10 Mistakes People Make When Cross Country Moving in Canada (And How to Avoid Them)
Avoid costly cross country moving mistakes! Discover the top 10 errors Canadians make and how MTS helps you plan a seamless move from coast to coast.
August 19, 2025
Devon didn’t expect to feel panicked.
She’s smart, organized, and had months to plan her move from Alberta to BC.
But the second she submitted a few online forms for quotes, her inbox blew up. Calls. Emails. “Deals” that didn’t feel real. One company quoted her $1,800. Another, $6,000 for the same items. And the reviews? Horror stories. Hidden fees. Delayed deliveries. Belongings held hostage.
Devon almost went with the cheapest quote until something didn’t sit right. The contract was vague. The rep was pushy. That’s when she found MTS Moving. The tone was different.
We didn’t sell her, we educated her. We walked her through real costs, red flags to watch for, and how to protect herself, even if she didn’t choose us.
It’s a good thing she chose MTS.
Her move? Flawless. Transparent quote. On-time delivery. Zero surprises. She even paid less than expected.
And Devon’s not alone. Every year, over 2.1 million Canadian households move, many across provinces.
And 35% of Canadians relocate within a five-year span. That’s a lot of opportunity for mistakes. Especially with long-distance moves, where the stakes are high and the scammers are slick.
At MTS, we’ve helped 10,000+ avoid the pitfalls Devon dodged. But too many still learn the hard way.
So, whether you’re planning a move now or just weighing options, don’t skip this. Below are the 10 most common mistakes Canadians make when moving cross-country and how to avoid them, step-by-step.
What’s inside:
- Choosing a Mover Based on Price Alone
- Not Getting a Binding Estimate
- Failing to Research the Company’s Reputation
- Underestimating the Volume of Their Move
- Leaving Packing to the Last Minute
- Forgetting About Specialty Items
- Ignoring Insurance Options
- Not Preparing for Delivery Delays
- Skipping the Essentials Box
- Not Asking the Right Questions
1. Choosing a Mover Based on Price Alone
Problem:
When Devon first started comparing moving companies, the cheapest option seemed like the obvious choice. Why not save a few hundred dollars?
But as she dug deeper, she noticed something off:
- Quotes that seemed too good to be true often were.
- Some didn’t include fuel, others left out taxes,
- And many estimated way below her actual weight to appear cheaper up front.
This is one of the most common and costly mistakes Canadians make when booking a cross-country move. Low quotes are rarely real quotes. They’re bait.
Many budget movers hook you with an “amazing” price, only to layer on hidden charges after your truck is loaded and you have no leverage. Fees for stairs. Long carry. Shuttle access.
Special handling for a couch they “didn’t know” about. Worse still, they often underquote your shipment’s weight, then jack up the final bill after weighing your items if they weigh them at all.
It’s tempting to go with the lowest quote. But for long-distance moving in Canada, a low number is often a red flag, not a deal. Many movers lure customers in with too-good-to-be-true pricing, only to tack on hidden fees once your belongings are loaded.
They might estimate an unrealistically low weight, exclude essentials like fuel or taxes, or “forget” to mention charges for stairs, elevators, or long walks.
This bait-and-switch approach isn’t rare, it’s rampant. And it’s the #1 reason people end up paying double what they expected.
Solution:
Don’t just ask what the quote is, ask what’s included. Look for guaranteed, all-in pricing with full transparency.
At MTS Moving, we eliminate the guesswork. Our quotes are upfront and inclusive, and we’re one of the only movers in Canada that provides video-verified weigh-ins with date and time stamps, so you can see your truck’s weight before and after loading. No surprises. No stress.
We also include fuel, taxes, 200 feet of long carry, and no third-party handoffs because that’s what honest moving should look like.
Bottom line: Choosing the lowest price can cost you the most. Choosing transparency gets you trust, clarity, and often, a lower final bill.
2. Not Getting a Binding Estimate
Problem:
Like Devon, you think you’ve budgeted for your move, until the final invoice shows up with a number that blows your mind.
