Things to Know Before Looking for Ottawa Movers

Ottawa — the capital area of Canada. 

Even though the city is not officially bilingual, many of its residents tend to speak both English and French — it’s not uncommon to hear a hearty “Bonjour” when you’re downtown. 

The implication is that when you move to or within Ottawa, you’ll need to find the right movers conversant with many of the city’s peculiarities. 

Neighborhoods like Vanier or Gatineau, where French is widely spoken, may be particularly difficult to navigate if you don’t hire the right Ottawa movers.

Here are some of the things to know before hiring movers in Ottawa:

Ottawa’s Unique Moving Seasons

Ottawa’s weather is not for the faint of heart. 

Ever experienced an Ottawa winter? It’s severe, just as it is brutal! 

The winter snow here alone can be a turning point to your relocation, perhaps even cause you to relocate again. On the other hand, summer moves are expectedly more ideal. But the twist is that everyone else is thinking the same thing. 

Peak moving season in Ottawa runs from late spring to early fall. 

So you might want to book those movers well in advance to avoid getting stuck in a snowstorm or fighting for a slot on the hottest day of the year.

Please note that the fee might be higher than normal in summer due to the increased number of people planning to move.

Moving Regulations: Ottawa-Specific Rules to Know

The city has its own set of moving regulations that you’ll want to pay close attention to when hiring any of the Ottawa moving companies. 

Following these guidelines can save you from headaches, fines, and parking nightmares on moving days.

• Residential moving considerations

• Moving trucks in Ottawa need permits to park on most residential streets to avoid fines.

• Some areas restrict moving activities during certain hours to maintain peace. For example, in areas with noise ordinances, you may not be able to move late at night or early in the morning.

• Extra planning is necessary if you’re moving into a neighborhood with narrow streets, like Centretown or Sandy Hill. 

You might need to coordinate how and where the moving truck will fit and ensure you comply with local by-laws.

• Commercial moving considerations: Business moves in Ottawa

If you’re handling a commercial move, the stakes are even higher, and the planning needs to be top-notch. 

Here’s what to keep in mind for your business relocation in Ottawa:

• Commercial buildings often require you to reserve loading docks and elevators ahead of time.

• You may need to coordinate with building management to schedule your move during off-peak hours to avoid disrupting other tenants.

• Special moving circumstances: Moving in historic or protected areas

If you need Ottawa movers to assist your move into a heritage home or any of the city’s protected areas, such as the Glebe or Rockcliffe Park, you may need to follow specific guidelines.

For instance, these guidelines include the size of moving trucks, noise levels, and time restrictions. 

Note:

Moving companies sometimes must use smaller vehicles or special equipment to protect historic properties.

Licensed and Insured Movers

Before you hand over your furniture to just anyone, you might just want to ensure your movers are legit. 

In Ontario, moving companies must have a proper license and insurance. If they don’t, that’s a big red flag. 

Not only could your precious items be at risk, but if something goes wrong, you might have no legal recourse. Always ask the Ottawa movers you want to hire for proof of insurance and licensing to be sure they have your back.

Moreover, you should look for movers certified by the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) for that extra layer of trust. A good quality to look for is an A or A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Read more: Choosing the right movers for your next move

Beware of Hidden Fees

Even after researching, many people don’t know what to expect when using a moving company. 

Sure, you can expect to get a written estimate upfront before you book moves with any moving company. But, what you shouldn’t expect is for the movers to slap on hidden charges after hiring. 

However, this does happen, and as a result, you should keep an eye out for things like extra fees for long carry distances, stairway charges, or surprise fuel surcharges.

If you’re moving into a downtown Ottawa high-rise with narrow hallways and elevators, you can expect an additional fee. But don’t be afraid to ask about every tiny fee.

Ottawa’s “Two Seasons” — Construction and Moving

Ottawa is notorious for two things — moving season and construction season. 

The notoriety is that these two seasons tend to overlap. During this time, Ottawa’s chaotic traffic truly takes full form, and hiring movers who know their way around becomes a must!

Construction delays are sure to happen around areas like the downtown core and the suburban neighborhoods. 

Remember: when looking to hire Ottawa movers, talk to them about potential traffic delays or rerouted roads that could affect your moving day.

Reviews are Your Best Friend

Ottawa is full of moving companies, but not all movers offer the same services or even boast the same level of expertise and professionalism. 

Want to know if your movers are the real deal? 

Here’s how to find the best movers for your Ottawa move:

• Read reviews of a few top-rated companies on Yelp, Google, and social media.

• Word of mouth is still big in Ottawa, so you can ask your friends and coworkers for recommendations.

• Movers with a solid reputation will have plenty of glowing reviews.

• When you’ve narrowed down your list of potential movers to a few, ask them if they have any references you can ask about their services. 

Note:

After you have done these, get multiple quotes, as prices can vary. Getting at least three quotes helps you find the best deal without sacrificing quality.

Plan for Parking in the City

If you are moving into downtown Ottawa, one of the biggest challenges is not just getting your boxes from point A to point B — it’s finding a place to park. 

The city has narrow streets and restricted parking zones, especially during rush hour. 

You might need to arrange temporary parking permits or figure out the logistics with your movers in advance. The last thing you want is your moving truck getting towed because it’s in a restricted area.

So, if you’re asking, ‘How do I prepare for a move with movers?” Here’s what you need to know:

• If your moving truck needs to park on the street, you’ll likely need a temporary parking permit.

• Find out if the street you are moving to only allows parking during off-peak hours and whether the restrictions change during rush hour or due to construction.

• When moving, aim for early mornings, mid-days, or evenings. Traffic is lighter, and parking is more accessible at these times.

Final Thoughts — Know Your Ottawa Movers

Hiring Ottawa movers is one of the best things you can do for yourself when moving within or to the city. 

Important things to note when hiring the best among the plethora of movers in Ottawa include ensuring the moving company has a valid license and insurance coverage. This includes membership with the Canadian Association of Movers and a good rating with the BBB. 

Moreover, timing is also of the essence when booking and hiring Ottawa movers, and you should plan for parking permits and other possible restrictions.

Good luck!

Written by Billy Guteng. October 10, 2024

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.