Canada recorded 74,010 pre-mover households in May 2026, rising from 70,569 in April and continuing the strong upward trajectory of the 2026 moving season.
This represents a +5% month-over-month increase, extending the gains seen throughout the spring and reinforcing that mover activity remains elevated heading into the summer peak.
Spring Market Continues to Build Momentum
After the seasonal slowdown early in the year, the past five months show clear and sustained growth:
- January 2026: 36,137
- February 2026: 45,173
- March 2026: 61,450
- April 2026: 70,569
- May 2026: 74,010
That’s an increase of nearly 38,000 households entering the market since January.
For marketers, this represents a significant opportunity. These households are actively planning their moves, comparing options, and beginning to commit to major purchases.
Ontario Continues to Lead While Alberta Surges
Canada’s largest provinces remain the primary engines of activity:
- Ontario: 35,274 (+6% MoM)
- Quebec: 12,213 (-6% MoM)
- British Columbia: 10,269 (-4% MoM)
- Alberta: 9,817 (+19% MoM)
Ontario alone now accounts for nearly 48% of all pre-mover activity, reinforcing its critical importance for national campaigns.
Alberta posted the strongest growth among the major provinces, while British Columbia and Quebec remained at historically elevated levels despite modest month-over-month declines.
Growth Remains Broad Across the Country
The spring-to-summer ramp-up continues nationwide, with several provinces posting strong gains in May:
- Newfoundland and Labrador: +52%
- Saskatchewan: +30%
- Prince Edward Island: +24%
- Manitoba: +22%
- New Brunswick: +19%
Even as some larger provinces cooled slightly from April highs, activity remained strong across most regions of the country, confirming that the moving season continues to gain traction coast-to-coast.
What This Means for Marketers
May represents a critical moment in the mover journey.
Pre-movers at this stage are:
- Finalizing plans
- Comparing providers
- Engaging with brands
- Preparing to make purchase decisions
This is no longer just awareness—it’s decision-shaping territory.
Brands that established presence earlier in the spring can now reinforce and convert.
Brands entering late may face heavier competition and higher acquisition costs as consumers move closer to purchase.
Bottom Line
May confirms that the 2026 moving season remains firmly on track.
Momentum remains strong, and the coming weeks will continue to represent one of the highest concentrations of active, decision-ready households in the market.
If you’re targeting movers, this remains one of the best opportunities of the year to engage consumers before major relocation-related purchase decisions are finalized.
📊 Leverage Cleanlist’s Pre-Mover Data
Cleanlist’s Pre-Mover dataset identifies households preparing to relocate — often weeks or months before the move occurs. With Cleanlist, you can:
- Target pre-movers by geography and household characteristics
- Reach consumers before competitors saturate the market
- Align messaging with peak decision-making timing
👉 Cleanlist offers self-service opportunity counts to help you size the market. See our consumer data page to explore available segments and activation options.
