A three-bedroom house is one of the most common moves there is, and also one of the trickiest to price, because “three-bedroom” can mean anything from a modest townhouse to a fully furnished family home. Here is the quick answer, then the full breakdown.
The average cost to move a three-bedroom house locally is about $1,000 to $3,000, with most moves landing around $1,800. That assumes a crew of three to four movers and a
five-to-eight-hour day. For a long-distance move, a three-bedroom home typically costs $2,500 to $9,500 or more, averaging around $5,000, depending mostly on distance and the weight of your belongings. Below, we explain how those numbers are built so you can estimate your own.
Local move: how the cost is built
Local moves (roughly under 50 km) are billed by the hour. Your total is simply the crew and truck rate multiplied by the time the move takes, so the two things that set your price are how big a crew you need and how long the job runs. A three-bedroom house usually calls for a larger truck and a crew of three to four.
| Truck and crew | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| 22 ft truck and 3 movers | $170 / hour |
| 40 ft truck and 4 movers | $250 / hour |
| 40 ft truck and 5 movers | $290 / hour |
Those are the rates our Montreal movers charge for a full-house move.
Most three-bedroom houses take a 40 ft truck and four movers, working five to eight hours.
Here is how that translates into a realistic estimate:
| Your situation | Crew and truck | Time | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smaller 3-bedroom, easy access, off-peak | 40 ft and 4 movers | About 5 hours | $1,250 to $1,500 |
| Average 3-bedroom house | 40 ft and 4 movers | 6 to 8 hours | $1,500 to $2,000 |
| Larger or heavier home, stairs, peak season | 40 ft and 5 movers | 7 to 9 hours | $2,000 to $3,000 |
A bigger crew costs more per hour but finishes faster, so for a full house, four or five movers often works out cheaper overall than trying to save with too small a team.
Long-distance move: how the cost is built
Long-distance moves are priced differently. Instead of an hourly rate, they are usually a flat price based on the distance and the weight (or volume) of your shipment. A three-bedroom home typically weighs somewhere between 5,000 and 9,000 pounds, and a heavily furnished one can weigh more, which is why two “three-bedroom” moves can be quoted very differently.
As a guide, a long-distance three-bedroom move generally runs $2,500 to $9,500, with an average near $5,000. Shorter regional moves, for example Montreal to Ottawa, Toronto, or Quebec City, sit at the lower end, while long cross-country hauls climb well past that. Because weight drives the price, decluttering before a long move has a direct, measurable payoff.
What is included in a 3-bedroom move
With a full-service local mover, the hourly rate should cover the truck, fuel, the crew, and the protective equipment: moving blankets, dollies, straps, and basic wrapping. Disassembly and reassembly of beds and large furniture is normally part of the service. For long-distance moves, the flat quote should spell out exactly what is and is not included, so always ask. The goal is a single, clear number with no surprise charges on the day.
What changes the price of a 3-bedroom move
How much you actually own. Two three-bedroom homes can hold very different amounts of furniture. More weight and volume mean more time locally and a higher flat rate long distance.
- Building access. Stairs, walk-ups, long carries from the door to the truck, elevators, and tight parking all add time. A two-storey house with a finished basement takes longer than a single-level home with easy access.
- The season and date. Demand peaks in summer and around July 1 in Quebec, along with weekends and month-end. Off-season, mid-week, mid-month dates are cheaper and easier to book.
- Distance. For local moves, more drive time adds hours. For long-distance moves, mileage is one of the biggest cost drivers.
- Packing. Packing a whole three-bedroom home yourself saves a lot, while a full packing service adds convenience and cost. Many people pack themselves and book packing only for fragile items.
- Specialty items. Pianos, pool tables, safes, and oversized pieces are usually priced separately because they need special handling or hoisting.
- Storage. If there is a gap between homes, monthly storage adds to the total.
Local vs long-distance: which applies to you
If you are staying within the Montreal area, you are almost certainly looking at an hourly local move, which keeps the cost tied to the actual time your move takes. If you are heading out of the region, you are looking at a flat-rate long-distance move based on distance and weight. The two are priced on completely different logic, so make sure you know which one your quote is.
How to estimate your own cost
The ranges above are a starting point, but the only accurate number comes from a proper quote. A good mover will ask about your home size, the access at both addresses, your dates, and any heavy or specialty items, then give you a clear estimate before move day. Give them honest, detailed information and the quote will be right the first time, with no day-of surprises. It is worth getting two or three quotes and comparing not just the rate, but what is included and the company’s track record.
How to keep a 3-bedroom move affordable
- Declutter first. Less to move means fewer hours locally and less weight long distance. Donate, sell, or recycle before you pack.
- Move off-peak. A weekday in the off-season, away from July 1, is the single biggest saving.
- Pack yourself. Source free boxes and pad fragile items with your own linens and towels.
- Be ready on the day. Everything boxed and stacked near the door, with pathways clear, keeps an hourly move short.
- Reserve elevator and parking. Shorter carries mean fewer billed hours.
- Right-size the crew. A slightly larger crew that finishes faster often costs less overall.
Why the cheapest quote can cost you more
For a whole house, the lowest quote is rarely the real one. Some companies quote a best-case time or weight they know will not hold, then the bill climbs once stairs, extra weight, or surprise fees appear. A fair, transparent price from an experienced, properly insured mover protects you from the repair bills and disputes that make a “cheap” move expensive in the end. Look for a company that explains its pricing clearly and has a long record of customers who come back.
Moving a 3-bedroom house in Montreal
Locally, a three-bedroom move here is an hourly job, and the city’s exterior staircases, narrow doorways, and summer July 1 rush are the main things that push a quote up, so plan around them where you can. Our LaSalle-based moving company handles both, local hourly moves and regional long-distance relocations across Quebec, Ontario, and into parts of the Maritimes. Either way, we quote your exact home and access up front, so the number you are given is the number you pay.
Get a clear quote for your 3-bedroom move
The best way to know your real cost is to tell us about your home. Share your home size, your dates, and the access at both addresses, and we will give you one clear, honest quote, hourly for a local move or a flat rate for a long-distance one, with no hidden fees.
Prices in this guide are typical 2026 estimates for general guidance. Your exact cost depends on your home and your move, and is confirmed in your quote.