5 interesting facts about moving industry in Canada

Moving is a complicated process, and it’s become even more complex in the modern age, because of the technology and new regulations. Moving companies have been able to streamline their processes and make the entire experience much smoother for customers. In Canada, the moving industry has experienced its fair share of change over the past few years. From new government regulations to advancements in moving technology that make life easier for customers, there are a lot of interesting facts about moving industry in Canada that you should know. In this blog post, a reputable Canada moving company will explore five interesting facts about the Canadian moving industry that can help inform your decisions when planning your next move.

The size of the moving industry in Canada is one of the most interesting facts about moving industry in Canada

One of the most interesting facts about the moving industry in Canada is that the moving industry in Canada is a $1.4 billion industry in 2025. Even though it has approximately 4,000 companies and 100,000 employees, the industry has decreasing by 33% between February 2024 and February 2025.

The size of the Canadian moving industry is small when compared to other countries such as the United States. However, the industry is growing at a faster rate than the US moving industry. This is due to the increasing number of people moving to Canada and using Canadian moving services. Especially people coming from Asia and Europe. The majority of the moving companies in Canada are small businesses with less than 20 employees. These small businesses make up 80% of the industry. The biggest moving company in Canada has over 500 employees and is located in Toronto.

There are many interesting facts about moving industry in Canada.

The average cost of moving to Canada

For individuals moving from the U.S. to Canada, total costs, including immigration and relocation, can reach at least $15,300 USD. For a family of four, the cost rises significantly to around $27,600 USD. These numbers reflect the reality that long-distance international moves require more than just logistical planning, they demand serious financial preparation. It might not be one of the most interesting facts about moving industry in Canada, but this is the harsh reality!

One of the most interesting facts about the moving industry in Canada is that the country’s federal immigration body, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), sets annual minimum settlement fund requirements. For example, in 2025, an individual must show $14,690 CAD, while a family of four needs $27,297 CAD. The more family members you include, the more funds you must demonstrate. IRCC recommends exceeding these minimums for added security and smoother transitions—and doing so can even strengthen your Express Entry profile.

Keep in mind, hiring movers in Canada can actually save you money, especially when you factor in time, fuel, and the risk of damage during a DIY move. Additionally, Canadians relocate about once every five years on average, making it a good idea to invest in efficient services and smart planning whenever the time comes.

The average time to move is 12 days – this is one of the most interesting facts about moving industry in Canada

Moving takes time. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, logistically. And honestly? It always takes longer than you think.

The whole thing—from boxing up your life to watching the truck pull away—isn’t just one smooth motion. It’s layers. Packing, lifting, hauling, waiting, and unloading. On average, a move in Canada takes about 12 days. But averages aren’t promises. That number shifts depending on how far you’re going, what season it is, and how much stuff you’re hauling. A three-bedroom in January? Slower than a one-bedroom in June.

If you’re just hopping across town—let’s say, from Mississauga to downtown Toronto—you could be done in two days. Maybe even one if your place is half-packed already. Moves like that are fast, messy, and doable. You might even make a couple of trips yourself. Coffee in hand, trunk full of clothes, you get it done.

But if you’re moving from Alberta to Ontario? Totally different game. You’re looking at 10 to 15 days, easily. Calgary to Ottawa is over 3,000 kilometers. The truck might roll out on Monday and not pull into your new driveway until the following week. That’s assuming good roads, decent weather, and no surprise delays at weigh stations. And if your stuff is riding in a shared load? Add more days. Carriers wait until the truck’s full. That’s how they keep costs low.

Point is: moving takes planning. Actual planning—not just penciling in a weekend. You’ll need to coordinate exit and entry dates, book time off work, maybe crash in a hotel or stay with family mid-way. You might even need temporary storage.

Also? Don’t expect an exact delivery day. Most movers offer windows—two, three, sometimes five days. They’re not being flaky. They’re just being honest. Things go wrong. Weather turns. Tires blow. Stuff happens.

This is why working with professionals matters so much. A good crew will give you real timelines. Not best-case guesses. They’ll map it out, flag potential issues, help you pack in stages. They’ve done this before. You haven’t.

The busiest moving day is June 30th

If you’re thinking about moving to Canada or even just across town, don’t book June 30th. Seriously. That day is chaos. It’s not just busy—it’s the busiest moving day of the entire year. No exaggeration.

