Best Time to Move in Toronto: Season, Day and Time of Day

You don't always get to choose your moving date. But when you do, a few days either way can mean an easier booking, a faster move and fewer surprises. Here is how timing works for moves in Toronto and the GTA.

Timing is one of the few parts of a move you can control. Here's what to think about when you pick your date in Toronto.

Time of the month

The busiest days for moving are the end and the start of the month, because that's when most leases and closings happen. On those days:

• movers' calendars fill up first;
• condo freight elevators are booked early;
• traffic and street parking near large buildings get harder.

If you can, aim for the middle of the month. If your lease ends on the 31st, ask whether you can get the keys to the new place a few days earlier.

Day of the week

Tuesdays to Thursdays are usually the easiest days to book. Fridays and weekends are popular for home moves because people don't have to take time off.

For office moves it's the opposite: evenings and weekends are usually best, because the team isn't working and many office towers only allow moves after hours. See our office moving guide.

Time of day

• Start early. A morning start gives you the whole day and keeps you ahead of afternoon traffic.
• Avoid crossing the city at rush hour if you can. The drive between addresses is part of the moving time.
• Match your elevator bookings. If you're in condos, book the morning slot at the old building and the afternoon slot at the new one.

Season

Spring and summer

The busiest moving season, with school holidays, good weather and many closings. Book early and expect less flexibility.

Fall

Often a good balance: the weather is still mild and calendars open up after the summer peak.

Winter

Winter moves are completely doable in Toronto. Snow, salt and slush mean more floor protection and more careful wrapping, and the days are shorter. In return, it's usually easier to get the date and time you want. Read our winter moving and delivery tips.

Does timing change the price?

With hourly pricing, the rate stays the same, but timing changes how many hours the move takes. Heavy traffic, a short elevator window or parking far from the door all add time. A well-timed move is often a shorter one. Here's how moving costs are calculated in Toronto.

How far ahead to book

• Movers: as early as you know your date, especially for month-end and summer moves.
• Condo elevators: as soon as the movers are confirmed.
• Internet and utilities: a few weeks ahead.

Use our 8-week moving checklist to plan the rest.

Quick summary

	Easiest	Hardest
Time of month	Mid-month	Month-end, 1st
Day of week	Tue–Thu	Fri–Sat
Time of day	Early morning	Rush hour
Season	Fall, winter	Summer

Have a few dates in mind? Send them with your quote request and we'll help you choose the one that works best. Moving rates start from $130/hour.

Best time to move in Toronto by month

Here's how the year usually looks for moving in Toronto and the GTA:

• January and February: quieter months with cold weather and snow. Easier to book, but plan for winter protection and shorter days.
• March and April: the market starts to pick up. Spring cleaning and the first closings of the season. Weather can still change quickly.
• May and June: busy months, with many closings and the end of the school year. Book early.
• July and August: peak season. School holidays, warm weather and many lease changes. The most competitive time to book movers and elevators.
• September: busy at the start of the month with students and new leases, then calmer.
• October and November: often a good balance of mild weather and open schedules.
• December: quieter before the holidays, but days are short and the weather can turn. The holiday weeks themselves can be hard to plan around building staff schedules.

Best time to move for families

If you have school-age kids, the summer break is often the easiest time to change schools, which is why July and August are so busy. If you can, move in early July rather than the last days of August, when everyone else is trying to settle in before school starts.

Best time to move for condo residents

Condo moves depend on elevator bookings, so the best time is the one with the most availability at both buildings. Mid-month, mid-week and morning slots are usually the easiest to get. Ask both buildings about available times before you lock in your date. See our condo moving checklist.

Best time to move an office

For offices, the best time is when the team isn't working: evenings, weekends or around holidays. Many companies plan their move for a Friday evening start, with reinstallation over the weekend. Avoid your busiest business periods, like quarter-end or a big product launch.

Moving on a holiday weekend

Long weekends give you extra days to unpack, but they come with limits: some buildings don't allow moves on statutory holidays, and building staff may not be available. Check with both buildings before you book a holiday move.

