all my furniture and protected the floors. Professional from start to finish."
- Emily R.
Why Choose Get Movers Toronto?
We combine the personalized care of a local business with the resources of a nationwide franchise. From detailed logistics planning to transparent billing, we take the stress out of your Toronto apartment move.
- 12+ Years Experience
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