According to census stats, about 4.3 million Canadians move annually, and a solid 13% of them do it in June. Now here’s where it gets wild: roughly one third of those people move on June 30th. Just imagine that. In Toronto alone, around 30,000 people are renting trucks, packing frantically, and fighting over elevator time in one single 24 hour window.

So, why this one random day? It’s not random at all. It’s timing. The weather’s usually ideal—no snowstorms, no 35 degree sweat fest. The risk of rain? Pretty low. Add to that: school’s out, leases expire, and property taxes roll over. And there’s a long weekend right after, which means an extra day to unpack without burning a vacation day.

Honestly? It all makes sense until you try to book a mover and realize they’re booked solid. Or double priced. Or triple. That’s when things get tricky.

This weird seasonal rush says a lot about the moving industry in Canada. It’s tied not just to logistics, but to school calendars, family planning, and bureaucratic cutoff dates. And while there’s a rhythm to it all, you don’t want to get caught in that end of June stampede unless you absolutely have to.

If you’ve got wiggle room, use it. Move a week earlier. Or wait until mid July. Your wallet and your stress levels will thank you.

Understanding these trends also gives you insight into the broader reasons Canadians are moving to a new city. Job changes, upsizing, downsizing, and school transitions often center around this time, and competition for moving trucks and professionals skyrockets. If you do need to move in late June, book early—some companies are fully booked months in advance. Otherwise, consider a less popular time when prices are lower and resources are more flexible.

Let’s look at some interesting facts about moving industry in Canada.

Toronto is one of the most popular cities for people who are moving

Toronto consistently ranks as Canada’s most popular relocation hub, attracting record numbers of newcomers and retaining long-time residents. In 2021, a whopping 46.6% of Toronto CMA’s population—approximately 2.86 million people—were immigrants, almost double the national average of 23% Regionally, about 43% of all new immigrants to Canada settle in the Greater Toronto Area. Between 2001 and 2021, annual immigration to Toronto surged from just over 123,000 to nearly 160,000, cementing its status as the top destination for international migrants.

Many people are also leaving

Yet the city also faces its share of departures. While Ontario overall saw a net loss of over 5,200 people to other provinces in Q1 2025, Toronto has witnessed significant internal moves within the GTA as residents seek affordability . This dynamic creates a remarkable churn: 30% of the population is either a newcomer or planning to relocate within five years, testing the city’s infrastructure and housing market.

The city is home to over 160 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character—from the historic “The Six” ravine system to quirky landmarks like the Elephant House at Christie Pits. Plus, multicultural Toronto English—known locally as Toronto slang—is evolving so rapidly that it’s now recognized in academic linguistic studies.

These migratory patterns are driven by economic opportunity, cultural vibrancy, and lifestyle preferences. Indeed, with its booming economy, it’s no surprise it’s also home to some of the highest paying jobs in Toronto, especially in finance, tech, and healthcare sectors.

Why professional movers are better?

How to choose the best in the moving industry in Canada?

Planning a relocation across the border? Choosing the right movers when moving from Canada to USA is critical. Unlike local moves, international relocations involve complex logistics, customs requirements, and regulations. Here’s how to choose a mover who can handle it all—professionally and reliably:

• Look for cross-border expertise
  Not all Canadian movers are authorized or experienced in international moves. Choose companies with a solid track record handling U.S. relocations, including proper licensing such as a U.S. DOT number.

• Verify credentials and associations
  Reputable movers should be members of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) or the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). These affiliations reflect adherence to high industry standards.

• Get written quotes from multiple companies
  Request at least three detailed estimates that outline all services, including customs handling, packing, insurance, and delivery timelines. Avoid lowball offers—they often come with hidden fees or subpar service.

• Understand the contract
  Read the full agreement before signing. Make sure it clearly explains costs, what’s included, liability terms, and who is responsible for customs paperwork. If anything is unclear, ask questions.

• Ask about support on both sides of the border
  A good mover should have staff or partner companies in both Canada and the U.S. to ensure a seamless process from door to door.

Do you know interesting facts about moving industry in Canada?

The types of services offered by the moving industry in Canada

The moving industry in Canada offers a wide range of professional services designed to accommodate different relocation needs—whether you’re moving a few blocks away or across the border. Each type of service caters to a specific situation, helping individuals, families, and businesses relocate more efficiently and with less stress.

• City to City Moves
  These local or regional moves involve relocating within the same province, typically between nearby urban centers. City to city moves are ideal for families changing neighborhoods or professionals relocating for work.