Moving in bad weather

Toronto weather can change quickly. Professional movers work in rain and snow, but you can help:

• clear snow and ice from driveways, walkways and stairs before the crew arrives;
• lay down mats or old towels at entrances;
• keep boxes with paper, books or electronics away from the door;
• expect a little extra time in heavy rain or snow.

We protect floors and wrap furniture for wet and cold weather on every move.

How to choose your moving date: a simple checklist

1. When does your lease end or your closing happen?
2. Can you overlap a few days between the old and new place?
3. Is it month-end, a holiday or a weekend?
4. Are freight elevators available at both buildings?
5. Do you need time off work, and on which days is that easiest?
6. Do you have kids, pets or anyone who needs care on moving day?

If you have flexibility, aim for a mid-month, mid-week date with a morning start.

Lease timing and notice in Ontario

If you rent, the date you can move is often set by your lease. In Ontario, tenants on a monthly tenancy usually need to give written notice to their landlord well in advance, typically at least 60 days before the end of a rental period. Check your lease and the official Ontario rules for your situation before you set a date. If you can, arrange a few days of overlap between the old and new place: it makes the move much calmer and gives you time to clean.

Moving when you buy or sell a home

Closing dates decide many home moves. Tips for timing a move around a closing:

• avoid booking movers for the exact time keys are handed over; leave a buffer in case of delays;
• if your closing is at the end of the month, book movers and elevators as early as possible;
• if the dates don't line up, ask your movers about short-term storage.

Booking timeline by season

Season	Book movers	Book condo elevators
Summer	As early as possible	As soon as movers are confirmed
Spring	Several weeks ahead	A few weeks ahead
Fall	A few weeks ahead	A few weeks ahead
Winter	Often shorter notice works	A few weeks ahead

These are general guidelines; month-end dates fill up quickly in every season.

Time of day: morning or afternoon?

Morning starts are best for most moves: the crew is fresh, traffic is lighter and there's time to finish without rushing. Afternoon starts can work for small moves or when the elevator booking is only available later. For condo-to-condo moves, a morning slot at the old building and an afternoon slot at the new one usually works best.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest time to move in Toronto?

With hourly pricing the rate stays the same, but moves at quieter times are often faster: less traffic, easier elevator bookings and more flexible scheduling. Mid-week, mid-month moves are usually the most efficient.

What is the busiest time to move?

The end and start of each month, weekends, and the summer months.

Is it a bad idea to move in winter?

No. Winter moves are common in Toronto. They need more floor protection and careful wrapping, and the days are shorter, but scheduling is usually easier.

How far in advance should I book movers in summer?

As early as possible, ideally as soon as you know your date.

What time do movers usually start?

Most moves start in the morning. Starting early gives the crew the whole day and helps avoid afternoon traffic.

Can I move on a Sunday?

It depends on your mover and your buildings. Some condos don't allow moves on Sundays or holidays, so check the building rules first.

Is it better to move at the start or the end of the month?

Both are busy. If your lease or closing allows it, a date between the 10th and the 20th is usually easier to book for movers and condo elevators.

Is Friday a good day to move?

Fridays are popular, so they book up quickly and traffic in the afternoon is heavier. If you choose a Friday, start early and book your elevator for the morning.

Can I move in the evening?

Some home moves can start later in the day, but condo buildings often have fixed moving hours. Office moves are often done in the evening or on weekends by design.

Should I take a day off work for my move?

If you can, yes. Moving on a weekday is often easier to book, and having a day after the move to unpack and set up utilities makes the first week much smoother.

What if the weather is bad on my moving day?

Moves go ahead in rain and snow. Crews add floor protection and wrapping, and you can help by clearing snow and ice from walkways and driveways. Extreme weather warnings are the only reason we'd discuss changing the date.

Movers in Toronto all year round

We move homes, condos and offices across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill and the GTA in every season. Whatever date you choose, we'll help you plan the time, the elevator bookings and the route so moving day runs on schedule.