How to compare moving company quotes
and choose the right movers

You've done the hard part by gathering quotes from multiple moving companies. But now comes the real challenge: figuring out which quote actually gives you the best value and which ones hide fees in the fine print.

This guide breaks down exactly what to look for when comparing moving quotes, so you can spot hidden fees, ask the right questions, and hire the right company with confidence.

How do moving companies charge?

Not all moving quotes are calculated the same way. Before comparing numbers, you need to understand what those numbers are based on.

• Local Moves are typically billed by the hour or as a flat rate.
• Mid-Distance or Long-Distance Moves are usually priced by the total weight or volume of your shipment.

Knowing this upfront helps you plan which parts of the move to hand off to professionals and prevents unexpected charges from catching you off guard later.

When does the clock start?

This is one of the most important questions to ask any hourly mover, and most people never think to ask it.

• Dock-to-Dock: The clock starts when the truck leaves the company's warehouse and doesn't stop until it returns. You pay for traffic, detours, and delays, even when they have nothing to do with your move.
• Pick-Up to Drop-Off: Billing starts when the crew arrives at your door and ends when the job is done. You pay only for your actual move.

At Six Moving, we bill from pick-up to drop-off. You'll never pay for our drive time.

What’s actually included?

A lower hourly rate doesn't always mean a lower final bill. Before you compare prices, make sure you're comparing the same scope of work.

Check each quote for the following:

• Crew Size: More movers typically means a faster move and fewer billable hours.
• Truck Size: Too small means multiple trips. Too large can cause problems in tight spaces.
• Services: Are disassembly, reassembly, loading, and unloading included, or are they billed as extras?
• Materials: Are blankets, shrink wrap, and floor protection included, or are they added on top?

Pro Tip: A well-staffed, fully equipped move is almost always faster and safer than a cheaper quote with a smaller crew and hidden add-ons.

Always Get It in Writing

A verbal quote is not a quote. It's an invitation to charges changing on moving day.

To protect yourself:

• Get itemized written quotes from at least three companies.
• Request a virtual walkthrough so the company can provide an accurate estimate based on your belongings, not just your bedroom count.
• Ask specifically about stairs, long carries, parking, and any items that need special handling.

At Six Moving, every estimate is detailed, written, and personalized to your move. No guesswork, no surprises.

Here are two sample quotes for the same job: a 1-bedroom condo move within downtown Toronto, booked at the end of the month.

At first glance, Company B appears to be the clear winner. But once you break it down, the numbers tell a different story.

Which quote is actually cheaper?

Company B's base rate sounds significantly lower than Company A's $250 first-hour rate. But before a single box is moved, you're already paying a $160 arrival fee and a $120 truck-and-fuel fee. That's $280 in charges before the clock even starts. Add in the end-of-month rate increase from $100 to $125 per hour, and a longer estimated move time of 5 hours, and the total climbs to $905.00 plus HST.

Company A, by contrast, has no arrival fees, no fuel surcharges, and no rate increases for end-of-month bookings. Everything is rolled into one transparent pricing structure, with a shorter estimated move time of 3.5 hours and more services included from the start.

The Breakdown

Company A is not only $33.90 less in total, but it also includes stronger floor protection, twice as many wardrobe boxes, a shorter move time, and no surprise fees.

This is exactly why comparing the hourly rate alone is never enough. Always look at the full picture before you decide.

Reputation & experience are non-negotiable

Price is important, but it's not everything. A company that shows up late, damages your furniture, or goes quiet after booking can turn moving day into a nightmare, regardless of how good the quote looked.

Before you book, spend a few minutes checking:

• Reviews on Google and HomeStars: Look for patterns, not just star ratings. Pay attention to how the company responds when things go wrong.
• Years in Business: Experience reflects reliability. Companies that have been around for years have earned it.
• Consistency: Do reviews consistently mention punctuality, care, and professionalism? Or are there recurring complaints?

A company with a strong track record isn't just safer, but also often worth paying a little extra for.

Customer service is a preview of moving day

How a moving company treats you before the move is a strong indicator of how they'll treat your belongings during it.

Pay attention to:

• Responsiveness: Do they return calls and emails quickly, or do you have to chase them down?
• Clarity: Are pricing, services, and policies explained upfront, or do you have to dig for answers?
• Accountability: When you ask hard questions, do they answer directly and take ownership?

Moving is stressful enough. A company that communicates clearly and takes responsibility makes the entire experience significantly easier.

Your stress-free move starts with the right decision

Choosing the right movers doesn't have to be complicated. By understanding how you're being billed, comparing services fairly, checking reputation, and requesting a detailed written estimate, you can select a moving company that fits your needs and your budget.

Six Moving serves Toronto and the GTA with transparent pricing, experienced crews, and a genuine commitment to making your move as smooth as possible.

Call us at 647-973-3676 or request your free quote online today. Your stress-free move starts here.

Related Resources

• Looking for more moving tips? Explore our full blog library or visit our resource hub to discover how to make your next move easier.