Ajax has become a favourite for families leaving Toronto in search of more space and lower housing costs. One family we helped, the Fords, saved around $1,200 a month by moving from Toronto to Ajax, and we coordinated their entire move in one efficient day. If you are making a similar move, or simply moving within town, this guide shows what an Ajax move typically costs and what affects the price.
Our Ajax movers work across the whole town, from South Ajax to Pickering Village and North Ajax.
Ajax Cost Estimates
Local moves are billed by the hour. Using the $150 to $250 per hour range from our Toronto cost guide, typical Ajax moves look like this:
Home type Typical crew Typical time Estimated cost Condo or apartment 2 movers 2 to 5 hours $450 to $1,250 Townhouse in Central Ajax 2 to 3 movers 4 to 7 hours $750 to $1,750 Heritage home in Pickering Village 3 movers 5 to 8 hours $950 to $2,200 Detached family home in North Ajax 3 to 4 movers 7 to 10 hours $1,350 to $2,800Good to know: These are typical estimates. We give clear quotes, and the price quoted for your Ajax move is what you pay.
The Highway 401 Divide
Highway 401 runs right through the middle of Ajax, splitting the town into northern and southern neighbourhoods. There are only a limited number of places to cross it, so a move from South Ajax to North Ajax can take longer than the distance suggests, especially at rush hour. We plan routes around the crossings to keep drive time, and your bill, down.
Moving From Toronto to Ajax
Toronto to Ajax moves are local moves, but the drive along the 401 adds time to an hourly bill. Starting early, before the morning rush builds, or mid morning after it eases, can make a real difference. If you are moving from Scarborough, see our Scarborough moving costs guide for the other end of your move.
Moving further east into Durham Region? Compare our Oshawa moving costs guide.
Downsizing in Ajax
Many Ajax moves are downsizing moves, such as a couple leaving a family home for a smaller place. One customer downsized from a family home in Ravenscroft and booked both moving and junk removal with us, which saved a separate trip and made the whole process easier. Sorting items early and removing unwanted furniture before the move keeps hours down.
Money Saving Tips for Ajax Moves
- Book junk removal with your move. One visit is cheaper than two.
- Pack ahead. For fragile rooms, add our packing and unpacking services.
- Choose mid week dates. They are easier to book than weekends.
- Short on time? Our last minute moving services helped one customer with a quick move near the Taunton corridor.
Other Costs to Budget For
Ajax buyers pay the Ontario land transfer tax but not the extra municipal tax that Toronto buyers pay, which is one more reason Toronto families find Ajax good value. First time buyers may get up to $4,000 back. Set up your electricity account with Elexicon Energy before moving in. Renters should give 60 days’ notice using Form N9.
Living in Ajax: What to Know Before You Move
Ajax is a lakeside town in Durham Region, about 40 minutes east of downtown Toronto without traffic. Its waterfront is one of its best features, with a long trail along Lake Ontario and parks like Rotary Park that give families affordable access to the lake. The Ajax GO station on the Lakeshore East line makes it a practical choice for Toronto commuters, and Highway 401 and Highway 412 connect you to the rest of the GTA and the 407.
Ajax has plenty of everyday conveniences. Shopping is spread along Harwood Avenue, Kingston Road and the Durham Centre, and Ajax Pickering Hospital serves the local community. Many families are drawn by the newer subdivisions in North Ajax, the character of Pickering Village and the lower home prices compared with Toronto.
For movers, Ajax has one big quirk: Highway 401 runs straight through the middle of town. Planning which crossing to use can save real time on a local move.
Moving Services for Ajax Homes
- Residential moving. Townhouses, heritage homes and large family houses, with padded covers and floor protection on every job.
- Toronto to Ajax relocations. We plan the drive around 401 traffic so your hourly bill stays reasonable.
- Junk removal with your move. Clear out the basement and garage in the same visit.
- Packing and unpacking. Full home packing or just fragile rooms, with premium materials.
- Last minute and same day moves. Our crews have helped Ajax customers at short notice, including a quick move near the Taunton corridor.
- Labour only help. Have your own truck or pod? We will handle the loading and unloading.
How an Ajax Move Works With One Day Movers
- Contact us. Share both addresses, your date and a list of rooms. Tell us if the move crosses the 401.
- Get your quote. You receive a clear price with no hidden fees. The price quoted for your Ajax move is exactly what you pay.
- Confirm the details. We confirm crew size, truck and arrival time.
- Sit back, we are coming. The crew protects your home, loads carefully and places everything where you want it.
Benefits of Hiring Movers in Ajax
Most Ajax moves involve family homes with basements, garages and plenty of furniture. Hiring professionals means the heavy lifting is done safely and quickly, often in a single day even for a move from Toronto. You avoid renting a truck, buying equipment and asking friends to give up a weekend. And because we work 24/7, 365 days a year, we can fit in around closing dates, school schedules and work.
