How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move From Ottawa

As long-distance movers Ottawa residents rely on, we’ve created a practical roadmap to keep your move on schedule, on budget, and (mostly) stress-free.

Week-by-Week Timeline

Eight Weeks Out

Decide what stays and what goes. Donate, sell, or recycle anything you don’t love enough to pay to haul 300 km or more. Get three written quotes from reputable long-distance movers in Ottawa and compare insurance, equipment, and turnaround times.

Six Weeks Out

Reserve storage if your move-in date doesn't line up; Ottawa winters can wreak havoc on furniture left in unheated garages. Transfer school records and begin a change-of-address master list (banks, subscriptions, vet).

Four Weeks Out

Start packing non-essentials or hire the pros. Our crew can wrap, pad, and label every last mug; learn more about professional packing. Schedule utility cancellations and hookups for Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge and your new local providers.

Two Weeks Out

Refill prescriptions, back up your computer, and set aside valuables to travel with you. Confirm elevator bookings and parking permits at both addresses.

Moving Week

Defrost the freezer, deep-clean appliances, and pack a 48-hour "first-night" kit. Double-check the weather for Autoroute 50, Highway 401, or the 417 corridors; you may need extra buffer time.

Choosing the Right Truck Size for 3-Plus-Hour Hauls

Picking the wrong truck can add hours and dollars to your long-distance move. Here's a quick, no-table guide:

• Studio or One-Bedroom (up to 500 sq ft): A 16–20 ft cube truck is plenty and easier to park on Montréal’s tight side streets.
• Two- to Three-Bedroom Home (1,000–1,500 sq ft): A 24–26 ft straight truck swallows furniture and boxes in one load, avoiding costly return trips on Highway 401.
• Four-Bedroom and Larger (2,000 sq ft+): A 28–53 ft tractor-trailer lowers your cost per cubic foot over longer corridors like Ottawa–Toronto or Ottawa–Québec City.

Overloading a small truck means extra mileage, crew hours, and fuel, expenses that snowball fast on a three- to six-hour drive. Our dispatch team sizes your load precisely, so you're not paying for empty air.

Beat Peak-Season Chaos by Booking Early

Ottawa’s peak moving season runs from May 15 to September 15, with a second mini-rush at university turnover in late August. If you’re eyeing that window:

• Book your mover 8–10 weeks out. Trucks and crews capable of long hauls to Québec City or Toronto disappear fast.
• Secure elevators and service bays before other tenants grab the slots.
• Expect Friday and month-end premiums; a mid-week move can shave hundreds off the final invoice.

Locking in dates early also guarantees you the A-team, drivers who know the best rest stops on Highway 20 and how to navigate Montréal’s one-way streets without adding kilometres.

Storage, Utilities, and the “Invisible” Costs

• Seasonal storage: Heated units protect antique wood and electronics from Ottawa’s –25 °C snaps while you wait for a Kingston closing date.
• Utility overlap: Keep the Ottawa place active until the day after loading to avoid fumbling in the dark.
• Insurance check-up: Confirm your policy covers belongings in transit across provincial lines.

Ready to Roll?

From Centretown lofts headed to Toronto’s waterfront to Kanata families relocating to Québec City’s rolling hills, our crew of long-distance movers Ottawa trusts has you covered. Book your move or call for a no-pressure quote, and let's turn that long stretch of highway into the smoothest part of your new adventure.