Local Movers in Saskatoon: How Local Moves Are Priced

How local moves in Saskatoon are usually priced, what to get in a written estimate, and what to ask a moving company before moving day.

Most local moves are billed by the hour. A moving marketplace says Saskatoon movers generally charge for the hours worked plus travel and fixed fees, and that some add a travel fee, a truck fee or a per-kilometre charge. It says the hourly rate usually runs from when the movers arrive at your old home until they leave the new one, and that stairs or bulky items can add charges. So ask how the clock is counted: when it starts and stops, the minimum number of hours, and whether travel to your door is billed.

The federal Office of Consumer Affairs suggests getting estimates from at least three reputable movers, and making a household inventory list before a mover gives an in-home estimate. Get the costs, terms and conditions in writing, on company letterhead and signed by someone from the company. The Competition Bureau adds that legitimate companies send someone to assess what you are moving, and warns not to trust quotes or contracts given over the phone. Ask whether the company you book is the one doing the move, or a broker that hires subcontractors. The Office of Consumer Affairs says many brokers don't take responsibility for lost or broken items.

Renting? Saskatchewan's Office of Residential Tenancies says that in a month-to-month tenancy, a tenant gives one month's notice: by the day before rent is due, ending the day before rent is due the next month. Fixed-term tenancies end on the date in the agreement. Book the mover once you know your end date: a moving marketplace notes that availability can be tight around the end of the month, lease turnover and the university calendar.

Moving day should not be when you first see the price. If anything changes, such as extra stairs or items that weren't on the inventory, ask for the new price before the work goes ahead. See moving costs and how to spot a moving scam.

Common jobs

• Apartment and condo moves
• House moves within Saskatoon
• Moves between Saskatoon, Martensville, Warman and nearby towns
• Loading or unloading a rental truck (ask whether the mover offers labour only)
• Packing and boxes (ask what costs extra)

Have this ready when you call

• Where you are moving from and to (neighbourhood or town)
• The size of the home, in bedrooms, and roughly how full it is
• Stairs, elevators, and how close the truck can park to each door
• Heavy or awkward items, such as a piano, appliances or a safe
• Your moving date, and whether it can change

Common questions