Local service guide
Long-distance moving in London, ON: Hiring Guide
Long-distance moving from London, ON starts with three written estimates for the same belongings and services, followed by a contract covering price, pickup and delivery dates, and responsibility for damage. Before booking, ask the mover to confirm a legal loading location and overnight truck arrangements. London excludes commercial vehicles, oversized vehicles and trailers from its overnight parking passes. [1] [2]
Compare quotes for the move you need
Ask at least three companies for written estimates before signing. Ontario recommends having movers see what you need to move to help them prepare an accurate estimate. Ask each company to quote the same scope: packing, transport, delivery and any storage you request. [1]
Prepare a room-by-room inventory, including items in the garage or storage locker. Send photos and dimensions of bulky furniture. Tell the estimator about stairs, elevators, driveway access and the distance between the loading spot and your door at both addresses.
Request an inventory- and destination-specific quote. Ask how the company calculates its transport charge and what could change the total. Request separate amounts for packing, storage, smaller-truck transfers or waiting time it proposes. Compare the total payable and exclusions before choosing a lower headline quote.
Put delivery, payment and coverage in writing
Ontario requires consumer moving contracts worth more than $50 to be in writing. Required information includes the mover’s name, address and contact details, a service description, itemized prices, the total payable, start and end dates, and payment terms. [1]
Ask the company to distinguish your pickup appointment from the delivery commitment. If it proposes a delivery window, record that window and the contact responsible for updates. Agree on what happens if you cannot access the destination property when the truck arrives.
Ask for the insurance provider and policy number, who handles loss or damage, and whether coverage includes boxes you pack yourself. Ontario recommends checking your home insurance and asking to visit any facility where the mover may store your belongings. [1]
For a border-crossing move, ask which licences or customs documents your move needs and who will arrange them. Ontario identifies these documents as matters you can include in the contract. Ask the mover to confirm the requirements for your destination before you sign. [1]
Confirm the truck can load at your address
Walk the proposed loading area with the mover or send photographs of the signs and approach. Ask the company to identify the vehicle it plans to use and whether it needs a smaller truck to transfer your belongings. Agree on any transfer charge before booking.
The City’s informational Traffic and Parking By-law consolidation describes prohibitions on stopping over a sidewalk, double parking and stopping along signed fire routes. It also requires active loading or unloading in a designated loading zone, with the entire vehicle inside the zone. Ask the mover to check the proposed spot against these restrictions. [3]
For downtown addresses, ask the mover to check section 19 before setting the appointment. The consolidation describes tractor-trailer restrictions for loading and unloading from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on roadways within its defined Downtown Area and specified signed roadways outside it. Vehicles arriving before those periods may finish and leave. [3]
The City warns that its online consolidation is not an official version and does not warrant its accuracy. Confirm the rules for your proposed address, vehicle and arrival time with Parking Services at 519-661-4537. Ask your building manager about elevator reservations and loading access as a separate step. [2] [3]
Prepare for weather and the move-out handover
The climate chart reports historical monthly days with precipitation of at least 0.2 mm at the London composite station. Consider covered loading and floor protection when preparing your move. Check the forecast for both addresses before departure; historical averages do not describe conditions on your moving day. [5]
Ask who will clear or treat the loading path if conditions require it, and how the company will communicate a weather delay. Keep essential medication, documents, keys and an overnight bag with you so you can manage a change in delivery timing.
If you are leaving London Hydro’s jurisdiction or cancelling hydro or water services in your name, use the Move In/Move Out/Transfer link in MyLondonHydro. The utility asks for at least two business days to complete a final reading. Match the requested service end date to your handover arrangements. [4]
Check belongings at pickup and delivery
Ontario advises supervising pickup and delivery, moving valuables and personal documents yourself, and noting missing or damaged items before the movers leave. Photograph furniture before loading and keep your inventory, contract and payment records together. [1]
If the mover demands an unagreed extra payment to release your belongings, Ontario says it cannot hold items to pressure you into renegotiating the contract. If you pay because you feel you have no choice, the province advises writing paid under protest on the invoice, keeping a copy and following up with the company, police or Consumer Protection Ontario. [1]
London autumn and winter days with precipitation of at least 0.2 mm
Local details that affect your job
Overnight staging needs a truck-specific plan
London issues winter overnight parking passes for personal vehicles, weather permitting, between November 15 and March 31. Commercial vehicles, oversized vehicles and trailers are ineligible. Arrange an authorized off-street location with the mover if the truck arrives before unloading day. The City’s informational by-law consolidation excludes commercial motor vehicles and trailers from its April 1 to November 14 seasonal overnight exemption. Confirm truck arrangements with Parking Services rather than relying on the personal-vehicle rules. [2] [3]
Confirm the route before agreeing to a larger truck
The City’s informational by-law consolidation describes an exception to signed heavy-truck restrictions for necessary business access using the shortest route to or from a Schedule 19 street. It does not establish a route for your address. Ask the mover to confirm the applicable route and loading location with the City, then explain whether it proposes a smaller-truck transfer and quote that work before booking. [3]
Schedule the final utility reading
When leaving London Hydro’s jurisdiction or cancelling hydro or water services in your name, allow at least two business days for a final reading. Submit your request through the Move In/Move Out/Transfer link in MyLondonHydro and confirm the date before leaving. For help, call 519-661-5503, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. [4]
Resolve these arrangements before booking
| Your situation | Next step | What to settle in writing |
|---|---|---|
| You will pack your own boxes | Ask whether the mover’s coverage includes owner-packed belongings. | Coverage exclusions and responsibility for damage. |
| The truck will arrive the night before | Arrange authorized staging; London overnight passes exclude commercial vehicles and trailers. | Staging location, responsibility and any charge. |
| You have a downtown loading address | Ask the mover and City to confirm applicable tractor-trailer restrictions; the online consolidation is informational. | Vehicle type and a confirmed arrival time. |
| You need storage before delivery | Ask to visit the proposed storage facility. | Storage location, duration, charges and delivery arrangements. |
| Your route crosses a border | Ask which licences or customs documents the move needs. | Who prepares the documents and what the quoted service includes. |
Your hiring checklist
- Prepare one inventory and send the same scope to each estimator.
- Share access photographs, stair details and elevator arrangements for both addresses.
- Request itemized quotes and ask how the mover calculates transport charges.
- Record pickup, delivery, payment and any storage arrangements in the agreement.
- Check coverage for owner-packed boxes and ask how to report damage.
- Confirm the truck route, legal loading spot and authorized overnight staging.
- Submit the utility stop-service request and confirm your handover date.
- Carry essentials yourself and check the delivered inventory before the crew leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ontario moving companies provincially licensed?
Ontario says moving companies are not licensed by the province. Check references, the Consumer Beware List and insurance details, and review the written agreement before hiring. [1]
Can the mover increase the estimate on moving day?
Ontario says a mover cannot charge more than 10% above the estimate included in your contract unless you need additional supplies or services and agree to the increase. Ask for proposed changes and your agreement to them in writing. [1]
Can I get a London overnight pass for the moving truck?
London excludes commercial vehicles, oversized vehicles and trailers from overnight parking passes. Ask the mover to arrange authorized staging if the truck needs to wait overnight. [2]
How should I confirm the delivery timing?
Get a written pickup appointment and delivery date or window for your route before booking. Confirm storage arrangements, update contacts and what happens if delivery changes. Coordinate your destination access and keep essentials with you until your belongings arrive.
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.