Moving can be a soul-sucking and expensive process… but with the right prep, it doesn’t have to be. Half of the residents in Canada’s largest cities — Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver — are considering moving to cheaper locations, according to a recent survey. But the upfront costs of moving to a different city can sneak up on you. You can expect to pay movers $250 to $4,000 for a local move, depending on how much you’re moving. To cut costs, compare rates among different moving companies; smaller or lesser-known names often offer better deals than big names, as long as you make sure you check the reviews. Opt for off-peak moving times, like weekdays, when rates may be lower. To save more money, you can take apart your big furniture on your own. If you don't need movers, consider using portable moving containers. They're dropped off at your door and cost as little as $7 a day to rent, per one company. Once settled, furnish your new space affordably with second-hand finds from Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor Canada, which saw a 4% increase in listings last year. And don’t forget: If you’re moving over 40 kilometres for work or business, you can claim eligible expenses such as packing and storage costs on Line 21900 of your tax return.