If you are comparing moving companies in Montreal, the first question is almost always the same: how much is this going to cost? The honest answer is that it depends on a few clear factors, but you can get a reliable ballpark in seconds.
Most local moves in Montreal are billed by the hour, starting around $120 per hour for a truck and two movers. As a rough guide, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $390 to $600, a two-bedroom about $585 to $900, and a larger home or single-family house $800 to $1,500 or more. Below, we break down exactly what drives those numbers, so there are no surprises on moving day.
Average moving costs in Montreal by home size
These are realistic starting estimates for a standard local move with professional movers, a fully equipped truck, and basic protective equipment included. Your final price depends on the access at both addresses, the season, and any specialty items.
| Home size | Typical starting price | Usual time on site |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / bachelor (2½) | From $390 | About 2 hours |
| 1-bedroom (3½) | From $520 | 3 to 4 hours |
| 2-bedroom (4½) | From $585 | 4 to 6 hours |
| 3-bedroom (5½) | From $800 | 5 to 7 hours |
| 4-bedroom / duplex (6½) | From $800 | 5 to 7 hours |
| Single-family home | From $1,000 | A full day |
Prices shown are starting points for off-peak local moves. Peak dates and larger jobs cost more, which we explain below.
How hourly moving rates work in Montreal
Most local movers in Montreal, including our team at Dynamic Moving Montreal, charge by the hour. The rate covers the truck, the crew, and the equipment, and the clock typically starts when the crew arrives and stops when the last item is in place. Our regular-season hourly rates are:
| Truck and crew | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| 22 ft truck and 2 movers | $120 / hour |
| 22 ft truck and 3 movers | $170 / hour |
| 40 ft truck and 4 movers | $250 / hour |
| 40 ft truck and 5 movers | $290 / hour |
A bigger crew costs more per hour but usually finishes faster, so for a larger home, more movers often works out cheaper overall, not more expensive. A good moving company will recommend the right crew size for your home rather than the one that runs up the most hours.
What is included in the price (and what to watch for)
With a transparent mover, your hourly rate should already include the truck, fuel, the crew, moving blankets, dollies, straps, and basic wrapping. That is how we price every job at our Montreal moving company: the quote you are given is the price you pay.
What you want to avoid are companies that advertise a low hourly rate and then add charges you were never told about: fuel surcharges, fees for stairs, charges for heavy items sprung on you on the day, or “travel time” that quietly doubles the bill. Before you book, ask one simple question: “Is there anything that is not included in this rate?” The answer tells you a lot.
7 factors that affect your moving price in Montreal
- The size of your move. More rooms and more belongings mean more time and a bigger truck or crew. This is the single biggest driver of cost.
- The season and the date. Montreal has a famously concentrated moving season. Demand and prices peak around July 1 (Quebec’s traditional moving day) and through the summer, while fall, winter, and mid-week dates are noticeably cheaper. If your dates are flexible, moving outside peak season is the easiest way to save.
- Building access. Stairs, walk-ups, long carries from the door to the truck, elevator bookings, and tight or distant parking all add time. A third-floor walk-up takes longer than a ground-floor unit with a loading dock, and time is money on an hourly move.
- Distance. A move across the same neighbourhood costs less than one across the island or to the South Shore. For longer hauls, travel time becomes part of the bill.
- Specialty and heavy items. Pianos, pool tables, safes, and oversized pieces need special handling, equipment, and sometimes hoisting or craning through a window or balcony. These are usually priced separately, on request.
- Packing. You can pack yourself to save, or add a packing service and let the crew handle it with proper materials. Packing adds to the cost but protects fragile items and saves you time.
- Storage. If there is a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, short-term storage adds a monthly cost (see rates below).
Local vs long-distance moving prices
Local moves within Greater Montreal are almost always billed by the hour, which keeps small and medium moves affordable and fair, because you only pay for the time your move actually takes.
