The quote seemed perfect. Low price. Friendly voice. Promises of careful service. Then moving day arrived, and the price climbed. Stairs cost extra. Elevators cost extra. Packing materials weren’t included. By day’s end, the bill doubled.
This scenario plays out too often. Families already stressed by transition face financial surprises. At Regina Moving, we’ve heard these stories for 12+ years. That’s why our quotes include everything—no hidden fees, no moving day surprises. This guide reveals the hidden costs lurking in some moving contracts, so you can choose with eyes wide open.
The Fees That Appear After You Book
Stairs seem basic. Every home has them. Yet many moving companies charge extra for each flight. Here’s how it works.
- Per-flight charges: Some movers add $50-$100 per staircase
- Elevator fees: Buildings with elevators sometimes trigger extra costs
- Long-carry charges: Distance from truck to door may add fees
- Hidden in fine print: These charges often buried in contract terms
- No upfront disclosure: Families discover them on moving day
- Cumulative impact: Multiple fees can double the original quote
Ask every mover directly: “Are stairs and elevators included in your quote?” Don’t assume. Get it in writing.
At Regina Moving, our in-home assessment identifies every staircase, every elevator, every potential challenge. Your quote includes them all. No surprises on moving day. Just the price we promised.
A family in Cathedral once shared their story. They chose a mover based on a low quote. Moving day arrived, and the crew demanded $75 per flight for their basement stairs. Three flights cost $225 extra. The grandmother sat on the couch and cried. By the time the move finished, their bill had increased by $600. They called us afterward. “We should have asked more questions,” they said.
When Boxes Cost More Than the Move
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Some quotes exclude packing materials. Then you discover boxes cost $5 each, bubble wrap adds up fast. Here’s what to watch for.
- Box charges: Per-box fees accumulate quickly
- Specialty materials: Wardrobe boxes, dish packs cost extra
- Tape and supplies: Basic packing tape may be additional
- Padding fees: Furniture pads sometimes carry rental charges
- No disclosure: Often not mentioned until packing begins
Our quotes include all packing materials. Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, specialty containers—everything needed to protect your loved one’s belongings. You’ll never hear “that’s extra” mid-pack.
A daughter in Harbour Landing told us her first mover charged $8 per box. She needed 45 boxes. That’s $360 she hadn’t budgeted. “I assumed boxes came with the move,” she said. Most people do. Don’t assume. Ask.
What Happens to Items That Don’t Move?
Senior moves generate donations. Furniture, clothing, household goods—much stays behind. Some movers charge extra for donation haul-away. Others simply leave items, expecting you to handle disposal.
Ask specifically: “Do you charge for donation drop-offs?” “What about items we’re not taking?” Clear answers prevent last-minute scrambling.
We include donation coordination in every senior move. We sort, load, and deliver to Regina charities. No extra fees. No abandoned items. Just clean, respectful transitions.
A family in Albert Park once watched their movers leave donated furniture on the curb. “Not our problem,” the crew said. The family spent their first afternoon in the new home driving donations to charities instead of unpacking. With us, that never happens.
The Charges That Move With the Truck
Fuel surcharges appear on some invoices after the move. Companies claim fluctuating gas prices justify extra fees. But these should be included upfront, not added later.
Our quotes include all transportation costs. Fuel, mileage, truck fees—everything calculated upfront. You’ll never see a “fuel surcharge” line item on your final bill.
One gentleman in Lakeview showed us his final invoice. The original quote was $1,400. After adding “fuel adjustment” and “mileage overage,” he paid $1,850. He felt cheated. He was right.
When Furniture Needs to Come Apart
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Beds, tables, large furniture often need disassembly. Some movers charge extra for this service. Here’s what to ask.
- Per-item fees: Some charge $20-$50 per piece
- Tool requirements: Do they bring proper tools?
- Reassembly included: Or do you handle it later?
- Complex items: Sectionals, entertainment centers cost more
- No disclosure: Often discovered after loading begins
We include disassembly and reassembly in every quote. Your furniture arrives ready to use, not in pieces waiting for you to figure out. Ask every mover: “Is disassembly included?” Their answer reveals their approach.
