Moving from Montreal to Toronto: A Complete Moving Guide

How far is Montreal from Toronto?

Montreal and Toronto are approximately 540 kilometres apart by road, depending on the exact pickup and delivery locations. Driving distance is only one part of a long-distance move. Loading and unloading time, property access, traffic, weather, shipment size and scheduling can all affect the total time required.

How much does it cost to move from Montreal to Toronto?

There is no single price that applies to every Montreal-to-Toronto move. Your moving cost can depend on factors such as the size and volume of your shipment, pickup and delivery locations, number of movers required, packing services, stairs or elevator access, walking distance between the truck and property, heavy/oversized/fragile items, parking and loading restrictions, and additional services requested. A one-bedroom apartment, for example, has very different moving requirements from a fully furnished family home. For an accurate estimate, provide your mover with detailed information about both properties and the belongings you plan to move.

How long does a Montreal-to-Toronto move take?

The transportation portion of the trip can typically be completed within a day under normal driving conditions. However, the complete moving process also includes loading, transportation, unloading and any additional services requested. Your actual schedule will depend on the size of your shipment, access conditions, traffic, weather and the agreed pickup and delivery arrangements. When booking a long-distance move, ask for the expected pickup and delivery schedule so you can coordinate access to both properties.

Preparing for your move to Toronto

Start preparing several weeks before your moving date whenever possible. Go through your belongings and decide what will be moved, donated, sold or discarded. Moving is often a good opportunity to reduce the amount of furniture and household goods you transport. You should also identify items that may require special handling, including large televisions, mirrors and artwork, glass furniture, antiques, exercise equipment, oversized furniture and particularly heavy items. Tell your moving company about these items before moving day so the appropriate crew, equipment and materials can be planned.

Moving into a Toronto condo

Toronto has a large number of condominium buildings, and moving into one often requires additional coordination. Before your moving date, contact your building management or concierge and ask about elevator reservations, moving hours, loading access, insurance requirements and any deposits or fees. Don't wait until moving day to arrange these requirements.

• Elevator reservations: Many buildings require residents to reserve a service elevator for a specific period
• Moving hours: Your building may restrict moves to certain days or hours
• Loading access: Confirm where the moving truck can park and how movers access the building
• Insurance requirements: Some buildings may request proof of insurance from the moving company
• Deposits or fees: Your building may have its own move-in procedures, deposits or elevator charges

Should you pack yourself or hire packers?

Both options can work. If you're packing yourself, begin with belongings you don't use every day and clearly label each box with its contents and destination room. Professional packing services can be useful when you have a large household, limited time or fragile belongings requiring additional protection. You may also choose partial packing, where the movers pack only specific items such as artwork, mirrors, televisions, dishes or other fragile belongings.

What about furniture disassembly?

Some furniture may need to be disassembled before it can be safely moved or fit through doorways, elevators and hallways. Beds, tables and certain larger furniture pieces may require disassembly depending on their construction and the access at each property. Let your moving company know about unusually large furniture when requesting your quote.

Parking can make a big difference

Parking and loading access are important at both ends of a long-distance move. This is especially true in dense areas of Montreal and Toronto where the truck may not be able to park immediately in front of the property. Before moving day, determine where the moving truck can legally and safely load or unload and whether any building or municipal arrangements are necessary.

Moving from Quebec to Ontario: what changes?

Unlike a Canada–U.S. cross-border move, relocating household goods from Quebec to Ontario does not involve an international border or customs clearance. However, you're still relocating between provinces, so remember to separately update your personal records and services as applicable after your move, such as your address, driver's licence, vehicle registration, health coverage, insurance and other accounts.

Can Keep Moving handle Montreal-to-Toronto moves?

Keep Moving provides long-distance moving services between Montreal, Toronto and surrounding communities in Quebec and Ontario, subject to scheduling and route availability. Services may include household moving, commercial moving, packing, furniture protection, loading and unloading, and other moving services based on the requirements of your relocation.

Plan your Montreal-to-Toronto move

A successful long-distance move starts with good preparation and accurate information. When requesting your moving estimate, provide your pickup location, delivery location, moving date, property type, approximate move size, access details, specialty items and additional services needed. The more information available before moving day, the easier it is to properly plan your relocation.

Ready to move from Montreal to Toronto?

Planning a move from Montreal, Laval, Longueuil or another Quebec community to Toronto or the GTA? Tell Keep Moving about your upcoming relocation and request a moving estimate based on your route, move size and service requirements.