Long-distance moves, for example Montreal to Quebec City, Ottawa, Toronto, or into New Brunswick, are usually quoted as a flat price based on the distance, the volume of your belongings, and access at both ends. Because the truck and crew are committed to your move for the full trip, long-distance jobs are larger but priced per move rather than per hour.
Storage costs in Montreal
If you need to store your belongings between homes, monthly storage is priced by unit size. Our regular-season storage rates:
| Unit size | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| 5 x 5 | $110 |
| 5 x 7 | $145 |
| 5 x 10 | $170 |
| 7 x 10 | $215 |
| 10 x 10 | $260 |
| 10 x 15 | $375 |
| 10 x 20 | $500 |
| Over 10 x 20 | $2.50 / sq ft |
How to get an accurate moving quote
The price ranges above are a starting point, but the only way to know your real cost is a proper quote. A good mover will ask about your home size, the access at both addresses, your dates, and any heavy or special items, then give you a clear estimate before move day. The whole process should take just a few minutes, and you can get a free quote from our Montreal movers with no obligation.
How to keep your moving costs down
- Move off-peak. Avoid July 1 and the summer if you can, and choose a weekday.
- Declutter first. Less to move means less time billed. Donate or sell what you will not use.
- Pack ahead. If you are not booking a packing service, have everything boxed, labelled, and ready before the crew arrives.
- Reserve the elevator and parking. A booked elevator and a clear spot near the door save real time.
- Be ready on the day. Disassemble what you can, and keep walkways clear so the crew never waits.
- Right-size the crew. A slightly larger crew that finishes faster often costs less overall than a small crew that runs long.
Why the cheapest quote can cost you more
It is tempting to simply pick the lowest number, but the cheapest quote is often the one designed to look cheap. Some companies quote a best-case scenario they know will not hold, then the real bill arrives 20 to 30 percent higher once the surprise charges are added. Others cut corners on training, equipment, or insurance.
A fair, mid-range price from a company that is transparent, properly insured, and honest about what is included almost always beats a lowball quote that balloons on the day. Look for a mover that explains its pricing clearly, carries real insurance, and has a long track record of customers who come back.
Montreal moving costs: a few local notes
- July 1 is everything. Quebec’s lease cycle means a huge share of moves happen on or around July 1. Book several weeks ahead for that period, both for availability and for better rates.
- Walk-ups and spiral staircases. Montreal’s classic exterior staircases and triplexes are charming but add time and, for big items, sometimes call for hoisting.
- Parking and permits. In dense neighbourhoods, a reserved spot or a temporary no-parking permit can save the crew from a long carry.
Frequently asked questions about moving prices in Montreal
How much does it cost to hire movers in Montreal?
Most local moves start around $120 per hour for a truck and two movers. A one-bedroom typically runs $390 to $600, and a larger home $800 to $1,500 or more, depending on size, access, and season.
Is it cheaper to move on a weekday?
Usually yes. Mid-week and off-peak dates are easier to book and often priced lower than weekends and the July 1 rush.
Do movers charge by the hour or a flat rate?
Local moves in Montreal are typically hourly, so you only pay for the time used. Long-distance moves are usually a flat, all-in price based on distance and volume.
Are there hidden fees?
There should not be. With a transparent mover, the quote is the price you pay. Always ask up front whether anything (fuel, stairs, heavy items, travel time) is billed separately.
How much does it cost to move a piano or pool table?
Specialty items are priced separately because they need special equipment and handling, sometimes including hoisting through a window or balcony. Ask for a flat quote on these.
Do I pay a deposit?
Policies vary by company. Ask whether a deposit is required to hold your date and whether it is applied to your final bill.
Get a transparent quote for your Montreal move
The best way to know your exact price is to ask. Tell us your home size, your dates, and the access at both ends, and we will give you a clear, honest estimate with no hidden fees, in just a few minutes.
Prices in this guide are starting estimates for local moves and are current as of 2026. Your final cost depends on your specific move and is confirmed in your quote.