A woman in Rosemont watched movers take apart her mother’s bed, then tell her reassembly cost extra. She paid $80 to have it put back together. “I could have done it myself,” she said. “But they had the tools and I didn’t.” She felt trapped. Don’t be trapped.
When Plans Change and Items Need Storage
Sometimes new homes aren’t ready. Sometimes downsizing means some items wait. Storage becomes necessary. But storage fees vary wildly—daily rates, monthly minimums, access charges.
We offer transparent storage options if needed. Daily rates explained upfront. No hidden access fees. No surprises when you retrieve items. Ask any mover about their storage terms before you need them.
One family needed two weeks of storage while their father’s care home room became available. Their mover charged a “storage setup fee,” “daily handling fee,” and “retrieval fee.” Total extra: $475. We would have charged a flat weekly rate, explained upfront.
Peak Time Pricing
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Moving on weekends costs more with many companies. Holidays trigger premiums. Here’s how timing affects price.
- Weekend surcharges: 15-25% added to base rate
- Holiday rates: Some charge double for stat holidays
- Peak season premiums: Summer months may cost more
- Limited disclosure: Often buried in contract fine print
- Flexible savings: Weekday moves often cost less
Our pricing stays consistent. Weekday, weekend, holiday—same transparent rates. We’ll help you choose the best date for your family without worrying about hidden premiums.
A family in Harbour Landing booked a Saturday move because that’s when adult children could help. Their mover charged 20% extra. “Saturday surcharge,” the contract said in tiny print. They hadn’t noticed.
How to Spot Hidden Fees Before You Sign
Use this checklist when reviewing quotes:
- Are stairs included? All of them?
- Are elevators included?
- Are packing materials included?
- Is donation haul-away included?
- Is disassembly and reassembly included?
- Are fuel surcharges possible?
- Are weekend rates higher?
- What about long-carry distances?
- Is storage available and priced clearly?
- Get everything in writing
If a mover hesitates to answer any of these, walk away. Transparency isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Complete Transparency, Every Time
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We’ve built our reputation on honest pricing. Here’s what our quotes include—no exceptions.
- All stairs and elevators: Included, not extra
- All packing materials: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, specialty containers
- Donation haul-away: We deliver to Regina charities
- Disassembly and reassembly: Every piece, fully included
- Full unpacking and setup: Furniture placed, beds made
- Fuel and transportation: No surcharges, no surprises
- 12+ years experience: 0% claim rate proves our care
- 24/7 support: Questions answered anytime
- Follow-up care: We check that you’re settled
Our values demand transparency. Professional growth means we keep improving. Honesty means clear quotes. Team collaboration ensures efficient moves. Safety protects your loved one and their belongings. When you choose Regina Moving, you choose a company with nothing to hide.
We serve Regina neighborhoods including Harbour Landing, Cathedral, Albert Park, Rosemont, and Lakeview, plus surrounding areas like Moose Jaw and Lumsden. Wherever you’re moving, we’re your transparent local partners.
Ready for a Truly Transparent Senior Move?
You now know the hidden costs of senior moving in Regina. Stairs, packing, donations, disassembly—every detail matters. Don’t learn about fees on moving day.
Contact Regina Moving today for your free in-home consultation. We’ll assess your situation, explain every cost, and provide a guaranteed written quote with no hidden fees. Visit our senior moving services page to schedule your free estimate. No pressure. No surprises. Just trusted expertise from Regina’s most transparent senior movers.
Your loved one’s next chapter deserves honesty from start to finish. Let’s talk soon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Senior Moving Costs in Regina
How do I know if a mover is hiding fees?
Ask direct questions about stairs, packing materials, donations, and disassembly. Vague answers signal trouble. Request written quotes with every line item explained.
What’s the most common hidden fee families encounter?
Stair and elevator charges top the list. Many families assume these are included—until moving day.
Are packing materials really that expensive?
They add up fast. Fifty boxes at $5 each is $250 before you’ve moved anything. Always ask what’s included.
Do all movers charge for donation haul-away?
No. Some include it. Many don’t. Ask specifically before booking.
How can we avoid hidden costs entirely?
Choose a mover with transparent, all-inclusive pricing. Get everything in writing. Ask every question before signing.
