Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 16 2025
Thousands of people make the international move from New York to Toronto every year. Being an economically thriving city, some move there permanently while others temporarily visit family, seek employment, or pursue higher education. Some companies also move to Toronto as business opportunities expand. No matter how long you intend to stay there, you need to plan your relocation well. Otherwise, a lot can go wrong.
How Much Does it Cost to Relocate from New York to Toronto?
The average cost of relocating a one-bedroom house from New York to Toronto is $4,500 without packing and $5,500 with packing.
Obviously, the cost is higher for larger houses. For instance, it costs, on average, $5,500 to relocate a two-bedroom house from New York to Florida without packing and $6,500 with packing. The exact distance will also impact the cost of the relocation, as will the time of the relocation. Shifting during the warmer weather typically costs more.
What Type of Mover Do You Need?
Relocating from New York, US, to Toronto, Canada, is an international relocation. Therefore, you need an international mover. This is different from other hauling types as follows;
- Local Haulers: Specialize in neighborhood-to-neighborhood movers. For example, moves within the same county in New York are executed by local New York movers.
- Interstate Shifting: Have licenses that allow them to move from one state to another. But, they can’t move beyond the national borders.
- Long-distance movers: A long-distance hauler is any company that specializes in relocations longer than 400 miles. So, all international hauling are long-distance movers, but not all long-distance shifters are international shifts.
Steps to Finding the Right Mover
If you’re convinced that Toronto is the place to live and perhaps raise your family, the next step is to find the right international relocating company. Note that this is a cross-border relocation and international laws apply. You need a mover who understands Canadian customs forms and Transport Canada requirements. They should also be able to tell you about tax-free entitlement and tax-free importation.
The following are a few tips and considerations to help you find the right relocation company.
- Full-service or apartment only? If you need extras such as car shipping, shop relocation, and office relocation, you need a full-service mover. However, if you’re only shifting the apartment, an apartment mover will suffice.
- DIY or professional relocation? Some people prefer to handle a few aspects of the move, such as packing and loading themselves including getting the packing supplies. Others may also want to hire a truck and move by themselves. It’s all okay. However, you can also choose a full-service professional mover.
- What services do they offer? Do you prefer a full-service shifter who handles every element of the relocating process or would you like to handle some of the process, such as packing, on your own? Also, does the company offer car shipping or do you intend to drive yourself to Toronto?
- Hourly rate or flat rate? Hourly rate charge per hour. So, if the quote is $300/hour, you’ll pay $300 for every hour the relocators work on your relocation. Meanwhile, flat-rate haulers charge one price for the entire event.
Identify the Warning Signs
Beware that the industry is experiencing a surge in scams and fraudulent activities. Criminals posing as genuine companies, some even with forged licenses are setting traps at every corner. Don’t be a victim. Consider the following tips when hiring shifters;
- Scrutinize the mover thoroughly: Pay special attention to the registration and license. Any questions about these two should be a red flag.
- Check with the DOT: The Department of Transportation keeps a record of all registered long-distance haulers in the US.
- When the deal is too good: Think twice. A price below industry range is just a few signs that you’re dealing with a questionable mover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Movers New York to Toronto handle this as a cross-border relocation with coordinated pickup in New York and delivery in the GTA. Crews load, inventory, and secure shipments, then manage customs paperwork before crossing into Ontario. Timing depends on home size, 2–4 movers, packing needs, border clearance, and delivery access in Toronto condos or houses. This route is typically completed in 2–5 days door to door using a dedicated or consolidated truck. Learn more about US to Canada movers.
Moving costs from New York to Toronto usually range from $2,500–$6,500 for a 1–3 bedroom home. Pricing is based on distance (about 500 miles), shipment weight, packing services, stairs or elevators, long carry distances, and customs processing time. Larger 4–5 bedroom homes or full packing can exceed $8,000. Binding or not-to-exceed estimates are common for this international route to control final pricing. You can compare estimates using a moving cost calculator.
Transit time for movers NYC to Toronto is usually 2–5 days. A small apartment with direct delivery may arrive in 2–3 days, while larger homes or consolidated shipments can take longer. Timing is affected by packing days, border inspection wait times, weekend traffic near Buffalo crossings, and Toronto delivery windows. Winter weather and weekday customs volume can also extend schedules slightly on this route.
Required documents typically include a detailed inventory, passport copies, proof of Canadian residency or visa, and a goods-to-follow list if applicable. Movers submit customs paperwork before arrival to reduce border delays. Items like alcohol, firearms, and certain electronics have restrictions. Proper documentation helps avoid storage holds and extra fees when entering Ontario. Experienced international crews guide customers through these requirements step by step.
A move from NYC to Toronto is an international cross-border move, not interstate. It involves U.S. DOT and FMCSA rules on the U.S. side and Canadian customs requirements on entry. Movers must prepare inventories, customs forms, and proof of residency or visa status. These regulations add planning steps beyond standard interstate moves, especially for delivery scheduling in Toronto high-rise buildings. Reputable cross-border movers coordinate both sides of the process.
Yes, movers regularly deliver to Toronto condos, but advance coordination is critical. Buildings often require COI certificates, elevator reservations, limited loading windows, and weekday move-ins only. Long carries and downtown traffic can increase labor time. Crews plan truck size, number of movers, and arrival timing to meet building rules and avoid penalties. Clear communication with property management helps ensure same-day unloading.
