Table of Contents
- Long Distance Moving Scams: How They Get You
- Breaking Down the Real Costs
- Understanding Long-Distance Moving
- What to Look for in a Moving Company
- The Art of Choosing a Cheap Long Distance Mover
- Shipping Methods Compared: Container, LTL, Freight & More
- Hidden Costs Other Companies Will Not Tell You About
- 9 Steps to Reduce Your Moving Costs
- Buy New Furniture or Move It?
Moving long-distance can be a challenging and costly experience. Finding an affordable moving solution that ensures the safety of your belongings can be a difficult task. However, with the right guidance and research, you can make the best decision which will be most cost-efficient without compromising on quality. This is what this article is intended to teach you.
Factors such as distance, weight, and size of your goods determine the cost of long-distance moving. While hiring a professional moving company might seem expensive, using a moving company that specializes in long distance moving with all its logistics channels can greatly reduce the cost of the move. Sometimes larger scale companies can be more expensive but finding a medium size business that is customer centric is less stressful and more economical.
When choosing an affordable moving company, make sure to compare quotes from different companies and read their reviews carefully. At AKA Moving we strongly encourage you to look at other companies because we believe our prices to be the best prices for shipping your goods fast, safely and efficiently. For a full overview of our services, see our long-distance moving from Montreal service page.

Long Distance Moving Scams: How They Get You

Of course AKA Moving can’t beat every single quote as there are a lot of providers that scam the client out of thousands of dollars. This works in the fine print. At AKA Moving we believe we can get your move from Montreal to Vancouver in under a week. Some companies say two weeks and end up being 2 months with some pieces never making it.
The $0.60/lb Insurance Scam: These moving companies say they have insurance but the insurance is at $0.60 per pound with a deductible of $350 or more. At $0.60 a pound, that is about 583 pounds of damaged belongings before you even receive a dollar back. A standard flat screen TV weighs about 75 to 100 pounds, so at 583 pounds of damage you could be looking at a very costly move.
Scam Company Insurance
$0.60/lb coverage
$350 deductible
583 lbs before payout
75-lb TV = $45 back
AKA Moving Insurance
Real coverage included
No hidden deductibles
Transparent claims process
We help you get additional coverage
Reviews are very important to knowing if you are using the right moving company or not. Much more than if you would have paid a bit more for a reputable moving company in the first place.
Breaking Down the Real Costs
Breaking down the costs associated with hiring a moving company can help you better understand where your money is going. This includes packing materials, transportation costs, labor fees, insurance charges, and additional services offered by the company.
Montreal to Toronto
Montreal to Vancouver
Montreal to Ottawa
Try to negotiate price and see other methods of transporting your goods in order to save money. Sometimes removing some items and selling it on Facebook Marketplace can be all you need to save thousands of dollars depending on how it can be shipped. This is why talking to a representative at AKA Moving and breaking down the costs can be so effective because who knows. Maybe you can get brand new furniture for the same cost as moving your old furniture.
Understanding the Basics of Long-Distance Moving
When it comes to long-distance moving, it is important to consider hiring professional movers for a stress-free experience. At AKA Moving, we can determine the best way to transport your belongings through our multiple logistics routes across Canada and the USA. From picking up your household goods to transporting them and delivering them to your new location, we will efficiently plan your long-distance move.
Our outstanding customer service reputation, along with affordable pricing, make us one of the most cost-effective ways to move long distance. Whether you are moving from Montreal to Toronto, Montreal to Boston or even from Montreal to Australia. Our professional movers in long-distance relocation ensure that your move is smooth and hassle-free.

What to Look for in a Moving Company
Finding a cheap long distance moving company with a good reputation can be difficult to find. Which is why we suggest a medium size business that is experienced in logistics like AKA Moving. What should you look for?
- Outstanding customer service and responsiveness
- Great reputation with real Google reviews
- Multiple methods to transport your belongings (LTL, container, freight)
- Full service moving capability (not just transport)
- Packing and storage options included
- ELD compliance and CTQ safety rating (ask for it!)
- Own trucks, own crew with no brokers or subcontractors
A company capable of achieving all of this should easily be able to move your belongings safely and affordably.
The Art of Choosing a Cheap Long Distance Mover
When embarking on the quest for an economical long-distance moving company, consider taking a unique approach that goes beyond the typical checklist of comparing prices and scrutinizing reviews. Here is a fresh perspective that AKA Moving does:
- Personalized Consultations: Reach out to prospective moving companies and request a personalized consultation. This will not only allow you to gauge their responsiveness but also provide an opportunity to ask tailored questions about your specific needs. A company willing to invest time in understanding your requirements may be more inclined to offer cost-effective solutions.
- Customized Services: Inquire about the possibility of customized services that align precisely with your relocation needs. Rather than opting for a standard package, tailor the services to your preferences. This way, you can potentially save by excluding services you don’t require.
- Flexible Scheduling: Explore the flexibility of your moving dates. Sometimes, choosing off-peak days or seasons can result in lower prices. Discuss with the moving company if they have any flexibility in scheduling.
- Group Moves: If you are moving as part of a larger group, such as a corporate relocation or a group of friends sharing a move, check if the moving company offers group rates. Group moves can often be more cost-effective when the expenses are shared.
- Negotiate Wisely: Do not hesitate to negotiate. Many moving companies are open to negotiating prices, especially if you are willing to commit early or refer their services to others.
- Hidden Gem Companies: Look beyond the big-name moving companies. Sometimes, smaller or lesser-known companies may offer competitive rates to attract customers like AKA!
Shipping Methods Compared: Container, LTL, Freight & More

