CEO Forward
A message from our CEO
“Despite the macroeconomic backdrop that looked nothing like we expected, we came together as a company, supported by our communities, and delivered a strong year of growth.”
Heading into 2025, macroeconomic factors were aligning to create a strong tailwind for Canadian movers. Industry activity for Canadian Movers tends to follow real estate sales activity, and we entered the year reading the tea leaves of a housing market poised to accelerate. While 2025 proved to be a strong year, our macroeconomic expectations did not play out as anticipated.
Entering the year, we welcomed the Bank of Canada's initial interest rate reductions and expected further potentially stimulative cuts in the first quarter. We assumed that these would help galvanize regional housing markets and more moves for Canadian movers. Political factors altered that trajectory, and the rate reductions came much later than expected, without the catalytic impact we had forecast.
In Alberta, oil had recovered to above $70 by 2024's year-end. We expected that strength to persist and continue to drive more moving. To our surprise, with a few weeks left in the year, oil prices came in below $60. Not even on our radar were the impacts of tariffs, emerging as another headwind affecting Canadian movers broadly and weighing more heavily on certain regional economies.
Without those stimulative factors we anticipated, the company grew by 10% overall, and our long-haul business, supported by our predictable, guaranteed pricing, grew by 23%. Across every market, we deepened our partnerships with community organizations, enhanced our service levels, and raised our safety standards even further.
I feel tremendous gratitude to our customers in communities in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, and deep appreciation for our teams serving those communities every day. I also feel genuine excitement for the year ahead and confidence in our position to navigate it.
A Big Year of Moves and Memories
Reflecting on the moves, milestones, and memories of 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the moves, milestones, and memories we've helped create. At Two Small Men with Big Hearts, every move matters, whether it's a quick local apartment move, a cross-provincial family home, or a complex office transition. This year revealed patterns that show not just where Canadians are moving, but how they live, work, and plan for life's next chapter.
Where We Moved This Year
From local apartment shifts to cross-provincial relocations
Our team was on the road everywhere, from bustling city streets to quieter suburban neighbourhoods. The majority of moves were local, helping families, students, and professionals get comfortably settled close to home. But we also handled many long-distance moves, guiding customers safely across provinces.
Local Moves (83.5%)
Long Distance (15.1%)
Packing Services (1.4%)
83.5%
Local Moves
Avg. $1,092
15.1%
Long Distance
Avg. $2,884
1.4%
Packing Services
Avg. $1,506
Local Moves: The Heart of What We Do
83.5% of all moves stayed local
Most of our moves stayed local, and we were thrilled to see such a diverse mix of households. One-bedroom apartments were the most common, making up about 19% of moves, reflecting students, young professionals, and those starting fresh in new neighbourhoods.
Moves averaged around 5.5 hours, with larger homes naturally taking longer. Two-person crews handled most jobs, with extra movers added for larger residences or heavy items such as pianos, safes, and gym equipment.
Local Move Profile: % of Local Moves
Avg. Duration
1-Bed Apt
5.9h
2-Bed House
6.3h
3-Bed House
7.8h
2-Bed Apt
7h
Small Shipment
6.2h
Long-Distance Moves: Going the Extra Mile
15.1% of moves crossed city and provincial borders
This year, we had the pleasure of helping many customers move across cities and provinces. Long-distance moves naturally take a bit more planning and time. The average move cost was around $2,880, with most jobs falling between $1,500 and $3,000.
From packing fragile items to planning the safest route, we make sure belongings arrive safely and on schedule. Customers moving long-distance are also more likely to opt for premium insurance coverage.
Local Moves
$1,092
Average Cost
5.5 Hours
Average Duration
83.5%
Share of All Moves
Long Distance
$2,883.99
Average Cost
~$1,792 higher than local
12.5 Hours
Average Duration
~2x longer than local average
Alberta
Top Origin Province
The busiest hub for outbound moves
Seasonal and Weekly Trends
When Canadians move most
Summer, especially June, July, and August, proved to be the peak moving season. Over 55% of moves were completed in just five months. Longer days, warmer weather, and school breaks make summer the ideal time for families and renters to make a change.
Monthly Volume (% of Total Moves)
Peak Season
Standard Season
Weekend Warriors: The Weekly Rhythm
About 47% of moves took place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Saturday was the busiest day, while Sunday was the quietest as customers prefer to settle in before the work week.
