Moving within Ottawa comes with more than just packing boxes and hiring a moving truck. Many homeowners and tenants are surprised to discover additional fees that can significantly impact their total moving costs. Among the most common surcharges are stairs fees, long carry charges, and shuttle fees. Understanding these costs upfront ensures you can budget accurately and avoid frustrating surprises on moving day.
In this guide, we’ll break down each surcharge, explain why moving companies apply them, and show you how to minimize or even avoid them.
Why Movers in Ottawa Charge Surcharges
Moving companies in Ottawa, like elsewhere in Canada, apply surcharges when the job requires extra labor, time, or resources beyond what’s covered by a standard hourly or flat rate. While the base rate usually covers loading from a driveway into a truck, many properties in Ottawa—including downtown apartments, high-rises, and suburban townhouses—present challenges that require more work from movers.
These surcharges aren’t “hidden fees” when you hire a professional mover that prioritizes transparency. Reputable companies clearly outline them in their pricing policies (Prestige Moving pricing).
Stairs Fees in Ottawa Moves
What Is a Stairs Fee?
A stairs fee is an additional charge applied when movers must carry furniture or boxes up or down multiple flights of stairs. Ottawa’s mix of older homes in Centretown, multi-level townhouses in Barrhaven, and high-rise apartments downtown means this surcharge is common.
Why It’s Charged
- Physical strain: Carrying heavy furniture like sofas or appliances up three flights increases risk and requires more manpower.
- Time consumption: Stairs slow down the process, extending the move.
- Safety considerations: Movers must use protective gear and take extra care to prevent damage.
Typical Costs
- Per flight of stairs: Often charged per set of stairs (10–15 steps).
- Flat surcharge: Some companies offer a fixed rate for any non-elevator access.
For comparison, government relocation guidelines for military moves even recognize stairs as a billable factor in approved moving allowances (Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Program).
How to Reduce Costs
- Book a building with elevator access when possible.
- Pre-move smaller items yourself to reduce the workload.
- Disassemble bulky furniture for easier carrying.
Long Carry Fees in Ottawa
What Is a Long Carry Fee?
If movers cannot park their truck directly outside your door, they must walk longer distances to load or unload items. This is called a long carry fee.
Where It Happens in Ottawa
- Downtown condos with underground parking.
- Residential areas without driveway access.
- Apartment complexes where moving trucks can’t fit close to entrances.
Why It’s Charged
- Extra time: Walking 200 feet back and forth repeatedly adds hours.
- Labor strain: Pushing loaded dollies long distances takes more energy.
- Efficiency impact: The longer the carry, the fewer trips can be made per hour.
How It’s Calculated
- Measured in feet beyond a set threshold (often 50–75 feet).
- Flat rates for distances over 100 feet.
For example, a move in Ottawa’s ByWard Market with no truck access may require multiple long carries through courtyards or alleys.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Reserve nearby parking in advance with a city-issued permit (City of Ottawa parking permits).
- Ask movers if smaller shuttle vans can park closer (sometimes cheaper than long carry fees).
- Clear pathways and ensure easy dolly access to speed up the process.
Shuttle Fees in Ottawa Moves
What Is a Shuttle Fee?
Shuttle fees apply when the moving truck cannot reach your home due to restricted access, tight streets, or building limitations. In this case, movers use a smaller truck or van to transfer items between your home and the main moving truck.
Common Scenarios in Ottawa
- Downtown high-rises with underground loading bays.
- Narrow suburban crescents with limited access for large trucks.
- Moves involving rural Ottawa Valley roads where semi-trailers cannot pass.
Why It’s Charged
- Requires two vehicles (main truck + shuttle van).
- Additional labor for unloading and reloading.
- Extra fuel and time spent in transfers.
Cost Ranges
- Often charged by vehicle size and number of loads.
- Adds a few hundred dollars depending on move complexity.
When Shuttles Make Sense
- Saves time compared to dozens of long carries.
- Protects belongings from damage when direct truck access isn’t possible.
How Surcharges Add Up in Ottawa Moves
Consider this real-world example:
- A family moving from a 10th-floor apartment in downtown Ottawa to a townhouse in Barrhaven.
- The high-rise has an elevator, but the moving truck must park 200 feet from the lobby entrance.
- Their new townhouse has a staircase leading to all three levels.
Surcharges applied:
- Long carry fee for the downtown pickup.
- Stairs fee for the townhouse delivery.
Without planning, these surcharges could add $300–$600+ to a move.
This is why many residents research transparent movers in Ottawa before booking. Prestige Moving, for instance, provides a clear breakdown of such fees on their Ottawa movers guide.
Specialty Moves and Added Surcharges
Some items almost always trigger surcharges due to complexity:
- Pianos: Heavy, delicate, and often requiring stair or window lifts (Piano moving services in Ottawa).
- Antiques: Require custom crating and careful handling (Antique moving Ottawa).
- Commercial equipment: Large office gear often needs shuttle transport.
When combined with stairs or long carries, specialty surcharges can multiply.
Ways to Avoid or Minimize Surcharges
- Pre-plan parking logistics with your condo board, landlord, or the City of Ottawa.
- Book elevator time slots well in advance for high-rise moves.
- Declutter before moving to reduce the volume of items carried up or down.
- Ask about bundled pricing—some companies waive long carry fees if you book full-service packing (packing services in Ottawa).
- Compare multiple movers—some offer flat-rate packages that include stairs or long carries.
Why Transparency Matters in Moving Costs
The moving industry in Ottawa is competitive, but not all companies provide upfront details about surcharges. By understanding terms like stairs fees, long carry charges, and shuttle fees, you can compare moving quotes fairly and avoid low-ball offers that later balloon with hidden costs.
For newcomers moving to the city, reviewing relocation resources such as the City of Ottawa newcomers guide can help in planning logistics and budgeting better.
Conclusion: Budget Smart, Move Stress-Free
When planning your next move in Ottawa, factor in potential surcharges like stairs, long carries, and shuttle fees. These costs reflect the real challenges movers face in navigating Ottawa’s diverse housing landscape, from downtown high-rises to suburban townhouses.
By working with a trusted mover that offers transparent pricing, like Prestige Moving Ottawa, you’ll gain clarity on the total cost upfront and enjoy peace of mind on moving day.