Suddenly, you're being charged for “extra” weight, fuel surcharges, or unforeseen logistics. And because the estimate you agreed to wasn’t binding, there’s nothing you can do but pay up.
This happens more often than you'd think. Many moving companies provide “non-binding” estimates, which are little more than educated guesses. When moving day comes, you’re on the hook for whatever number the company decides you now owe.
Solution:
Protect yourself from post-move sticker shock by asking for a binding estimate or a binding-not-to-exceed quote. These aren’t just terms, they’re commitments. A binding estimate guarantees that your price won’t change (as long as your inventory doesn’t), while a binding-not-to-exceed quote gives you the best of both worlds: if your weight comes in lower than expected, you pay less, but never more.
At MTS Moving, we specialize in transparent, locked-in pricing. Our estimates are built around detailed inventory tools and video consultations, so what we quote is what you pay. No vague “ballparks,” no ambiguous ranges, and no stressful surprises.
Bottom line: If your quote isn’t binding, your final price isn’t real. Always get it in writing and make sure it sticks.
3. Failing to Research the Company’s Reputation
Problem:
You book a mover, take a deep breath, and assume everything will go smoothly. But then moving day comes and no one shows up. Or worse, they do show up, but your belongings don’t. Scams, no-shows, and surprise damages are disturbingly common in the moving industry, especially among budget movers with no credentials or oversight.
Too many people fall for slick websites or lowball quotes without digging into the company’s track record. The result? Delayed deliveries, lost items, or feeling held hostage by last-minute charges.
Solution:
Do your homework before you hand over your belongings. Look for companies that are:
- ✅ CAM-accredited (Canadian Association of Movers)
- ✅ Verified by MovingWaldo
- ✅ Top-reviewed on Google and Yelp
- ✅ Awarded by HomeStars (like MTS’s 2024 “Best Of” win)
At MTS Moving, we’re proud to check every box. With hundreds of five-star reviews and verified credentials across platforms, our reputation isn’t just marketing, it’s proof.
We also encourage you to read the bad reviews, not just the good ones. See how companies respond. If complaints go unanswered or repeat red flags pop up, run.
Bottom line: If a mover isn’t accredited, reviewed, or transparent, don’t roll the dice. You’re not just moving furniture. You’re moving your life. Trust matters.
4. Underestimating the Volume of Their Move
Problem:
You think you’ve got a “one-bedroom apartment’s worth” of stuff, until moving day arrives and the truck’s already half-full with boxes from just your storage unit. Suddenly, the quote you got for 2,000 lbs becomes 4,000. And with many movers, that means double the price.
This is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes people make when moving long-distance. It’s easy to forget how much space furniture takes up or how quickly small items add up in weight. Many companies count on this and purposely underquote to win your business, only to upcharge you later once your belongings are already on the truck.
Solution:
Get a quote based on what you actually own, not a vague guess. At MTS, we use detailed inventory forms, video walkthroughs, or in-home assessments to create accurate estimates. You walk us through your space, virtually or in person, and we flag the heavy stuff, the bulky stuff, and the “oh, I forgot about that in the garage” stuff before it becomes a problem.
We also use video-verified weigh-ins to ensure total accuracy on moving day, so you’re never surprised by a number that wasn’t part of the plan.
Bottom line: You don’t need to weigh your couch. You just need a mover who does the math honestly. Estimate smarter. Move with confidence.
🎯 3 Ways to Accurately Estimate Your Move
- Video Walkthrough with a Move Consultant Walk your MTS advisor through your home using your phone. We’ll flag large items, unusual pieces, and anything you might overlook live.
- Detailed Inventory Form Fill out our step-by-step checklist that includes rooms, furniture types, and storage areas. It’s surprisingly easy to forget about basement boxes or patio sets.
- In-Home Assessment (Select Regions) Prefer in-person? We’ll send a trained team member to assess your volume, no pressure. It’s free and helps you avoid costly weight surprises.
5. Leaving Packing to the Last Minute
Problem:
You swore you’d start packing two weeks ago. But now it’s the night before your move, and half your kitchen is still untouched. Boxes are unlabeled, essentials are scattered, and you're frantically bubble-wrapping mugs while Googling “how to pack a TV.”
