MOVING REVIEWS / PLANNING TOOLS
Compare Moving Quotes
How to use this tool, example and FAQs
Put up to three moving quotes on the same basis. Include minimum hours, travel, extra charges, and tax, then compare the full totals.
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1. Use the same move details
Request quotes for the same inventory, addresses, access, date, and services. Enter only charges not already included in the base price.
All amounts use one currency. This tool does not convert exchange rates. Leave unused companies at zero.
Sample prices illustrate the calculations and do not represent real offers.
2. Enter each written quote
Company A
CALCULATED TOTAL
Enter a quote
Company B
CALCULATED TOTAL
Enter a quote
Company C
CALCULATED TOTAL
Enter a quote
3. Compare totals, then check the terms
Enter at least two quotes with a positive base price to compare.
| Company | Total including tax | Remaining after deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Company A | Not entered | Not entered |
| Company B | Not entered | Not entered |
| Company C | Not entered | Not entered |
A lower total may reflect missing services or different terms. Check the same inventory, packing, crew, access charges, delivery window, protection, and cancellation terms. If totals tie, each tied company is shown.
How to compare an hourly quote with a fixed quote
For hourly offers, this tool uses the higher of your shared expected hours and that company’s minimum. For fixed offers, it uses the fixed base price. Separate travel and extra charges are then added, followed by the tax rate entered for that company. A deposit changes the remaining payment, not the total moving cost.
A fixed price still needs a written scope. Confirm what happens if you add furniture, request packing, or change the pickup and delivery arrangements. For hourly quotes, ask about billing increments and when the clock starts and stops.
Before choosing a company
- Confirm who actually performs the move and whether you are booking a carrier or broker.
- Match the inventory and services in all three estimates.
- Check whether tax and any extra charges are already in the base price.
- Get the deposit, cancellation, delivery, and damage-reporting terms in writing.
The comparison uses only your inputs. Unentered charges are treated as zero, so an incomplete quote can look artificially low. It does not rank service quality or predict the final bill. Use Save quote comparison to keep your entries on this device, and Restore saved quote comparison after reopening the page.
Prepare the details with our moving checklist. For an example of company-specific checks, see the Safe Ship moving broker guide.
How to compare moving quotes on the same basis
A useful comparison starts with the same move description. Have each written offer, one inventory, both access descriptions and the requested services beside you. This tool compares the numbers you enter; it does not read a quote document for you.
Step-by-step instructions
- Set one currency and a shared estimate of billable hours. For each company, choose hourly or fixed-price and enter the corresponding rate and minimum or fixed base.
- Enter separately charged travel and other extras. For a bundled fixed quote, leave an extra at zero only after confirming it is included or not applicable.
- Enter the tax for each offer and the deposit already paid. If you enter a tax-inclusive total as the base, avoid adding tax again.
- Enter at least two positive base prices to compare. Read total cost separately from remaining payment, then use the Quote Checker to clarify any missing terms before deciding.
Example: a smaller balance does not mean a cheaper move
At four expected hours, an illustrative hourly offer of CAD 150 with a three-hour minimum and CAD 50 travel has a CAD 650 subtotal. With an example 10% tax, its total is CAD 715; a CAD 100 deposit leaves CAD 615. A CAD 700 fixed offer including travel totals CAD 770 with the same example tax. A CAD 200 deposit leaves CAD 570. The fixed offer has the smaller balance but the higher total. Neither figure establishes service quality.
Frequently asked questions
Can I compare an hourly offer with a fixed offer?
Yes. The hourly total uses the higher of the shared hours and that company’s minimum. The fixed offer uses its stated base. Both still need the same inventory, services and clearly identified extras.
What should I do with a charge that is not specified?
Ask the company. A zero in the calculator means zero in the arithmetic, not confirmation that the charge is free. Keep an incomplete offer out of a final decision until its missing terms are answered.
Does the lowest displayed total identify the best mover?
It identifies the lowest entered calculation, including ties. Check who performs the move, included work, timing, protection and change terms separately.
Can the tool convert CAD and USD?
No. The currency selector labels every offer. Convert your source amounts consistently before comparing, and record the exchange-rate assumption outside the tool.