• Long Distance Moves
  When you’re moving across several hundred kilometers within Canada, long distance services provide transport, packing, and logistics support for a smooth relocation over greater distances.

• Province to Province Moves
  Whether you’re moving from Ontario to British Columbia or from Alberta to Quebec, these interprovincial moves require careful planning and licensed carriers familiar with provincial regulations.

• Cross Country Moves
  Moving from coast to coast is no small task. Cross country services include everything from inventory management to route planning, ensuring your items arrive safely, no matter how far you’re going.

• Canada to USA Relocations
  For international moves across the border, professional movers manage customs paperwork, transport logistics, and delivery scheduling. Specialized knowledge is key for a successful move to the U.S.

• Storage Service
  Many companies offer secure short-term or long-term storage for people between homes, downsizing, or renovating.

• Car Shipping
  If you’re relocating and unsure what to do with your vehicle, Canada car shipping companies can transport it safely and legally across provinces or international borders.

What to ask before hiring a Canadian moving company?

Let’s be honest—choosing the right mover isn’t just a box to check. It’s the thing that either saves your sanity or completely ruins your week. There are plenty of companies out there claiming they’re “full service,” but that label doesn’t mean much if your stuff arrives late or damaged. You need to ask smart questions. The kind that protect your time, your budget, and your furniture.

Start with credentials. Ask directly: Are you part of the Canadian Association of Movers? If not, move on. CAM members follow a code of ethics, which is corporate-speak for “we won’t ghost you or scratch your dining table.”

Experience matters too. Like, real experience. Let’s say you’re moving from Ontario to Regina SK. That’s over 2,700 km through unpredictable weather and wide-open highways. You want a company that’s seen a Saskatchewan snowstorm or two. Ask if they subcontract, how long the trip will take, and whether they offer a tight delivery window or one of those vague “sometime next week” estimates.

And please—get everything in writing. That estimate? It should list every box, blanket, and possible fee. If it’s vague, that’s a red flag. Good movers are upfront. Great ones even label the fine print.

What are the interesting facts about moving industry in Canada?

When to book your move in Canada?

In Canada, the calendar matters. A lot. Try moving in late June without a booking? Good luck. That stretch between May and September? It’s chaos. June 30 alone sees tens of thousands of people moving, especially in places like Toronto and Montreal. That day? Fully booked. Weeks in advance.

If you’re planning on long distance moving job, give yourself breathing room. Six to eight weeks is the bare minimum during peak season. And for popular lanes like Ontario to British Columbia or Quebec to Alberta? Movers get snapped up even earlier. Some routes are booked months out.

Winter moves can be easier to schedule, but then you’re gambling with ice, snow, and frozen hands. Still, if you’re flexible, October through March usually brings lower prices and better availability. Just don’t forget to check lease deadlines, school breaks, and holiday closures before you lock anything in.

And no, movers won’t give you a guaranteed delivery time—not for long hauls. Expect a delivery “window.” It’s not laziness. It’s logistics. Delays happen: traffic, storms, detours. Plan your arrival and accommodations accordingly.

Moving insurance in Canada

This one’s sneaky. Most people assume their stuff is insured just because it’s on a moving truck. It’s not. At least, not in the way you think.

Here’s the truth: basic coverage—called Released Value Protection—only pays about $0.60 per pound per item. That 40-inch TV? If it breaks, you’re getting like $25. Ouch. That’s not coverage. That’s an apology.

If you’re hiring province to province movers, you need more than the minimum. Ask about Full Value Protection, which reimburses you based on actual value, not weight. Some movers also work with third-party insurers to give you a broader safety net.

Also? Read the fine print in your contract. Like actually read it. Don’t just scroll and sign. Some policies don’t cover electronics, artwork, or self-packed boxes. Others only pay out if the movers pack everything themselves.

Peace of mind costs a little extra. But when your antique mirror or gaming setup is on the line, it’s worth it. Just don’t assume you’re cover, ask first, pay smart, sleep better.

Let’s look at some tips on how to choose the right moving company in Canada.

Now you know the most important interesting facts about moving industry in Canada

As you can see, cross Canada moving solutions is an essential part of the country’s economy. It provides jobs for thousands of people and helps to facilitate economic growth and development in many different provinces. With these five interesting facts about moving industry in Canada, we hope that you have gained a better understanding of how this sector operates and why it is so important.