Coast to Coast Breakdown
Every region told a different story this year
From the West Coast to Ontario, every region told a different story this year. While the “stay local” trend was visible everywhere, each branch had unique patterns in where people moved and what they moved.
Alberta Moves
From Edmonton to Lethbridge: steady growth across the province
Alberta was a steady province for the moving business in 2025. Grande Prairie, Calgary, and Edmonton grew by 4.92%, 2.46%, and 2.3%, respectively. The “Alberta Corridor” between Edmonton, Calgary, and Red Deer remained our most active highway network.
British Columbia
Top Destination Outside AB
73 moves heading West
2.25%
Net Migration
More moved IN than OUT
5
Cities Served
Edmonton to Lethbridge
Long-Distance % by City
City Breakdowns
Edmonton
+2.3% growth
AB
Our single most active market in 2025. Nearly 90% of moves stayed local.
89.2%
Local
10.8%
Long Distance
18.4%
1-Bedroom Apt
Top Local Destinations
Within Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc
Top Long-Distance
Calgary, Red Deer
Calgary
+2.46% growth
AB
A significant gateway for long-distance movers and the primary launchpad for moves going to BC.
85.4%
Local
14.6%
Long Distance
15.5%
1-Bedroom Apt
Top Local Destinations
Within Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane
Top Long-Distance
Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Red Deer
Red Deer
AB
The Central Connector. 18.3% long-distance ratio, one of the highest in Alberta.
81.7%
Local
18.3%
Long Distance
18.2%
2-Bedroom House
Top Local Destinations
Within Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Lacombe
Top Long-Distance
Calgary, Red Deer Surrounding, Edmonton
Grande Prairie
+4.92% growth
AB
Heavy Lifting in the North. 15.1% of local moves involved heavy items (over 300 lbs), the highest in the company.
84.9%
Local
15.1%
Long Distance
25.1%
3-Bedroom House
Top Local Destinations
Within GP, Sexsmith, Clairmont
Top Long-Distance
Calgary, Edmonton, Rycroft
Lethbridge
AB
Southern Stability. One of the most affordable markets with fast, smaller moves.
83.6%
Local
16.4%
Long Distance
18.1%
2-Bedroom House
Avg. Cost: $862.97
Avg. Duration: 5.2h
Total Moves: 241
British Columbia: High Value & High Miles
High value moves and high miles across the province
British Columbia moves featured longer travel times from bridges and tunnels in Vancouver, ferries to the Island, and the broad network of smaller cities in the Interior. Vancouver Island grew dramatically, and Kelowna achieved 14.08% growth.
14.08%
Kelowna Growth
Highest growth in BC
42.6%
Kamloops LD Rate
Highest in the company
26.9%
Vancouver 1-Bed Apts
Most apartment-heavy city
Long-Distance % by City
City Breakdowns
Vancouver
BC
The Metro Hub. 27% of moves were 1-bedroom apartments. First and last day of the month are busiest.
83.2%
Local
16.8%
Long Distance
26.9%
1-Bedroom Apt
Top Long-Distance Destinations
Greater Victoria, Kelowna, Nanaimo
Kelowna
+14.08% growth
BC
The Okanagan Magnet. Remains a destination city with strong local market growth.
85%
Local
15%
Long Distance
15.7%
2-Bedroom House
Top Long-Distance Destinations
Penticton, Salmon Arm
Kamloops
+1.15% growth
BC
The Road Warriors. A staggering 42.6% long-distance ratio — the highest in the company. Nearly a coin-flip chance you were leaving town.
57.4%
Local
42.6%
Long Distance
15.6%
3-Bedroom House
Victoria
BC
Island Hopping. Top long-distance destination from Victoria is Calgary.
80.4%
Local
19.6%
Long Distance
20%
1-Bedroom Apt
Top Long-Distance Destinations
Calgary
Nanaimo
BC
High long-distance share with steady volume going both down and up Island.
74.8%
Local
25.2%
Long Distance
16%
2-Bedroom House
Top Long-Distance Destinations
Nanaimo Surrounding
The Prairies: Stability and Affordability
Stability and affordability across the Prairies
The Prairies offered the best value for movers in 2025. Winnipeg was the most affordable city to move in, with an average local cost of just $748.