You’re not alone. Nearly 75% of people say packing is more stressful than moving day itself—and procrastinating only makes it worse. Rushed packing often leads to:
- Forgotten or misplaced items
- Poorly protected valuables
- Higher risk of damage
- Expensive last-minute packing fees
Movers often charge 10%–25% more for packing done on moving day, especially if they have to supply materials and labour on the fly. A move that could’ve cost $1,200 might suddenly jump to $1,500+, not because of distance, but because of disorganization.
Solution:
Start early or let professionals handle it. At MTS Moving, we offer optional full-service packing with trained crews who treat your belongings like their own. From wardrobes to wine glasses, we pack strategically, label everything clearly, and make sure nothing’s left behind or broken in transit.
Prefer to do it yourself? For more expert tips to help you pack smarter, not harder, check out these guides:
Bottom line: Packing isn’t just a task; it’s a trap if left too late. Whether you DIY or outsource, plan ahead so your move starts calmly, not chaotically.
6. Forgetting About Specialty Items
Problem:
You’re halfway through your estimate call when you suddenly remember, oh right, the treadmill. And the oversized mirror. And that 85-inch TV still mounted in the living room.
These are the kinds of items that trip up even the most organized movers. Grand pianos, hot tubs, delicate artwork, custom furniture, fitness equipment, if it’s bulky, heavy, or fragile, it often triggers extra charges from companies that didn’t know about it ahead of time. Worse, some movers will refuse to take those items on moving day, leaving you scrambling.
Solution:
Flag everything up front. At MTS Moving, we ask the right questions early so you’re not hit with last-minute fees or logistical nightmares. We include specialty items in your quote when you disclose them and we’ll help you plan for proper disassembly, protection, and reassembly if needed.
For more insight, check out our post:
👉 5 Things to Consider When Moving Large Furniture Across the Country
We’ve moved everything from antique pool tables to glass sculptures, and we treat each piece like it’s irreplaceable because often, it is.
Bottom line: Big or delicate items require more than muscle, they require planning. Tell your mover early, and make sure they’re equipped to handle it right.
7. Ignoring Coverage Options
Problem:
You’ve spent years building your home. Then one bad bump, one drop, or one rainy-day loading session later, your flat-screen’s cracked, or your dining table’s scratched. And now you're stuck paying out-of-pocket because you didn’t choose the right coverage.
Here’s the kicker: most movers include only basic liability coverage by default. That’s usually $0.60 per pound, so if your $2,000 TV weighs 80 lbs, you’ll get a grand total of $48. Not exactly peace of mind.
Solution:
Understand your options and choose wisely. At MTS Moving, we include $1.50/lb coverage by default, more than double the industry minimum, with no deductible. And if you need more, we’ll walk you through full-value protection so you know what’s covered and what’s not.
We also go beyond just coverage. Our movers use furniture blankets, stretch wrap, inventory tags, and careful handling protocols that minimize damage in the first place. Insurance is your safety net, not your first line of defence.
Bottom line: Accidents happen. What matters is whether you're protected. Ask every mover: “What’s your standard coverage? What’s the deductible? What’s my real risk?” Then choose a partner who gives you clarity, not fine print.
8. Not Preparing for Delivery Delays
Problem:
You’ve got your move-out date locked in. The movers are scheduled. But your new home? Still under renovation. Or your closing date just got pushed… again. Now your belongings are on a truck with nowhere to go, and you're staring down unexpected storage fees or rerouting chaos.
It happens more often than you’d think. And without a backup plan, these delays can cost you hundreds of dollars or worse, leave you couch-surfing with nothing but a suitcase.
Solution:
Plan for the what ifs before they become emergencies. At MTS Moving, we help customers build flexibility into their move with options like:
- Guaranteed delivery windows (so you know when to expect us)
- Storage-in-transit (SIT) for unexpected holdovers
- Custom move coordination that aligns with your closing date or possession timeline
Whether your home is ready or not, we’ve got you covered. Our coordinators stay in touch throughout your move and adjust when timelines shift because life happens.
