Ways To Lower Your Moving Costs In London, Ontario (2026)
Almost everyone asks the same thing before booking movers.
How can I keep my moving bill as low as possible?
The good news is you have more control over the final cost than you might think. Small decisions before moving day can save real time, and since most companies charge by the hour, less time means less money.
Here are practical ways to reduce your moving costs without cutting corners or risking damage to your belongings.
1. Be Fully Packed Before Movers Arrive
Nothing slows a crew down more than waiting while items are still being boxed.
If packing is unfinished, movers either have to help pack or stand by until you are ready. Both situations increase billable time.
Seal boxes, tape them, and have them stacked in an easy to access area. The faster the truck can be loaded, the faster the job gets done.
2. Declutter Before the Move
If you do not need it, do not move it.
Take time to donate, sell, or throw away items you no longer use. Less volume means:
less loading time
less unloading time
fewer trips
lower cost
Even removing a few bulky pieces can make a noticeable difference.
3. Reserve Elevators and Parking
Apartments and condos can become expensive when access is not organized.
If movers arrive and there is no elevator booked or nowhere to park, time keeps ticking. A short delay can easily add thirty minutes or more.
Confirm arrangements with your building in advance and make sure movers know exactly where they can stage the truck.
4. Disassemble Simple Furniture Ahead of Time
Beds, table legs, and large items often require setup and takedown.
If you can handle basic disassembly safely before the crew arrives, you remove work from the clock. Keep hardware in labeled bags so reassembly is quick later.
5. Keep Walkways Clear
Movers work fastest when they can move directly between the truck and your items.
Remove clutter, rugs that slip, and obstacles in hallways. Hold doors open if possible. Efficiency saves minutes, and minutes turn into dollars.
6. Move Small Valuable Items Yourself
Personal bags, documents, jewelry, and small electronics are often easier to transport in your own vehicle.
This reduces what needs to be loaded onto the truck and can speed up the process.
7. Choose the Right Start Time
Traffic and building congestion can slow things down.
Earlier morning bookings often allow crews to work faster and avoid delays from busy elevators or packed streets.
8. Communicate Special Items in Advance
Heavy or awkward pieces such as pianos, large safes, or oversized sectionals require planning.
Letting your movers know ahead of time prevents surprises that could stretch your hours.
9. Label Rooms at the New Place
When movers know exactly where each box goes, unloading becomes quick and organized.
Without direction, they may need to ask questions or reposition items later, which adds time.
10. Hire Movers Who Work Efficiently
Experience matters.
Professional crews that move homes every day can usually complete jobs much faster than inexperienced help. Speed combined with proper protection often results in a lower total bill, even if the hourly rate is not the absolute cheapest.
The Bottom Line
Preparation is the biggest factor in reducing moving costs.
When everything is ready, access is clear, and communication is solid, your move runs smoothly and finishes sooner.
Want to Know What Your Move Will Cost?
Every situation is different. The best way to get accurate numbers is a personalized estimate based on what you are moving and where you are going.
Request a free quote from On The Mark Moving and see how affordable a professional move can be.