Scarborough covers a huge area, from the waterfront homes near the Bluffs to the family streets of Malvern, Agincourt and Woburn and the towers around Scarborough Town Centre. Many people choose it because it offers more space for the money than central Toronto. The good news is that moving here does not need to break the budget either, as long as you plan for the things that really affect price.
Our Scarborough movers work from West Hill to Highland Creek. Here is what we have learned about Scarborough moving costs.
Scarborough Moving Costs at a Glance
Scarborough moves are local Toronto moves, usually billed by the hour at the $150 to $250 range shown in our Toronto cost guide. Based on the home types we move most often here:
| Home type | Typical crew | Typical time | Estimated cost |
| Condo near Scarborough Town Centre | 2 movers | 3 to 5 hours | $550 to $1,250 |
| Townhouse | 2 to 3 movers | 5 to 7 hours | $750 to $1,750 |
| Bungalow with basement | 3 movers | 6 to 9 hours | $1,150 to $2,250 |
| Two storey detached home | 3 to 4 movers | 7 to 11 hours | $1,350 to $2,750 |
Estimates only: These ranges are based on typical hours. Your final price depends on how much you own, access at both homes and any add on services.
Why Scarborough Homes Move Differently
Basements Add Up
Many Scarborough bungalows and backsplits have full basements, some with separate living space. Basements are often packed with the heaviest items in the house: freezers, gym equipment, tools and storage bins. They also mean extra stairs on every trip. Count the basement as a room of its own when you ask for a quote.
Long Driveways, Easy Parking
On the plus side, most Scarborough houses have driveways, so the truck can park right at the door. That short carry distance is a real time saver compared with downtown moves, and it helps keep Scarborough house moves good value.
Big Distances Within One Borough
A move from Guildwood to Malvern or from the Bluffs to Agincourt is still local, but the drive can take a while at busy times, especially along the 401. Moving mid morning or early afternoon avoids the worst of it.
Pianos and Heavy Items
We get a lot of questions about moving pianos in Scarborough, and for good reason. Pianos in split level homes often have to travel up or down short flights of stairs, which takes skill and the right equipment. Always mention a piano when you book, because it affects crew size and time. Our professional piano movers can give you a clear price before moving day.
Budget Moves in Scarborough
- Moving a room, not a house? Our small moves service suits apartments and partial moves.
- Heading to campus? Students near the University of Toronto Scarborough and Centennial College can use our student movers.
- Clear the basement early. Donate or sell what you do not need, and book same day or next day junk removal for the rest.
- Ask for an upfront quote. One customer who moved from Vaughan to Scarborough told us our quote was accurate from the start and competitive with other movers they compared.
Hidden Costs to Include
Scarborough is part of the City of Toronto, so home buyers pay the Toronto municipal land transfer tax on top of the Ontario tax, with first time buyer rebates available on both. Renters need to give 60 days’ notice with Form N9, so line up your old and new lease dates carefully. And remember to budget for HST, which is added to most moving quotes in Ontario.
Planning a move east into Durham Region instead? Compare our Ajax moving costs guide, or see our North York guide if you are heading north.
Living in Scarborough: What to Know Before You Move
Scarborough is Toronto’s eastern borough and one of its most diverse. The Scarborough Bluffs rise above Lake Ontario, with parks and beaches at their base, while Rouge National Urban Park, Canada’s first national urban park, stretches along the eastern edge. The Toronto Zoo is here too. Scarborough Town Centre is the main shopping hub, and the area is famous for its food, from Agincourt’s dumplings to Malvern’s Caribbean and South Asian restaurants.
The University of Toronto Scarborough and Centennial College bring students from around the world. Line 2 serves the west side of the borough, the Scarborough Subway Extension is under construction, and the 401 runs right across it. Scarborough offers more space for the money than central Toronto, which is why so many families choose it.
Moving Services for Scarborough
- Bungalow and family home moves. Crews sized for full basements and larger households.
- Condo moves. Scarborough Town Centre towers with elevator bookings.
- Piano moving. Split levels and stairs handled safely.
- Student moves. UTSC and Centennial students.
- Junk removal. Same day or next day for basement clear outs.
- Same day moves. When plans change at short notice.
How a Scarborough Move Works
- Contact us. Share your home size, basement contents and any piano.
- Get your quote. An accurate price upfront with no hidden fees.
- Confirm the details. We confirm the crew, truck and time.
- Sit back, we are coming. We protect your home and move everything efficiently.
