The Cost and Availability of Moving Supplies in Ottawa and Toronto

Moving can be an expensive endeavour, with the cost of packing supplies playing a significant role in the overall expense. In cities like Ottawa and Toronto, where real estate and relocation trends often surge, the demand for moving supplies is consistently high. This blog highlights the cost and availability of moving boxes, local suppliers, and tips for finding the best deals in these cities.

The Average Cost of Moving Boxes in Ottawa and Toronto

The price of moving boxes varies based on the type, size, and source. Here’s a breakdown of average costs:

Basic Cardboard Boxes

Ottawa: Small to medium boxes range from $2.00 to $3.50 per box, with specialty boxes such as wardrobe boxes costing up to $15 each.

Toronto: Slightly higher, small to medium boxes range from $2.50 to $4.00, and wardrobe boxes can go up to $20 depending on the retailer.

Moving Kits

Retailers like The Moving Store in Toronto offer packages starting at $50 for studio apartments and climbing to over $300 for large households.

In Ottawa, Discount Moving Boxes provides similar kits, with a focus on affordability for local residents.

Eco-Friendly Options

Companies like Frogbox operate in both cities, offering reusable plastic bins starting at $4.00 per week, ideal for those seeking sustainable alternatives from retailers and Suppliers

Toronto

Home Depot: Offers a range of moving supplies, including boxes, tape, and packing paper. Boxes start at $1.88 for small sizes.

**TSC Toronto, or bulk purchasing options, this supplier is popular among professional movers and homeowners alike.

Ottawa

EcoBox: This supplier emphasizes eco-conscious moving, with prices comparable to Toronto retailers.

U-Haul Ottawa: Beyond truck rentals, U-Haul offers an extensive selection of boxes, including dish packs and TV boxes, with bulk discounts available.

Tips for Saving on Moving Boxes

Buy in Bulk

Both U-Haul and Home Depot offer significant savings when purchasing moving boxes in bulk. For example, buying 20 small boxes can reduce the per-box cost by up to 15%.

Explore Online Marketplaces

Platforms like Kijiji Ottawa and Facebook Marketplace often have lightly used moving boxes at reduced prices.

Leverage Rental Services

Renting plastic moving bins is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Providers like Frogbox deliver bins to your doorstep and pick them up after your move.

Moving Companies and Box Bundles

In both cities, many professional movers include packing supplies as part of their service packages. For example:

First Rate Movers (Ottawa): offers full-service moves with optional packing services, including premium-quality boxes.

Tippet-Richardson (Toronto): A long-established company known for its moving bundles, which include supplies for large-scale relocations.

Popular Moving Supplies Beyond Boxes

Packing Materials

Bubble wrap: Prices start at $7.50 per roll.

Packing paper: A pack of 200 sheets costs around $25, depending on the retailer.

Specialty Boxes

TV boxes: $25 to $50, depending on size and quality.

Dishware boxes with cell dividers: Average cost is $15 in Ottawa and $18 in Toronto.

The Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Solutions

With growing awareness of environmental concerns, there’s a noticeable shift toward sustainable packing solutions. Companies like Ottawa EcoBox and Frogbox cater to this demand, offering sturdy, reusable alternatives to traditional cardboard boxes.

Environmental Statistics

An average household uses over 30 cardboard boxes per move, contributing significantly to waste. Switching to reusable bins can reduce this waste by up to 80%, according to the Recycling Council of Ontario.

Make it Choice for Your Move

Whether you’re relocating within Toronto’s bustling neighbourhoods or Ottawa’s serene suburbs, selecting the right moving supplies can simplify your process. From affordable cardboard boxes to innovative eco-friendly bins, the options are diverse and cater to various needs and budgets. Leveraging local suppliers and exploring rental services can not only save money but also reduce your environmental impact.

For those planning a move, consider combining resources from local retailers and professional movers to streamline your packing process. Share your favourite tips and suppliers in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!