Ajax Neighbourhoods at a Glance
Area Typical homes What it means for your move South Ajax Waterfront homes and newer builds near the lake Easy driveway access, but plan the 401 crossing for moves north Pickering Village Heritage homes and older streets Older layouts and tighter doorways Central Ajax Townhouses and family homes Quick local moves, often done in a morning North Ajax Newer detached homes and subdivisions More rooms and garages mean bigger loads Taunton corridor Newer communities near Taunton Road Fast access north, longer drive to the lake sideA Sample Ajax Move
A family of four is moving from a townhouse in Scarborough to a detached home in North Ajax. With three movers, the job takes about seven hours, including the drive along the 401. At $200 per hour, the middle of the published Toronto range, the move comes to about $1,400 before HST, or around $1,582 with 13% HST. Starting at 9 am rather than 7 am lets the crew avoid the worst of the morning traffic heading into Toronto on the other side of the highway, and the family books junk removal for old basement furniture in the same visit.
Your Ajax Moving Checklist
- Plan your route across the 401 if you are moving between North and South Ajax.
- Book junk removal with your move to avoid a second trip.
- Open your Elexicon Energy account for your new address.
- Update your address with the Town of Ajax for waste collection and property tax.
- Label boxes by room so the crew can place them in one trip.
- Keep pets and children away from the loading area on moving day.
Best Time of Year to Move in Ajax
Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to move in Ajax, with fewer weather delays on the 401. Summer is the busiest season, especially around the end of the school year, when many families time moves between grades.
Winter moves along the lakeshore can bring wind and snow squalls. If you are moving in winter, keep the driveway and front walk clear and plan a flexible start time.
Moving to Ajax From Elsewhere
Many Ajax newcomers are moving from Toronto or Scarborough in search of a bigger home. A move from a Toronto condo to an Ajax house is a big jump in space, so it is a great time to buy furniture you need after you arrive, rather than moving pieces that will not suit the new home. Others move from Pickering, Whitby or Oshawa within Durham Region, which usually means a shorter drive and a smaller bill.
Common Mistakes That Raise Ajax Moving Costs
- Crossing the 401 at rush hour. A few kilometres can take much longer than expected.
- Leaving junk removal until later. A separate trip costs more than doing it on moving day.
- Underestimating the garage. Tools, bikes and seasonal gear add real time.
- Not confirming closing times. The crew may wait if keys are not ready.
Ajax Neighbourhood Moving Notes From Our Crews
Every part of Ajax has its own quirks. Here is what our crews keep in mind when planning moves in some of the most popular areas.
South Ajax
South Ajax sits between the 401 and the lake, with waterfront homes and quiet streets near the trail. Most homes have driveways, which makes loading easy. If you are moving north, the route across the 401 is the key planning point.
Pickering Village
Pickering Village has some of Ajax’s oldest homes, with character and narrower layouts. Heritage doorways and steep stairs can slow a move, so measuring large furniture ahead of time is worth it. Kingston Road traffic can also be busy at peak times.
Central Ajax
Central Ajax has plenty of townhouses and family homes close to shops and schools. These moves are usually straightforward and quick, often finishing in a morning or early afternoon, especially within the same area.
North Ajax and the Taunton corridor
Newer subdivisions north of the 401 have larger detached homes with garages and finished basements. Moves here involve more volume, so a bigger crew and truck may be needed. We have helped customers here at short notice when timelines changed.
Popular Moving Routes To and From Ajax
Because most local moves are billed by the hour, the route between your old and new home has a direct effect on cost. These are the routes we see most often for Ajax, and what to expect on each.
Toronto and Scarborough to Ajax
The 401 is the main route, and morning traffic heads west into Toronto. Starting mid morning from the Toronto end usually means lighter traffic in both directions. The Kingston Road route is slower but can be useful when the highway is backed up.
Pickering to Ajax
A short hop along Kingston Road or the 401. These moves are often finished within a morning, and the biggest time factor is home size, not the drive.
Ajax to Whitby and Oshawa
Moving further east is a quick trip along the 401 or 412 to 407. Traffic is usually lighter heading east in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is moving to Ajax cheaper than staying in Toronto?
For many families, yes. Lower home prices and no municipal land transfer tax mean the savings can be large, which is why moves from Toronto to Ajax are so common.
Q. Do you offer same day moves in Ajax?
Often, yes. We keep crews available for last minute and same day moves across the GTA.
Q. Is there a toll on Highway 412 for Ajax moves?
No. Highway 412 has been toll free since 2022, which makes it a useful link to the 407 for some routes.
Q. Do you move seniors in Ajax?
Yes. Downsizing moves are common in Ajax, and we can combine moving, packing and junk removal.
Q. How far ahead should I book movers in Ajax?
Four to six weeks is ideal, and longer if you are moving in summer or at month end.
Q. Do you move from Pickering to Ajax?
Yes. Short Durham Region moves like Pickering Village to Central Ajax are common for us.
Q. How much does it cost to move within Ajax?
Most local Ajax moves take 3 to 10 hours depending on home size, billed by the hour. Ask for a written quote for your exact price.
Q. Can you move me from Toronto to Ajax in one day?
Yes. Most Toronto to Ajax family moves can be completed in a single day with the right crew.
Q. Do you handle heritage homes in Pickering Village?
Yes. We recently moved a family from Pickering Village to Central Ajax, taking care with every piece of furniture.
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