Discover the best time to hire movers in Ottawa to save money, avoid peak season rates, and book reliable movers at the right time.
If you’re planning a move in Ottawa and want to keep costs under control, understanding the best time to hire movers in Ottawa can make a huge difference.
Moving prices, availability, and overall convenience vary throughout the year. Choosing the right timing can help you avoid peak-season stress and unnecessary expenses.
Ottawa’s moving industry follows clear seasonal patterns. Summer months tend to be the busiest due to family relocations, student moves, and home purchases. However, other times of the year offer more flexibility and potential savings.
Knowing when demand is highest and when movers are more affordable allows you to plan strategically and secure better rates without compromising service quality.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best and most cost-effective times of year to hire movers in Ottawa.
Best Time To Hire Movers In Ottawa For The Lowest Rates
The best time to hire movers in Ottawa for the lowest rates is typically during the off-peak season, which runs from late fall through early spring.
During this period, demand for moving services is significantly lower, allowing movers to offer more competitive pricing and greater scheduling flexibility.
In Ottawa, the busiest moving months are usually April through October. Families relocate, students move in and out, and home sales peak around this time of the year.
Outside of this window, especially between October and March, moving companies experience fewer bookings.
This reduced demand often translates into lower hourly rates, better availability, and more personalized service.
As a result, winter moves in Ottawa, particularly in January and February, tend to be the most affordable when comparing Ottawa moving costs by season. Â
Below is given data from our Economcial Movers that shows clearly how many moving jobs we are able to done from January to December month
Fall and Winter Moves In Ottawa (October To March)
Fall and winter are the most affordable and flexible seasons to move in Ottawa, especially for budget-conscious homeowners and renters.Â
With lower demand during these months, movers offer better availability and more competitive pricing.
Why And Winter Moves Cost Less In Ottawa:
- Lower demand compared to the peak summer season.
- Easier scheduling with preferred dates and times.
- Greater flexibility when booking movers.
- More room to negotiate pricing and services.
Best For:
- Budget-focused movers.
- Flexible schedules.
- Non-urgent relocations.
- Homeowners avoiding peak-season stress.
Weather Considerations:
- Snow and cold temperatures are common.
- Professional Ottawa movers are equipped to handle winter conditions.
- Proper equipment and planning make winter moves safe and manageable.
Overall, fall and winter remain the most budget-friendly and flexible months for relocating within Ottawa.
If you’re planning a move within the city, choosing experienced providers of Ottawa local moving services can help ensure fair pricing.  Â
Summer Moves In Ottawa (Peak Season Costs)
Summer is the most expensive and busiest time to move in Ottawa.
From June through September, demand for movers spikes due to family relocations, student moves, and peak real estate activity across the city.
Why Summer Moves Cost More In Ottawa:
- Highest demand for moving services.
- Limited availability, especially at month-end.
- Premium pricing during peak booking periods.
- Tighter schedules and less flexibility.
Challenges of Moving During Ottawa’s Summer Season:
- Movers book weeks in advance.
- Higher rates compared to off-peak months.
- Hot weather adds physical strain and timing pressure.
Who Typically Moves In summer:
- Families with school-aged children.
- Students moving in or out of rentals.
- Homebuyers closing during the peak real estate season.
When comparing moving in summer vs winter, summer moves offer better weather but come with much higher costs and reduced availability.
If moving during the summer is unavoidable, booking early and choosing mid-week or mid-month dates can help limit expenses.
Best Month To Move In Ottawa To Save Money
While seasons play a significant role in moving costs, choosing the right month can lead to even greater savings.
In Ottawa, mover availability and pricing fluctuate throughout the year based on demand, weather, and housing activity.
Cheapest Months To Move In Ottawa:
- January–February: Lowest demand, highest availability, and the most competitive rates. Ideal for flexible, budget focused movers.
- November–December: Reduced demand due to colder weather and holidays, often resulting in better pricing and scheduling flexibility.
Moderately Priced Months:
- March–April: Demand begins to rise as the weather improves, but rates remain reasonable with early booking.
- September–October: A noticeable drop in summer demand makes these months a cost-effective alternative to peak season.
Most Expensive Months To Move In Ottawa:
- May–August: Peak moving season driven by family relocations, students, and home purchases. Expect higher rates and limited availability, especially near month-end.
For those looking to minimize expenses, January and February are often the cheapest months to hire movers in Ottawa, while planning in shoulder-season months like April or October can still offer a balance of cost and convenience. Â
How Far In Advance Should You Book Movers In Ottawa?
How early you book movers in Ottawa can directly impact pricing, availability, and overall moving day flexibility.
The ideal booking timeline depends mainly on the season you plan to move.
Why Booking Early Matters:
- Access to preferred moving dates and times.
- Better pricing and service options.
- More flexibility for rescheduling if plans change.
- Reduced risk of last-minute stress or limited choices.
Even during slower seasons, early planning gives you more control and helps secure the best overall value when hiring movers in Ottawa.
Note: If your move-in and move-out dates don’t align, using secure storage solutions in Ottawa can help manage timing differences without added stress.
Tips To Save Money When Hiring Movers In Ottawa
Now the best part of the guide comes, Even if you need to move during a busy time of year, thoughtful planning can reduce your overall moving costs.
Use these practical tips to save money when hiring movers in Ottawa:
Move Mid-Week Instead of Weekends
Tuesdays through Thursdays typically offer better availability and more competitive rates than weekends.
Avoid Month-End and Peak Dates
Demand is highest at the beginning and end of the month, often leading to higher prices and limited availability.
Book Your Movers Early
Early booking provides access to better pricing options and preferred time slots, especially during peak moving season.
Declutter Before Moving Day
Reducing the number of items lowers packing time, speeds up loading, and helps keep moving costs down.
Pack Only Simple, Non-Fragile Items if Appropriate
Preparing basic items like clothing or linens in advance can reduce labour time, while relying on professional packing services in Ottawa remains the safest option for fragile, valuable, or specialty items.
Compare Services, Not Just Prices
Choosing experienced, reliable movers helps prevent damage, delays, and unexpected costs during your move.
Following these tips can help you secure affordable movers in Ottawa and keep your relocation on budget, regardless of the season.
Final Thoughts: Choosing The Best Time To Hire Movers In Ottawa
Moving costs in Ottawa can vary considerably depending on when you book and how far in advance you plan.
By understanding seasonal trends, choosing flexible dates, and booking ahead, you can avoid peak-season stress and keep your moving expenses under control.
Plan your move strategically, book reliable movers early, and take advantage of off-peak opportunities whenever possible.
Contact Economical Movers today for a free, no-obligation quote and lock in the best time for your upcoming move.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Movers In Ottawa
1. What Is The Best Time To Hire Movers In Ottawa?
The best time to hire movers in Ottawa is during the off-peak season, from late fall to early spring, when demand and prices are lower.
2. Are Winter Movers In Ottawa Cheaper Than Summer Moves?
Yes. When comparing moving in summer vs winter, winter moves are typically more affordable due to lower demand and better availability.
3. How Far In Advance Should I Book Moves In Ottawa?
For summer moves, book 6–8 weeks in advance. During fall and winter, 2–4 weeks is usually sufficient.
4. What Are The Most Expensive Months To Move In Ottawa?
June through September are the most expensive months due to peak demand from families, students, and homebuyers.
5. Can I Save Money By Moving Mid-Week In Ottawa?
Yes. Mid-week moves, especially Tuesday to Thursday, often come with lower rates and better availability.
6. Are Economical Movers In Ottawa Prepared For Winter Conditions Move?
Yes. Economical Movers are fully equipped to handle snow, ice, and cold weather safely.