$748
Winnipeg Avg. Cost
Lowest in the company
91.8%
Winnipeg Local Rate
Highest retention
+8.21%
Saskatoon Growth
Despite flat real estate
City Breakdowns
Winnipeg
MB
The Value Leader. Highest local retention rate at 91.8% and the lowest average cost in the company at $748.
91.8%
Local
8.2%
Long Distance
$748
Avg. Cost
Saskatoon
+8.21% growth
SK
Summer Rush. Massive spike in June and July. Grew 8.21% despite a flat real estate market.
89%
Local
11%
Long Distance
$930.85
Avg. Cost
772
Total Moves
Top Long-Distance Destinations
Moose Jaw, Edmonton
Ontario: Toronto's High-Value Market
Toronto's high-value moving market
Toronto moves cost a bit more than in other parts of the country, driven in part by the region's geographic breadth and longer walk times from large condominium complexes. The average cost of a Toronto move is $1,692.
This year, 21.3% of moves from Toronto were out of town, with the most common destinations being Kitchener-Waterloo, Niagara Region, Pickering, and Ottawa.
78.7%
Local Moves
21.3%
Long Distance
$1,692.85
Avg. Local Cost
Highest in the company
1-Bedroom Apt
22% of Moves
Top Long-Distance Destinations from Toronto
Kitchener
Niagara Falls
Pickering
Stickin' to the City
63.1% of all moves happened within the same city
One of the clearest trends this year was what we call “urban stickiness.” With 63.1% of all moves happening within the same city, people across Canada are choosing to stay rooted in their communities rather than making significant relocations.
This trend showed up in every major city we serve — apartment-to-apartment upgrades, families moving to larger homes just a few blocks away, or downsizing within the same neighbourhood.
Local Retention Rate by City
High retention (89%+)
Moderate (80-89%)
Transit hub (<80%)
Interprovincial Corridors
Alberta: the heartbeat of long-haul moving in Western Canada
Alberta continued to be the heartbeat of long-haul moving activity in Western Canada, with 41.8% of all moves starting in the province. The busy corridor between BC and Alberta remained one of our most travelled routes.
2025 was more balanced but tipped in favour of moving from BC to Alberta by 17% than the reverse. Whether people were chasing new jobs, new scenery, or a new start, this west-east connection kept our teams rolling across the Rockies year-round.
British Columbia
→
Alberta
Heading East
Alberta
←
British Columbia
Heading West
Saskatchewan
←
Alberta
Heading West
Manitoba
←
Alberta
Heading West
41.8%
of all long-distance moves originated in Alberta
Cities on the Grow
Cities with the strongest net inbound moves
The data on net inbound moves reveals a clear trend of population growth in several key cities. Abbotsford leads the way with a net gain of 19 moves, followed closely by Maple Ridge at 17. Both mid-sized urban centers and smaller towns are seeing increased relocation activity, reflecting a broader pattern of migration toward cities offering opportunities, affordability, or quality-of-life improvements.
Top Net Inbound Cities (Growth)
British Columbia
Alberta
Cost Analysis: The Economics of Moving
The economics of moving across Canada
The most affordable origin cities reveal a distinct trend: moves from mid-sized prairie centers tend to be significantly cheaper. Winnipeg leads with an average cost of just $809, followed by Saskatoon and Lethbridge.
Most Affordable Cities to Move From
2025 Migration & Cost Summary
+19 Net Inbound Moves
Top Growth City
Abbotsford, BC
-51 Net Outbound Moves
Top Decline City
Vancouver, BC
159 Total Moves
Busiest Corridor
BC ↔ Alberta
$2,992 Avg. Cost
Most Expensive Origin
Penticton, BC
$809 Avg. Cost
Most Affordable Origin
Winnipeg, MB
$3,421 Avg. Cost
Most Expensive Move Type
6-Bedroom House
The Math of Moving
Small homes move in big numbers
One-bedroom apartments dominate the landscape, accounting for 19.2% of all moves, followed closely by two- and three-bedroom houses, which together account for nearly 29% of total moves. Larger properties represent a much smaller proportion, suggesting fewer households undertake large-scale relocations.
Top 5 Move Types by Volume
1-Bedroom Apartment
The most common move type in 2025.
2-Bedroom House
A popular choice for small families or downsizers.
3-Bedroom House
The standard family home move.
