How Much Do Movers Cost in Ottawa? (2026 Guide)

One of the first questions anyone asks when planning a move in Ottawa is: how much is this going to cost? Understanding moving costs in Ottawa upfront helps you budget accurately, compare quotes fairly, and avoid the unpleasant surprises that come with hiring the wrong moving company.

In this 2026 guide, Aria Moving Group breaks down realistic moving costs for Ottawa — from studio apartments to large family homes — along with the factors that affect your final price and practical tips to keep costs manageable.

Average Moving Costs in Ottawa (2026)

Here's what Ottawa residents can expect to pay for a professional moving service in 2026. These are all-in estimates including labour, truck, and basic supplies:

Studio or Bachelor Apartment

$300 – $600

A studio or bachelor apartment move in Ottawa typically takes 2–3 hours with a 2-person crew. Local moves within Ottawa at this size are the most affordable, making them ideal for first-time movers or students relocating in the city. If you add packing services, expect an additional $100–$200.

1-Bedroom Apartment

$400 – $700

A 1-bedroom apartment typically adds a moderate amount of furniture — a full bed, couch, dining table — pushing the job to 3–4 hours. Most Ottawa movers for 1-bedroom homes will send a 2-person crew with a 16-20ft truck.

2-Bedroom Home or Apartment

$500 – $900

A 2-bedroom home is the most common move type in Ottawa. Expect a 4–5 hour job with a 2–3 person crew. This price range covers labour, truck, fuel, and furniture wrapping. Long-distance moves or homes with multiple flights of stairs may add to this estimate.

3-Bedroom Home

$800 – $1,500

A 3-bedroom home in Ottawa typically requires a 3-person team and 5–7 hours. The lower end applies to modest homes with standard furniture; the higher end reflects larger homes with more items, stairs, or long carries.

4-Bedroom or Larger Home

$1,200 – $2,500+

Large family homes in areas like Kanata, Barrhaven, or Rockcliffe Park often involve significant volume and may require 2 trucks. A 4-person crew working 6–9 hours is common. If you have a piano, hot tub, or specialty items, additional fees may apply.

Hourly Rates for Ottawa Movers (2026)

Most moving companies in Ottawa price jobs on an hourly basis, especially for local moves. In 2026, expect the following hourly rates:

• 2 movers + truck: $120–$180/hour
• 3 movers + truck: $160–$240/hour
• 4 movers + truck: $200–$300/hour

Some moving companies add a 2-hour minimum. Travel time (from the moving company's depot to your home and back) may also be charged, though reputable Ottawa movers like Aria Moving Group include a reasonable travel allowance in the quoted rate.

What Affects Moving Costs in Ottawa?

Distance of the Move

Local moves within Ottawa are the most economical. Moving from Ottawa to Toronto, Montreal, or Kingston involves a flat-rate long-distance charge based on weight, distance, and delivery requirements. Long distance movers Ontario typically charge $800–$3,000+ for these routes.

Time of Year

Ottawa's peak moving season runs from May through September, with July and August being the busiest months. Rates can be 10–20% higher during peak season. If you have flexibility, moving in the fall or winter can result in significant savings — and Ottawa movers are often more available on short notice.

Day of the Week

Saturday and Sunday moves command higher rates than weekday moves. If your employer offers a moving day, use it on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for the best availability and potentially lower rates.

Access and Stairs

Homes with multiple flights of stairs, long walks from the truck to the door, or tight doorways take longer — which increases labour costs. High-rise condo moves in Ottawa (elevator booking required) may also involve a building-specific fee for elevator reservations.

Special Items

Pianos, gun safes, pool tables, hot tubs, and fine art require specialty handling and may incur additional charges. Always disclose these items when requesting a quote from Ottawa movers.

Packing Services

If you want the moving company to pack your home, add $200–$800 depending on home size. This is often one of the best investments — professional packers work quickly and use materials that protect your items far better than a last-minute packing session the night before moving day.

Long-Distance Moving Costs from Ottawa

Moving from Ottawa to another city in Ontario or Quebec involves different pricing than local moves. Long distance movers Ontario typically quote based on the total weight of your shipment and the distance:

• Ottawa to Kingston: $600–$1,200 (200 km)
• Ottawa to Montreal: $700–$1,400 (200 km, cross-province)
• Ottawa to Toronto: $900–$2,000 (450 km)
• Ottawa to Barrie or Hamilton: $1,000–$2,500+

Tips to Save Money on Your Ottawa Move

1. Book in Advance

Booking your Ottawa movers 4–6 weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of dates and the best pricing. Last-minute availability is possible but may come at a premium.

2. Move on a Weekday

Tuesday–Thursday moves are typically cheaper and more available than weekend slots. If you can take a day off work, a mid-week move can save you $100–$200.

3. Do Your Own Packing

While professional packing is convenient, doing it yourself saves money. Start early — at least 2–3 weeks before moving day — and pack room by room. Use free boxes from grocery stores and liquor stores to cut material costs.

4. Declutter Before the Move

The less you move, the less you pay. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need. Moving companies charge based on time and volume, so a leaner inventory means a faster, cheaper move.

5. Get Multiple Quotes

Always get at least 3 written quotes from reputable Ottawa moving companies. Compare the inclusions carefully — a lower hourly rate may not include fuel, blankets, or truck time, making the final bill higher than a slightly higher-quoted competitor.

6. Ask About Flat-Rate Pricing

Some Ottawa moving companies, including Aria Moving Group, offer flat-rate pricing for local moves. This protects you from budget creep — no matter how long the job takes, your final price is your quoted price.

Why Choose Aria Moving Group for Your Ottawa Move?

Aria Moving Group is a locally owned and operated moving company in Ottawa with over a decade of experience and a 4.9-star rating across 300+ reviews. We offer transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees — what we quote is what you pay.

Every Aria move includes professional furniture wrapping, fully equipped trucks, assembly and disassembly, and on-time arrival. Our moving services Ottawa team is available 7 days a week for residential, commercial, and long-distance moves throughout the National Capital Region and beyond.

Ready to get an accurate quote for your Ottawa move? Fill out our free quote form or call 613-555-0100 — we'll have a detailed estimate ready within 2 hours.