Comprehensive Moving Guide

Moving can be exciting, but it ​can also be stressful. This guide combines expert tips and advice on why hiring a professional mover can make your move safer, easier and more efficient.

 

 Before the Move

• Asking for an Estimate
• 10 Tips to Help Lower Your Moving Stress
• What to Expect When You Move
• A Moving Timeline
• Common Moving Terms
• Moving Checklist
• What is Moving Value Protection?
• Understanding the Moving Bill

Preparing for the Move

• Tips To Prevent Claims
• Things Your Mover Won't Move
• Safe Packing
• Decluttering Before Your Move
• How to Have a Successful Garage Sale
• Cleaning for the Big Day
• How to pack up your house and move safely during Coronavirus

During the Move

• Moving Etiquette
  Document

  Moving Etiquette.pdf
• The Ins & Outs of Moving - Insider Tips To Do It Right
• The Dos and Don'ts on Moving Day
• 10 Move-in Day Tasks

After the Move

• Deducting Your Moving Expenses at Tax Time
  Document

  DeductingMovingExpenses.pdf
  Canada Revenue print and fillable forms.

Specialized Move Tips

• Office Moving
  1. Planning and Arranging
  2. Commercial Move Check List
  3. companies planning an office move should also see our Commercial Moving webpage.

• Moving with Pets. Moving can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be for your pets. Listen to Nancy Irvine of Canadian Association of Movers and Dacia Rohlehr of Paws En Route discuss how to make your pet's move easier.
• Moving with Children
• Moving at Christmas
• Relocating a Wine Collection
• Moving Artwork & Sculptures
• Moving Antiques & Valuables
• The unique challenges of moving IT equipment and how to handle them

Moving Seniors Safely

Visit our Moving Seniors Safely page for more information for older adults on the move.

CAM Video

Something in the Way We Move (2023) with Nancy Irvine (run time: 24:36 min) View Video

Is this your first time moving or you haven't moved in a long time? The Canadian Association of Movers has put together a 25 minute video that gives an overview of different types of moves, packing options, and most importantly, how to find a mover and what to ask them so you get a proper quote and inspection of your belongings.

 

Why Hire a Professional Mover

Moving is more than transporting belongings, it's protecting your most valued possessions. Professional movers help you avoid stress, damage and make the process much easier. 

Benefits

• DIY costs can add up – renting trucks and equipment, buying packing materials, fuel, and spending your own time can get expensive.

• Reduce risks – professional movers help prevent damage, personal injury, and accidents.

• Protect your belongings – trained movers use the right techniques, materials, and care to keep everything safe.

Carefully Consider Who's Moving You

Choosing the right mover can save you time, effort, and stress while protecting your household goods or business assets. Trust only accredited members of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) to handle your move safely and professionally.

CAM members:

• Have sufficient insurance to cover your goods

• Provide workers’ compensation coverage

• Comply with GST/HST requirements

• Are rated highly by consumer agencies

• Invest in professional personnel, equipment, and facilities

• Follow a strict code of ethics and dispute resolution process

Founded in 1969, CAM is Canada’s only trade association representing professional movers. Its members include top independent movers and major van lines. CAM validates all members for reputation, professionalism, and reliability — giving you peace of mind that your move is in safe hands.

Find a Mover

Search for a mover by choosing the type of move and providing your location.

The Last Word

Hiring a professional mover protects your possessions, saves time, and reduces stress. With proper planning and the right mover, your move can be smooth, safe, and positive.

 

Further reading

• Planning for a successful summer move (Genesis Builders, July 21, 2020)
• What to ask when hiring a mover (Consumer Protection Ontario video)
• Movers dealing with the high heat and humidity on moving day in Quebec (June 30, 2018)
• Here's information that appeared in two Toronto-area Chinese newspapers: Sing Tao Daily and Canadian City Post (July 14, 2017)
• Understand your insurance protection. Watch this CityNews video: BC woman's belongings stolen from moving truck (July 8, 2017)
• Global News/Canada Moving scams: How to avoid being ripped off (June 21, 2017)
• Toronto Star Often-forgotten tax breaks that can save you thousands (April 18, 2017)
• Choosing a Moving Company (Consumer Protection BC): Planning a big move? Avoid shady moving scams with these tips and tricks!
• Things to Know about Moving Insurance (Consumer Protection BC)
• DIY moving vs. hiring professional movers: Pros and cons (Yahoo!, June 21, 2024)