Moving FAQ
How much do movers cost in Norfolk County, Ontario?
Our rates are based on crew size and whether you need the truck included. With truck, a 2-mover crew starts at $169.95/hr, a 3-mover crew is $239.95/hr, and a 4-mover crew is $299.95/hr. Labour-only rates (no truck) start at $130/hr for 2 movers. All rates include a 1-hour minimum. We track time with a timer and always round down to the nearest 15 minutes, so you never pay for time we didn't work. A booking fee also applies based on your location. For the full breakdown, visit our moving pricing and rates page.
What areas do you serve for moving services?
We're based in Simcoe and serve all of Norfolk County and well beyond. We regularly complete moves in Brantford, Hamilton, Woodstock, London, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Mississauga, Toronto, and across Ontario. Hamilton is almost a weekly run. For long-distance relocations, we handle moves across Ontario and Canada. Visit our areas we serve page to see if your destination is within our coverage zone.
Are you licensed and insured?
Absolutely! Two Dudes, One Couch Inc. is a fully incorporated moving company. We carry full WSIB coverage for every crew member on the job, hold a valid CVOR for compliant commercial transport, and our lead driver carries a Z-endorsement for air-brake equipped vehicles. We're a locally owned and operated company that takes pride in doing things the right way, and that starts with being properly licensed and insured on every job.
How far in advance should I book my move?
At least a month ahead is the safest bet to secure your preferred date and ensure any specific requirements can be met. That said, last-minute moves are something we handle regularly. We keep part-time crew available for short-notice jobs and have worked through the night when a client needed it. If your timeline is tight, reach out and we'll tell you what we can do.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit, debit, cash, e-transfer, cheque, and Jobber digital payments. A 20% deposit is required to secure your booking. It applies directly to your final invoice, so you're not paying anything extra. The remaining balance is due upon completion of your move.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
If you cancel 48 hours or more before your move, your deposit is fully refunded. Cancel within 48 hours and the deposit is kept. We understand that plans change and we're not rigid about it, but the closer to move day the harder it is to fill that spot. For rescheduling, give us as much notice as possible and we'll do our best to find a date that works.
Do you move on weekends and holidays?
Yes, we offer weekend moves and holiday moves depending on scheduling and crew availability. Standard rates apply regardless of the day. Holiday moves require advance booking as the schedule fills quickly. If you need to move on a specific weekend or holiday, reach out as early as possible to check availability.
How do I get an accurate moving estimate?
The most important thing is being honest about the volume in your home when you call. The more specific you are about home size, furniture, special items, and access, the better we can estimate your costs. For the most accurate assessment, we offer a move readiness inspection where we walk through your home, identify potential challenges, and plan the right crew size and equipment. This ensures no surprises on move day.
What's the best time of year to move?
We handle moves year-round. Moving during the off-peak season, typically late fall through early spring, often means more flexible scheduling. The end of the month is always high-demand as leases expire and property closings happen, so mid-month moves tend to have more availability. Ultimately, the best time to move is when it works for your schedule. We show up and get the job done in July heat or January snow.
What items require special handling or additional fees?
Pianos are the most common specialty item we handle, requiring dedicated boards, cotton blankets, ceram wrap, and ratchet straps. A specialty fee applies for piano moves. Items over 350lbs carry a $200 surcharge, and items over 400lbs are assessed individually. Other heavy or fragile items like antique furniture or large safes are evaluated during the estimate process. We always disclose specialty fees upfront before move day. Learn more on our piano movers page.
Do you provide packing services?
Packing is available but must be arranged in advance so we can bring the right supplies. Arriving to an unpacked home can significantly add to your move time and cost — in some cases it can double it. Disassembly and reassembly of furniture is included on every move. If you need help getting ready before move day, let us know when you book and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Can you help with junk removal and cleanout services?
Yes. We provide junk removal for customers who need to clear out furniture, appliances, and general household items before or after a move. We haul anything a licensed dump facility will accept and do not handle hazardous or toxic materials. Junk removal is priced at $10 per 100lbs plus the standard hourly labour rate. We also handle hoarder cleanouts, approaching these situations with professionalism and discretion.
Why do some moving companies charge so much more than others?
Legitimate differences in pricing come down to insurance coverage, licensing, equipment quality, crew training, and business overhead. A properly licensed and insured company carries CVOR certification, WSIB coverage, and maintains professional equipment — all of which cost money but protect you. Unfortunately, some operators lowball estimates and add surprise charges once your belongings are on the truck. When comparing quotes, ask about licensing, insurance, and what's actually included in the rate. Read reviews to see whether companies stick to their estimates.
What factors affect the cost of my move?
