7 Things Included in Your Ottawa Moving Rate You Didn't Know About
From furniture disassembly to basic cargo insurance, discover what is truly packed into your $119 hourly moving rate.
The Transparency of Hourly Moving Rates in Ottawa-Gatineau
When you book 2 movers and a 20-ft truck starting at $119/hour (during off-peak season) for your Downtown Ottawa condo, you are paying for much more than just a ride from point A to point B. Professional moving companies include a comprehensive suite of equipment to safely transport your belongings and comply with the strict bylaws often enforced by condominium syndicates. To understand the importance of proper preparation and compliance in high-density areas, read our guide on moving to Ottawa tips.
For instance, to protect commercial elevators, tight hallways, and expensive lobbies, our larger 26-ft trucks (starting at $139/hour off-peak) come standard with specialized gear like skid boards and heavy-duty floor protection runners. Furthermore, basic cargo insurance is actively protecting your belongings from the exact moment we touch your first piece of furniture until the very last box is unloaded, ensuring a stress-free process.
"Many clients stress about disassembling their large bed frames or dining tables the night before the move. There is absolutely no need to do that; our teams carry the necessary power tools and the labor is entirely included within our standard hourly rate," confirms the Senior Logistics Coordinator at UpMove. "We pride ourselves on offering a fully inclusive service without hidden assembly fees."
What Is Automatically Included in Your Rate
Unlike budget alternatives that upcharge for basic necessities, our base hourly rate covers the essentials required for a professional, safe, and efficient relocation:
- Disassembly and Assembly: Standard beds, dining tables, and large desks are meticulously dismantled and reassembled by our pros.
- Basic Cargo Insurance: Your goods have standard legal coverage during transit to protect against unforeseen accidents on the road.
- 4-wheel dollies: Absolutely vital for navigating long condo hallways and expediting the loading process efficiently.
- Floor Protection: Specialized skid boards and neoprene runners prevent scratches on delicate hardwood floors and tiles.
- Quilted Moving Blankets: Thick pads securely wrap your furniture to prevent any rubbing, scratching, or damage inside the truck.
Rates and Inclusions by Crew Size
Your rate will vary depending on the time of year and the size of the crew you require. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:
- 2 Movers & 20-ft Truck: Ideal for apartments. Includes Dollies and Blankets. Starting at $119/hr (Off-Peak) / $129/hr (Peak).
- 3 Movers & 26-ft Truck: Ideal for 3+ bedroom homes. Includes Dollies, Blankets, and Skid boards. Starting at $139/hr (Off-Peak) / $175/hr (Peak).
However, it is crucial to remember that the City of Ottawa's Temporary No Parking Permit (TNP), which costs between $50 and $100, is not included in our rates and remains entirely your responsibility to secure. Book your fully-equipped crew with UpMove today.
What Is NOT Included: The Hidden Extras to Budget For
While our base hourly rate is comprehensive, some items are NOT included: the TNP permit ($50–$100), condo damage deposits ($200–$500), packing boxes and tape (if you request packing service), long-carry fees for distances over 75 feet, and specialty item fees for heavy objects like pianos or safes. We believe this upfront transparency is exactly what separates UpMove from companies that surprise you with hidden surcharges on moving day.
Furthermore, early booking is absolutely critical regardless of the season you choose to move in. Top-tier moving crews and specific truck sizes are often reserved weeks, if not months, in advance, particularly for highly sought-after weekend slots and end-of-month dates. By securing your moving date early, you guarantee access to the best equipment and personnel, while also locking in your preferred rates before any seasonal surges take effect. Proper planning and professional support are the fundamental pillars of a successful transition to your new home.
Related Reading
- What is Included in Your Hourly Rate
- Questions to Ask Your Moving Company
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UpMove serves Ottawa, Kanata, Nepean, Orleans, and the entire Gatineau region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are packing materials like boxes and tape included in the hourly rate?
No. While furniture protection blankets and shrink wrap for large items are included, cardboard boxes, packing paper, and packing tape for your personal belongings are sold separately.
Can I opt out of the basic insurance to lower the hourly price?
No, basic cargo insurance is a standard legal industry requirement in Ontario and Quebec and is bundled into the rate; it cannot be deducted to lower the hourly price.
Do you charge extra for stairs or heavy items?
Our standard hourly rate covers regular stairs. However, excessively heavy items like pianos or large gun safes may incur a specialized heavy-item fee due to the extra equipment and risk involved.
Is the time spent disassembling my furniture billed at the hourly rate?
Yes. While there is no 'extra fee' for the service of disassembly, the time our movers spend performing the task is part of your total billable hours.
Do I need to empty my dresser drawers before the move?
We generally recommend emptying dressers to make them lighter and safer to carry, especially if there are stairs. This ultimately speeds up the move and saves you money on the hourly rate.