Benefits of Hiring Movers in Scarborough
Scarborough homes are often packed with a family’s belongings across two or three levels. Professional movers make light work of heavy basement items and piano stairs, and they stack the truck to use every inch of space. You avoid injuries, save days of work and get a price you can trust.
Scarborough Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Area | Typical homes | What it means for your move |
| Scarborough Bluffs and Cliffside | Waterfront and older detached homes | Steep lots and long front paths |
| Agincourt | Bungalows, townhouses and condos | Mix of quick condo moves and basement heavy houses |
| Malvern | Family homes and townhouses | Busy streets, larger families |
| Guildwood and West Hill | Detached homes on larger lots | Driveways help, loads are bigger |
| Scarborough Town Centre area | High rise condos | Elevator and dock bookings |
A Sample Scarborough Move
A family is moving from a bungalow with a full basement in Agincourt to a two storey home in Guildwood. Three movers take about eight hours, much of it on the basement stairs. At $200 per hour, the middle of the published Toronto range, that comes to about $1,600 before HST, or $1,808 with 13% HST. Clearing out the basement two weeks earlier with a junk removal pickup saved roughly an hour on moving day.
Your Scarborough Moving Checklist
- Treat the basement as its own room in your quote.
- Book junk removal early for unwanted basement items.
- Tell your mover about any piano.
- Transfer your Toronto Hydro account.
- Plan around 401 traffic if you are crossing the borough.
- Make sure the driveway is clear of cars on moving day.
Best Time of Year to Move in Scarborough
Summer is busiest in Scarborough, along with late August and early September for students. Spring and fall weekdays are easiest to book.
In winter, bungalow driveways and front steps can be icy. Clear and salt them before the crew arrives.
Moving to Scarborough From Elsewhere
People move to Scarborough from across Toronto and from overseas for more space, diverse communities and good value. If you are moving into a Scarborough house from a condo, you may have space for new furniture, so plan deliveries after your move.
Common Mistakes That Raise Scarborough Moving Costs
- Leaving the basement until last. Start there.
- Forgetting the piano. Always mention it.
- Crossing the 401 at rush hour. Plan a mid morning start.
- Skipping junk removal. Unwanted items cost time to move.
Scarborough Neighbourhood Moving Notes From Our Crews
Every part of Scarborough has its own quirks. Here is what our crews keep in mind when planning moves in some of the most popular areas.
Scarborough Bluffs and Cliffside
Waterfront homes on sloped lots with long front paths. Allow extra carrying time.
Agincourt
Bungalows, townhouses and condos. Basements are the main time factor.
Malvern
Family homes and townhouses on busy streets. Park the truck early.
Guildwood and West Hill
Detached homes on larger lots with driveways. Bigger loads, easier access.
Popular Moving Routes To and From Scarborough
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 Scarborough, and what to expect on each.
Scarborough to Downtown Toronto
The DVP or Gardiner, or surface routes like Kingston Road. The DVP is slow at rush hour.
Scarborough to Markham
Markham Road, Kennedy Road and Highway 404 lead north.
Scarborough to Durham Region
The 401 leads east to Pickering, Ajax and Oshawa. Traffic is heavier heading west in the morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can you move me the same day in Scarborough?
Often, yes. We offer same day and last minute moves across Toronto when crews are available.
Q. How much does it cost to move a piano in Scarborough?
It depends on the type of piano and the stairs involved. Ask for a piano quote when you book.
Q. Do you move students at UTSC?
Yes. Our student movers offer evening and weekend slots.
Q. Can you move me from Scarborough to Durham Region?
Yes. Scarborough to Ajax, Pickering and Oshawa are common routes.
Q. Do you move people from Scarborough to Markham?
Yes. It is a common route for families moving north.
Q. How long does a Scarborough condo move take?
A 1 bedroom condo often takes 3 to 5 hours.
Q. Are Scarborough movers cheaper than downtown movers?
The hourly rate is similar across Toronto, but Scarborough moves often take less time because of driveways and easier parking. That can make the total lower.
Q. How long does it take to move a Scarborough bungalow?
A typical bungalow with a basement takes around 6 to 9 hours with three movers, depending on how much is stored downstairs.
Q. Do you move from other cities into Scarborough?
Yes. We move families from across the GTA into Scarborough, including a full house move from Brampton handled by our crew of Harry, Sawan and Ankit.
Get Your Scarborough Moving Quote
Find out what your move will really cost with a clear, no pressure quote. Explore our residential moving services or read more about moving costs in Toronto, then request your free Scarborough moving quote.