For local moves, the main factors are crew size, how long the job takes, and your location booking fee. Time is affected by volume of belongings, stairs and access points, how well-prepared you are when we arrive, and whether you have specialty items. For long-distance moves, the booking fee increases based on distance. Specialty items like pianos and items over 350lbs carry additional fees. The best way to keep costs down is to pack properly, clear pathways, and be honest about your volume when you call so we bring the right crew and equipment. See our pricing page for the full breakdown.
Are there hidden fees I should know about?
No hidden or surprise fees on any move. The things that add to your base cost are clearly disclosed upfront: a booking fee based on your location, specialty item fees for pianos and items over 350lbs, and add-ons like packing or junk removal if requested. We track time with a timer and round down to the nearest 15 minutes in your favour. If unexpected challenges arise during the move, we communicate with you before proceeding. Check out our moving pricing and rates page for a complete breakdown.
Is a deposit required, and is it refundable?
A 20% deposit is required to hold your move date. It applies directly to your final invoice so you're not paying anything extra, you're prepaying a portion. Cancel 48 hours or more before the move and it's fully refunded. Cancel within 48 hours and the deposit is kept. You can pay by credit, debit, cash, e-transfer, cheque, or Jobber digital payments.
How do you calculate time for hourly moves?
Billing starts when our truck leaves our secured yard and ends when it returns. We always round down to the nearest 15 minutes in your favour — never up. So if your move takes 3 hours and 47 minutes, you're charged for 3 hours and 45 minutes. Our team moves efficiently because a fast, clean job is what builds our reputation, not running up the clock.
How should I prepare for moving day?
Pack all small items into plastic totes or boxes and leave them near the front door — boxes are almost always loaded first. Clear pathways to all furniture. Remove small items from the top of furniture so nothing shifts during the move. Pre-wrap furniture where possible so drawers don't open and remove any glass. Be honest on the phone about your volume so we bring the right crew and equipment. The more prepared you are, the faster and less expensive your move will be. Consider our junk removal service to clear out anything you don't want to bring with you.
What is a move readiness inspection?
A move readiness inspection is a $100 flat-fee pre-move walkthrough. We visit your property before move day to check doorways, stairs, parking access, elevators, and heavy item logistics. This helps us plan the right crew size and equipment, give you a more accurate estimate, and prevent delays on move day. It's particularly useful for full house moves and piano moves.
Should I empty my dresser drawers before moving?
Remove fragile items, valuables, and liquids from drawers before the move. Lightweight clothing can usually stay in if the dresser isn't too heavy. For large solid wood dressers with multiple full drawers, emptying some or all drawers may be necessary to carry it safely. Our crew will assess each piece on move day and let you know if anything needs to come out.
Can I stay in the home during the move?
Yes, and we recommend it. Being present lets you answer questions, point out items needing extra care, and confirm placement at the destination. If you prefer to leave and trust the crew to handle it, that works too — just make sure we have clear instructions and a way to reach you. For long-distance moves, you'll meet us at the destination.
What should I do with valuable or irreplaceable items?
Transport truly irreplaceable items yourself where possible — jewelry, important documents, medications, and small electronics are best kept with you. For large valuable items that need to go on the truck, let us know during the estimate process so we can take extra precautions with wrapping and placement. We're fully insured, but keeping your most irreplaceable items with you gives extra peace of mind.
What happens if something gets damaged during the move?
We carry comprehensive liability insurance and freight insurance as a fully incorporated company. If something is damaged during your move, report it before our crew leaves the property, document it with photos, and we'll work with you to resolve it fairly. The vast majority of moves are completed without incident, but proper insurance coverage means you're protected if something does go wrong.
How long will my move take?
A small apartment move might take 2-3 hours with two movers, while a full house move with three or four bedrooms could take 6-8 hours or more. Factors that add time include stairs, long carry distances, furniture disassembly and reassembly, specialty items like pianos, and how prepared you are when we arrive. For local moves within Norfolk County, travel time is minimal. If we finish faster than expected, you pay less.
Do I need to provide anything on moving day?
No. We come fully equipped with the truck, furniture pads and blankets, dollies, hand trucks, straps, and tools for furniture disassembly. Just have your belongings ready to go. Clear communication about any last-minute changes or special instructions is always appreciated. Some customers offer cold water for the crew during summer moves, which is always welcome but never expected.
Can I ride in the moving truck?
Insurance and liability requirements prevent us from allowing passengers in the truck. You'll need to arrange your own transportation to the destination. For local moves this is usually a short drive, and for long-distance moves driving separately lets you bring those personal items we recommend keeping with you. We'll coordinate arrival times so you're there when we unload.
What happens if my move takes longer than estimated?
You pay for the actual time worked, tracked with a timer and rounded down to the nearest 15 minutes in your favour. If we're running longer than expected, we'll communicate with you rather than surprise you at the end. The best way to keep your move on schedule is thorough preparation and giving us accurate information during the estimate process. That's exactly why we offer a move readiness inspection.