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Shipping
AKA specializes in LTL shipping, making it the budget-friendly option for individuals with smaller moves. Instead of paying for an entire truck or moving container, you only pay for the portion of space your items occupy within the shared truck. This cost-sharing model makes it an economical choice for those on a budget. LTL shipping is highly versatile and works for furniture, electronics, appliances, and boxed goods.
Container Shipping
Container shipping is a highly adaptable and cost-efficient method for transporting your household belongings over long distances. You select a container size that best suits your needs, typically ranging from 20 to 40 feet in length. Choosing the right size ensures you only pay for the space you require. This is especially useful for overseas and international shipping.
Expedited Shipping
AKA Moving offers expedited shipping when time is your most valuable asset. Designed for those facing tight schedules, immediate needs, or critical deadlines, this service ensures swift transportation with specialized handling, prioritized loading, and minimal layover times.
Freight Shipping
AKA Moving’s freight shipping methods have a track record that is unmatched. We specialize in making sure all your items are safe and secure through custom crating, wrapping and packing everything and preparing all your furniture to travel safely. We are more competitive than the international van lines and we create an inventory and track your move daily with updates.
Hidden Costs Other Companies Will Not Tell You About
At AKA Moving we do not have these hidden costs. We are up front about everything. But here is what other companies will try to slip past you.
The Moving Process
- Stairs and elevators: Climbing stairs or dealing with elevators may incur additional charges. Ensure you are aware of these potential surcharges.
- Packing supplies: Do not assume that packing supplies and materials are part of the package. Inquire about these expenses upfront.
- Long Carry Fees: Additional charges if the movers have to carry your belongings a significant distance from your home to the truck.
- Overloaded Boxes: Fees if your packed boxes exceed weight limits set by the moving company.
The Transport Process
- Route Restrictions: Some routes may have tolls or road fees that can significantly add to your moving expenses.
- Fuel Surcharge: Keep an eye out for fuel surcharges that some long-distance movers may impose.
- Insurance: Insurance coverage for your belongings may not actually be worth anything. Make sure you understand exactly how much money you will be receiving for a lost or broken item.
The Storage Process
- Storage Fees: Long-term or interim storage can come at additional costs. Be prepared for storage fees if your move involves any delay.
- Inventory Management: Efficiently managing your items within the warehouse incurs expenses, from tracking and labeling to ensuring security.
- Handling and Transportation: The process of moving your items in and out of the warehouse can incur additional handling and logistics costs.
- Access Charges: Gaining access to your items in storage may not always be easy. Some facilities charge for retrieval or access.
9 Steps to Reduce Your Moving Costs

- Declutter and Downsize: Before the move, thoroughly declutter your home. Donate or sell items you no longer need or use. You will not be charged for moving unnecessary items.
- Efficient Packing: Pack your belongings efficiently by using the correct boxes, such as wardrobe boxes for your clothing, durable boxes that are the appropriate size for your belongings.
- Disassemble Furniture: Whenever possible, disassemble large furniture items before the move. By disassembling your furniture and large objects it makes it easier to prepare and ship.
- Prepare Appliances: Ensure appliances are disconnected, cleaned and washer is emptied so that it is light for the movers and easily able to wrap and ship without worry of water damage.
- Create a Floor Plan: Develop a floor plan for your new home and share it with the movers. Your items will be placed where you want them, reducing the need for rearranging.
- Reserve Parking: If necessary, reserve parking space for the moving truck. These trucks can be very large. If the truck has to park a block away then you will incur much more fees.
- Maintain Clear Communication: Maintain open communication and be honest in what you have. By adding additional items after the price quote it can make things confusing and difficult.
- Offer Refreshments: Consider offering water and timbits to the moving crew. We expect to be able to drink water especially on hot days and the truck might not always be packed with refreshments.
- Express Gratitude by a Tip: After the move, express your appreciation to the best team in the moving industry by giving a tip. Movers are hard working service men who truly value their job.
Buy New Furniture or Move It?
Move It If…
High-quality furniture
Sentimental value
Custom or antique pieces
Hard to replace
Buy New If…
Worn out or damaged
Costs more to ship than replace
Standard IKEA pieces
Not worth the weight
When deciding between buying new furniture or moving your existing pieces, consider the condition and value of your current items. Compare the costs of moving bulky furniture versus purchasing new ones. Do not forget to factor in sentimental value and explore the option of selling or donating furniture that may not be worth moving. Additionally, calculate the potential costs of buying new furniture, including delivery fees.
Ready to get a quote? Moving long distance does not have to break the bank. Call AKA Moving at (514) 915-3967 for a free estimate. We break down every cost so there are no surprises. Visit our long-distance moving page for full details on our services, routes, and compliance standards.