How to Choose a Moving Company in Ontario: 10 Checks Before You Book

Most moving companies in Ontario are honest businesses — but because anyone can rent a truck and call themselves a mover, the few bad ones can be hard to spot from a website alone. The good news: a handful of simple checks will tell you almost everything you need to know. This guide walks through them in the order you'd actually do them.

Why you need to check movers yourself

According to Consumer Protection Ontario, the province does not license moving companies. There is no government register that proves a mover is legitimate, so your own research is the main protection. Canada's Competition Bureau has also warned about "rogue movers" who advertise very low prices and then raise them on moving day — see our guide to moving scams in Canada for how that scam works.

10 checks before you book a mover

1. Confirm the company is real and local

Look for a business name, a street address, a working phone number and an email address — not just a mobile number and a web form. Ontario's guidance also suggests considering a local business, since it makes reference checks easier. Search the company name together with "reviews" and "complaints" to see what comes up.

2. Search the Consumer Beware List and the BBB

Before you hire, search Ontario's Consumer Beware List for complaints and charges against the company, and check the Better Business Bureau for alerts or complaints. A long-standing pattern of unresolved complaints is a clear reason to walk away.

3. Get at least three written estimates

Ontario recommends getting at least three written estimates from different companies. Make sure each one covers the same scope — for example, whether packing is included or the crew is only moving boxes you've packed yourself — otherwise you're not comparing like with like.

4. Ask for an estimate based on what you actually own

A quick phone price without any questions about your home is a guess. The Competition Bureau recommends having your belongings assessed so the estimate is detailed and you can ask about surcharges, insurance and other fees. A good mover will ask about the number of rooms, large furniture, stairs, elevators and parking at both addresses.

5. Understand how the price is calculated

Local moves are usually billed by the hour; long distance moves are often priced on volume and distance. Ask what is and isn't included: travel time, truck fees, materials, stair or elevator charges, and taxes. Our guide to how much movers cost in Toronto explains the factors, and the moving cost calculator gives you a quick range to compare quotes against.

6. Know the 10% rule

Under Ontario's consumer protection rules, a mover cannot charge you more than 10% above the estimate in your contract. A higher price is only allowed if you need extra supplies or services and agree to them. Ask each mover what happens in unforeseen situations, such as a truck breakdown or heavy traffic, so there are no surprises.

7. Ask about insurance and who pays for damage

Ask who the insurer is, what the policy covers and whether there are limits on compensation for loss or damage. Check whether items you pack yourself are covered — they often are treated differently. Your home or tenant insurance may also cover your belongings during a move, so call your insurer too.

8. Read the contract before you sign

In Ontario, a moving contract worth more than $50 must be in writing. It should include:

• The mover's name, address and contact information.
• A description of the services, with an itemized list of prices.
• The total amount you will pay.
• Start and end dates.
• Payment terms.

It may also list the estimate, the insurer's name and policy number, who is responsible for damage or loss, the number of movers, estimated hours and the truck size. If something you were promised isn't in writing, ask for it to be added.

9. Read reviews the right way

Look at recent reviews across more than one platform, not just the star rating. Patterns matter more than single reviews: repeated mentions of surprise charges, late crews or damaged items are a warning, while detailed reviews that mention crew members, building names or specific services are a good sign. Check how the company responds to criticism.

10. Agree on payment terms you're comfortable with

Ask when payment is due, how much deposit is required and which payment methods are accepted. Be cautious of cash-only deals or offers to skip the tax — they leave you with little proof of what was agreed. Paying by credit card gives you a record of the transaction.

Questions to ask every moving company

• Is this estimate in writing, and what exactly does it include?
• Is the price hourly or flat? When does the clock start and stop?
• Are travel time, materials, stairs, elevators and taxes included?
• How many movers and what size of truck will you send?
• Who is your insurer, and what is the limit for loss or damage?
• Are items I pack myself covered?
• What happens if the move takes longer than estimated?
• What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
• If my things go into storage, can I see the facility?

Your rights depend on how you signed

Ontario's Consumer Protection Act gives you different rights depending on how you agreed to the contract:

• Signed in person at your home: you have a 10-day cooling-off period that starts when you receive a copy of the contract.
• Signed online: you must be able to review the contract before accepting it and receive a copy within 15 days. If required information is missing, you can cancel within 30 days.
• Agreed by phone or mail: you must be able to review the contract and receive a written copy. If required information is missing, you can cancel within one year.

Rules can change and some contracts fall into more than one category, so check the current details on Consumer Protection Ontario's "Hiring a mover" page or contact the ministry if you're unsure.

On moving day

• Be ready when the crew arrives — waiting time is paid time on an hourly move.
• Keep jewellery, important documents and other valuables with you.
• Supervise loading and delivery, and note any missing or damaged items before the movers leave.
• Moving into or out of a condo? Use our condo moving checklist for elevator bookings and insurance certificates.

Hold every mover to the same standard — including us. When you request a quote from Movelyn, ask us every question on this list and we'll answer in writing.

Sources: Consumer Protection Ontario — Hiring a mover; Competition Bureau Canada — rogue movers warning.