2-Bedroom Apartment
High volume in metro areas like Vancouver & Toronto.
Small Shipment
Few items, often partial moves or student relocations.
Time vs. Size
Move size directly correlates with duration
One-bedroom apartments and basements average 5.9 hours per move, while the most significant moves — five and six-bedroom houses — demand the most time, averaging 9.7 to 10.2 hours.
Average Move Duration by Home Size (Hours)
Studio
5.2h
The fastest full-home move type.
1-Bed Apt
5.9h
Standard half-day job.
2-Bed House
6.3h
Only slightly longer than an apartment move.
3-Bed House
7.8h
A full day's work for most crews.
4-Bed House
10.1h
Often requires larger crews or longer days.
6-Bed House
10.2h
The longest average duration for a local move.
Safe, Sound, and Stored
Storage, heavy items, and insurance trends
Storage played a helpful supporting role this year, with 7.7% of moves involving a stop at a storage unit. Many customers were navigating temporary housing, renovating, or bridging the gap between move-out and move-in dates.
Insurance Split
97.7%
Basic Coverage
Basic Coverage (97.7%)
Premium Coverage (2.3%)
7.7%
Storage Moves
Bridging the gap for renovations or possession dates
8.1%
Heavy Items
Moves containing items >300 lbs (pianos, safes, gym gear)
97.7%
Basic Coverage
The vast majority opt for standard protection
2.3%
Premium Coverage
Full replacement value protection ($5.00/lb)
Life in Boxes
We didn't just move boxes; we moved lives, hobbies, and passions
Over the past year, Two Small Men moved some impressive items. From 105 pianos to 967 bicycles, 1,045 pieces of gym equipment, and 2,645 bookshelves — the items we transport tell a story about how Canadians are living.
The Heavy Hitters
🎹
105
Pianos
Record: 2 Pianos
101 Uprights vs. 5 Baby Grands.
🚲
967
Bicycles
Record: 10 Bikes
20 moves had 5+ bikes (The "Bike Gangs").
🏋️
1,045
Gym Equipment
Record: 21 Pieces
One customer moved an entire commercial-grade gym.
📚
2,645
Bookshelves
Record: 15 Shelves
96 moves had 5+ bookshelves (The "Librarians").
The Rare & The Mysterious
Rarest Item
Pool Table (5)
Only 0.06% of moves included one.
Most Common
Kitchen Chair (8,113)
The most moved item in Canada.
Lifestyle Trends
💻
652 Full Setups
WFH Setups
Desk + Chair + Filing Cabinet combination.
☀️
1,186 Moves
Outdoor Living
Included patio furniture or BBQs.
🍷
126 Fridges
Wine Lovers
Dedicated wine storage on the move.
🎮
29 Tables
Gamers
Foosball (14), Ping Pong (16), Pool (5).
💪
712 Moves
Fitness
Included gym equipment.
👶
135 Moves
Families
Included baby furniture (cribs, high chairs, toy chests).
The Work-From-Home Revolution
Remote work is clearly here to stay — 652 moves included a full work-from-home setup with a desk, chair, and filing cabinet, while another 912 moves had partial office furniture. Movers are helping Canadians recreate their office environment at home.
Families with Little Ones
In 135 moves, baby furniture such as cribs (117), high chairs (64), and toy chests (76) found new homes. Our movers are not just transporting furniture — they're helping families navigate the challenges of relocating with tiny humans in tow.
Moving Forward
Looking ahead to 2026
As we look ahead to the coming year, we know a few trends will continue. Summer will remain the peak moving season, more folks will move within their existing city than to other cities, and the weekends will still be the most popular. The biggest unknowns piquing our interest:
Which province will attract the most cross-provincial moves? Alberta took the prize in 2025, but will it wear the crown in 2026?
Will lower oil prices lead to a call back from Alberta to Manitoba and Saskatchewan?
Will the trend continue from big cities like Vancouver into the suburbs?
Interest rates are starting the year at potentially stimulative levels. How will it move the housing market and drive growth for the moving business?
Two Small Men with Big Hearts will be ready to position its trucks, teams, and routes to meet the moment! We are preparing for another great moving season, with expanded services in packing, junk removal, and storage. The company is also growing its fleet and roster, advancing initiatives to improve service levels and safety, and deepening its efforts to give back to communities across Canada.