Selecting a moving company is one of the more consequential decisions in the relocation process. In Canada, the moving industry is not uniformly regulated at the federal level. Instead, oversight varies by province and by whether the move crosses provincial boundaries. Understanding how the industry works helps set realistic expectations about pricing, liability, and what recourse is available if something goes wrong.

How Canadian moving regulation works

Within a single province, moving companies are generally subject to provincial consumer protection legislation. For example, in Ontario, moving companies are covered under the Consumer Protection Act, and the province has specific regulations around written contracts and cancellation rights for moving services.

For moves that cross provincial lines, federal jurisdiction applies. Interprovincial carriers are regulated under the Canada Transportation Act, and the tariff — the published schedule of rates and terms — is legally binding. The Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) maintains a directory of member companies that adhere to a published code of conduct, which can serve as a starting point when evaluating providers.

Requesting and comparing quotes

There are three common types of moving quotes in Canada:

  • Non-binding estimate: The final price may differ from the quoted amount based on actual weight or time. The mover cannot charge more than 110% of a non-binding estimate in many jurisdictions, but the specifics vary by province.
  • Binding estimate: The final price is fixed at the quoted amount, regardless of actual weight or time, provided the scope of work does not change.
  • Not-to-exceed estimate: A hybrid approach — the final price will not exceed the quoted amount, but may be lower if the actual work comes in under estimate.

When requesting quotes, provide consistent information to each company: the exact origin and destination addresses, the number of rooms, a rough item count for large or heavy pieces, whether stairs or elevators are involved, and any items requiring special handling (pianos, artwork, antiques).

Questions to ask before booking
  • Is the company licensed for interprovincial moves if applicable?
  • What type of estimate are they providing (binding, non-binding)?
  • What is the liability coverage per kilogram or per item?
  • Will the company subcontract the move to another carrier?
  • What are the payment terms and accepted methods?
  • What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Understanding liability and insurance

In Canada, standard mover liability for damaged or lost goods is typically calculated at a minimum rate per kilogram — often $0.60 per pound (approximately $1.32 per kilogram), which is a low threshold for high-value electronics or furniture. This is sometimes called "released value protection" or "basic carrier liability."

Full-value protection is a separate offering that covers repair, replacement, or cash settlement for the actual value of damaged or lost items. This typically costs extra and may be offered by the mover or through a separate insurance policy. Before the move, check whether your homeowner's or tenant's insurance policy provides any transit coverage — some do, with conditions.

Photographing every piece of furniture and boxing before the movers arrive creates a time-stamped record. This documentation is the clearest support for any subsequent claim.

Red flags when evaluating companies

Several indicators suggest a moving company may not be operating in good faith:

  • No physical address or a non-specific business address
  • Refusal to provide a written estimate or contract before the move
  • Unusually low quotes significantly below all competing bids
  • Large deposits required before the move (standard is typically no more than 10–20%)
  • No answer when asked about insurance coverage or licensing
  • Online reviews that mention holding items hostage pending additional payment — a known fraud pattern in the industry

The moving contract

A written contract should be in place before moving day. It should specify the pickup date and time window, delivery date or range (for long-distance), the type of estimate, payment terms, the inventory of items being moved, and the liability terms. For long-distance moves, the delivery window is often expressed as a range rather than a fixed date, as routing and weather can affect timing.

In Ontario, under the Consumer Protection Act, a moving services contract must include specific details about the mover's name and contact information, the services to be provided, the price, and cancellation terms. Consumers have a right to cancel within 10 days of receiving the written contract.

Interprovincial moves: additional considerations

When moving between provinces, a few specific considerations apply beyond the standard checklist. The mover must be registered as an interprovincial carrier with the Canadian Transportation Agency if they cross provincial lines. The shipment will typically have a bill of lading — a legal document listing the goods and the terms of transport — that should be signed and retained by the customer.

For reference on resolving disputes with moving companies, the Canadian Transportation Agency handles complaints about federally regulated carriers.