Your Rights When Hiring Movers in Canada, Province by Province
What protects you when you hire a mover in Canada: Ontario's written-contract and 10% rules, Quebec's OPC advice, other provinces and disputes.
Your rights when hiring a mover depend on the province. Ontario has the most specific rules: a moving contract worth more than $50 must be in writing, a mover generally cannot charge more than 10% above the estimate unless you agree to extra supplies or services, and a mover cannot hold your belongings to pressure you into paying more. Quebec’s consumer protection office publishes detailed advice for people hiring movers. In the other provinces, general consumer protection law applies, so a clear written contract is your best protection.
What are the rules in Ontario?
Written contract. Moving services worth more than $50 need a written contract listing the mover’s name, address and contact details, each service and its price, the total, the dates and the payment terms.
The 10% rule. Under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act, a mover generally cannot charge more than 10% above the estimate in your contract. The exception is when you need extra supplies or services and agree to the increase.
No holding belongings. A mover cannot hold your belongings to pressure you into paying more than the agreed amount.
Read the full rules at Ontario.ca: Hiring a mover.
What about Quebec?
Quebec’s Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) recommends getting a written estimate before you hire, and explains your rights when you book by phone or online, including receiving a written contract. If you are moving around July 1, when demand peaks, read the contract carefully before you sign.
What about British Columbia, Alberta, the Prairies and Nova Scotia?
These provinces do not have moving-specific rules like Ontario’s. Consumer Protection BC says it does not regulate moving companies. General consumer protection law still applies to contracts, misleading claims and unfair practices, and your provincial consumer office can tell you what applies to your situation. In practice, that makes the written estimate and contract even more important. Insist on one that is itemized and signed before moving day.
What about a move between provinces?
When you move from one province to another, check the rules in both, and keep a copy of everything. Long-distance moves are where problems are most costly, so ask how your belongings are handled in transit and when they will be delivered. Our long-distance moving page explains how we price those moves.
What should be in a good estimate?
Wherever you live, look for:
- Itemized services, rates, minimums and fees
- The estimated hours or the flat price
- Charges for stairs, long carries and specialty items
- Packing materials and who provides them
- Insurance or liability coverage and its limits
- Cancellation and deposit policy
- Whether tax is included
See our guide to comparing moving quotes.
What if there is damage or a dispute?
Photograph the damage, note it on the paperwork before the crew leaves and tell the company in writing as soon as possible. Keep your contract, photos and messages. If the company does not resolve it, contact your provincial consumer protection office, ask your credit card issuer about a dispute, or consider small claims court. For this reason, ask about liability coverage up front. At Forge Movers, basic liability of $0.60 per pound per item is included.
If you suspect fraud, read how to spot a moving scam.
How we work
We give every customer an itemized estimate in writing, in every province, whether the local law requires it or not. Request a free quote.