Bottom line: Your moving plan should account for more than just loading and driving. Always ask: “What happens if there’s a delay?” Then choose a mover who actually has an answer.
9. Skipping the Essentials Box
Problem:
The truck’s unloaded, the boxes are stacked… and your Advil is buried somewhere between the Instant Pot and a tangle of cords. The kids are hungry. Your phone’s dead. You can’t find pyjamas or a single roll of toilet paper.
Welcome to Night One, where forgetting to pack an essentials box turns a smooth move into a scramble.
Most movers don’t remind you to do this. But not planning for the first 24–48 hours in your new home is a mistake that adds stress right when you’re trying to settle in.
Solution:
Always pack a clearly labelled “Day One” or “Essentials” box and load it last so it comes off first. It should include:
- Medications & first aid
- Phone chargers & power bars
- Snacks, water, and utensils
- Pet or baby supplies
- Toiletries & a change of clothes
- Important documents
- A few comfort items (because it’s still your home)
At MTS, we provide customers with a checklist template for building the perfect essentials box because we’ve seen how much smoother moves go when you have your necessities within arm’s reach.
Bottom line: The first day in your new place should feel like the start of something exciting, not a scavenger hunt. Plan for the night-of, not just the move-in.
10. Not Asking the Right Questions
Problem:
You book the mover, sign the contract, and figure the details will work themselves out. But then moving day arrives, and you realize you don’t know what kind of insurance you agreed to, who’s handling your stuff at the destination, or why your quote just went up $400.
The problem? You didn’t ask the right questions early enough. Most regrets we hear from customers who went with other movers before us come down to this: “I wish I’d known to ask...”
Solution:
At MTS, we encourage customers to challenge us with questions, because we have the answers. We believe an educated customer is the best kind, and we’re happy to walk you through every line of the estimate, every policy, and every potential fee before you sign anything.
Bottom line: The only dumb moving question is the one you didn’t ask. If a company dodges or deflects, trust your gut and walk away.
Ready to Move Smarter?
Avoiding these 10 cross country moving mistakes in Canada doesn’t take luck, it takes the right partner.
At MTS Moving, we specialize in cross-country moves done right: clear quotes, no fine print, and a team that actually gives a damn. Whether you're moving for work, family, or a fresh start, we’re here to make it feel a whole lot easier.
📣 Plan your move with confidence. Get a guaranteed, all-in quote from MTS Moving — and skip the surprises.
👉 Request Your Quote
FAQs About Cross-Country Moving in Canada
How much does cross-country moving really cost?
It depends on weight, distance, services, and time of year, but most long-distance moves within Canada range from $1,500 to $7,500. Beware of quotes that seem too low; they often exclude fuel, taxes, or key services. At MTS, our quotes are all-in. What you see is what you pay.
What are the most common moving scams?
Lowball quotes followed by surprise charges. Movers not showing up or subcontracting your job without telling you. Holding your belongings “hostage” until you pay more. MTS avoids all of this with transparent pricing, video-verified weight proof, and no third-party handoffs.
How far in advance should I book?
Ideally, 4–6 weeks before your move, especially during peak season (May to September). We do our best to accommodate short-notice moves, but early booking helps lock in preferred dates and better rates.
Do I need extra insurance coverage?
Most movers offer only basic liability ($0.60/lb), which doesn’t cover much. MTS includes $1.50/lb with no deductible by default. For higher-value items, we’ll walk you through optional full-value protection.
How do I track my shipment?
With MTS, you don’t have to guess. We’re one of the only movers in Canada with a real-time online tracking system, so you always know where your belongings are.
What goes in an essentials box?
Your Day One survival kit: meds, chargers, toiletries, clothes, snacks, pet supplies, and important documents. Don’t worry, we made a checklist for you.
Can I pack electronics and plants safely?
Electronics: Yes, if you use original packaging or padded boxes with moisture protection.
Plants: It depends. Many movers can’t legally transport live plants across provinces. Ask us what’s allowed and how to keep things safe.