With an estimated more than 110,000 condos, Toronto truly is the city of the small apartments. The city’s residents are constantly on the move; some are moving to condos within the city, others are moving to and fro the suburbs.

Whether you are moving in or moving out of Toronto, this guide from our small movers in Toronto will make your move easier. There’s no shortage of ‘declutter’ and ‘book the best small movers in Toronto’ advice, so we’ll focus on pro-level tips and tricks.

Schedule Your Move for Off-Peak Hours, Say Small Movers Near You

You know it’s best to avoid Toronto’s peak-hour traffic. Moving on weekends or at the end of the month can easily lead to higher moving fees, traffic jams, and unnecessary stress. Toronto’s peak moving periods usually happen around these times, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible.

Instead, plan your move for a mid-week or mid-month slot. Movers often offer better rates during these off-peak times, as demand is lower, and you’ll have a greater selection of moving companies to choose from. Additionally, early morning moves—think 6 or 7 AM—are ideal for beating both traffic and crowds.

Book your moving company as far in advance as possible and ask if they have any mid-week or early morning discounts. Not only will this save you money, but you’ll also have first pick of prime moving slots, which can make your move much smoother.

Don’t Be Shy About Getting Moving Quotes from Several Small Moving Companies in Toronto

A colleague recommended small item movers to you, or you found a highly-rated company on HomeStars; regardless, get moving quotes from multiple small movers in Toronto. Quote-shopping is essential for getting a great deal for your move, and comparing what you are getting for your money.

Armed with this pricing information, you can even negotiate with the best small mover in Toronto you hired. They may be willing to price-match your lowest offer to earn your business, or maybe throw in an additional service at no extra charge.

Book Your Building’s Elevator and Loading Dock in Advance

If you’re moving into or out of a condo, booking the elevator and loading dock well in advance is crucial. Many condo buildings have strict rules regarding move-ins and move-outs, which could lead to major headaches if not followed. Reserve your time slots at least two weeks in advance to avoid clashing with other residents or dealing with last-minute issues that can throw off your entire move.

Once you’ve secured your booking, be sure to confirm the specific requirements your building has for protecting common areas like hallways and lobbies. Many condos require movers to use protective coverings on floors and walls to prevent damage during the move. Don’t forget to share this information with small furniture movers to make sure they are prepared when they come for the move.

Disassemble Furniture in Sections, Not Fully

For large furniture pieces like bed frames, tables, or shelving units, it’s tempting to fully break them down to make the move easier. However, doing so can make reassembly more time-consuming and confusing. Instead, disassemble furniture only in sections—just enough to get it through doorways and down hallways. This approach saves time and minimizes the risk of losing small parts.

When dismantling larger items, zip-tie screws and hardware directly to the furniture pieces they belong to or store them in clearly labeled bags taped to the corresponding item. This ensures that nothing gets misplaced in transit, and it makes reassembly much quicker.

Here’s a top tip from our small furniture movers: before disassembling anything, take pictures of the furniture fully assembled, as well as step-by-step shots of the disassembly process. These photos will serve as a helpful reference when it’s time to reassemble everything in your new apartment.

Get a Street Parking Permit for the Moving Truck

Parking in Toronto can be a nightmare, especially in busy residential areas where space is limited. To avoid fines or the hassle of circling for a spot, apply for a temporary street parking permit for the moving truck, outside your old apartment building and the destination (if required). The City of Toronto offers short-term permits that can save you from parking tickets and allow small movers near you to park right outside your building, streamlining the process.

Make sure to apply for the permit at least a week in advance and confirm that the area where you plan to park has no parking restrictions during the hours of your move. Some streets have time-based restrictions—like morning rush-hour no-parking zones—so it’s essential to check the rules for your street. This small but crucial step can prevent big headaches on moving day.

Take Advantage of the Storage Services Your Small Movers in Toronto Offer

If your new apartment isn’t quite ready or you need extra time to organize, consider using your moving company’s storage services. Many small item movers in Toronto offer short-term storage solutions, providing a secure place to keep your belongings while you finalize your transition. This is especially useful if you’re moving in stages or waiting for renovation work to be completed in your new space.

Storage services are a great option if you’re downsizing or if you want to take your time setting up your new apartment. Look for companies that offer climate-controlled storage units to protect items that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, such as electronics, artwork, or antique furniture.

Here’s Why We’re the Best Small Movers in Toronto

Reliable, reputable, and responsive: these are the three reasons why Rent-a-Son is one of the top-rated small moving companies in Toronto. Find out why we have a 4.8-star rating on Google from 1,000+ reviews, and 9.8 out of 10 on HomeStars.

Talk to our small movers in Toronto to discuss your move or fill out our virtual inventory and receive an accurate estimate for your move. We help Canadians move effortlessly, and affordably.