March 11, 2025

How much does a moving service cost? Full guide with MovingWaldo data

Choosing the best option to plan your move based on your budget can be a real headache, especially if you have a lot of items to transport and don’t have a large circle of people to help you. In this article, we’ve worked with data from our partner, MovingWaldo, to explore moving costs across different methods: professional movers, truck rentals, and containers. We will also cover both local and long-distance moves, focusing mainly on Quebec.

Family moving

The price to hire a moving company in Quebec

Hiring a moving company is a great way to reduce stress and simplify the moving process, even though it can sometimes seem expensive. However, the price is not always as high as one might think, and it can be much more advantageous than risking injury or dealing with the stress of a move.

In this section, we will explore the costs of local movers, typically charged by the hour, as well as long-distance moves (over 500 km), which are calculated based on the weight of your belongings.

Average cost of movers in Quebec*
Type of home	Duration	Number of movers	Average hourly rate	Average transportation fee (1 hour)	Heavy item	Sports equipment	Total
1-bedroom apartment	4 hours	2	$133	$133	$0	$0	$665
2-bedroom apartment	4.5 hours	2	$133	$133	$0	$0	$731
2-bedroom house	5 hours	2	$133	$133	$125	$125	$1,048
3-bedroom house	6 hours	3	$167	$167	$125	$125	$1,423
4-bedroom house	7 hours	3	$167	$167	$125	$125	$1,591

*Most customers do not choose the packing option, so it is excluded from the table. On average, houses contain about two heavy items (150–200 lb), which are included in the table. However, apartments rarely have such heavy items. Additionally, most movers do not charge extra for standard appliances, so these are also excluded from the table. Taxes are not included in the table. The same applies to the table below that is titled "Average cost of movers in the rest of Canada".

Local move (less than 500 km)

A local move is defined as a move within a radius of less than 500 km. While some movers may classify a move as "long distance" once it exceeds 60-70 km, this does not necessarily mean that the pricing will be the same as for a move of more than 500 km. In fact, for a local move of less than 500 km, billing is generally done on an hourly basis.

Average hourly rate for movers (item transport) - Quebec

Minimum labour time*	Minimum transport time**	2 movers	3 movers	Additional mover
3 hours	1 hour	$133	$167	$42

* Labour time: It refers to the duration of the trip between your two addresses, as well as the time needed to transport the items from your home to the truck, then from the truck to your new home.

** Transport time: It refers to the duration of the trip between the mover's office and your first address, as well as the distance between your last address and the mover's office.

These are billed at the hourly rate.

Average hourly rate for professional packing

Since it's often recommended to start packing in advance, many people take the opportunity to sort their items and pack at the same time, leading them not to hire packers. However, if you opt for a full-service move, it could truly be worth it! Movers are experts in the art of packing efficiently: they use specific techniques to ensure your belongings arrive intact and maximize available space.

In general, the average rate for professional packing in Quebec and Canada is similar to the hourly rate for transporting the items.

Minimum labour time	Minimum transport time	2 movers	3 movers	Additional mover
3 hours	1 hour	$124	$160	$43

Average rate for moving special items

Prices for moving special items vary depending on their weight, size, and the difficulty of transportation.

Pianos: Their transport is very delicate, which can make it expensive. This is why some people choose to leave their piano behind for the new owner.
Sports equipment: Generally, small sports equipment is not charged if it's light. However, if the equipment is very heavy, additional fees may apply.
Heavy equipment and appliances:
In Quebec and Canada, most movers do not charge for transporting standard appliances, such as a 150 lb to 300 lb refrigerator that fits into a typical kitchen.
However, larger models, such as a six or eight-burner stove (300 to 500 lb), may incur additional fees.
Pool tables: Most movers do not transport them due to their high weight and the specific technique required to move them. Those who offer this service usually charge a fairly high rate.

Price for moving appliances - Quebec

Standard appliance	Heavy appliance (300-500 lb)	Commercial freezer
$0	$0 - $250*	$150 - $500

Price for moving pianos - Quebec

Upright piano	Baby grand piano	Grand piano
$301	$478	$625

Price for other items - Quebec

Sports equipment	Pool table	Marble table
$0 - $250	$350 - $650	$0 - $250

Price for heavy items - Quebec

200 lb and more	300 lb and more	400 lb and more
$0 - $250	$0 - $400	$0 - $350

Other fees - Quebec

Stair fees (per floor beyond 2 floors)

$0 - $75

* What do the zeros (0) mean when there is a price range here?

Some companies charge a flat fee to move your special items, while others simply apply their hourly rate. So, when you see a price range like "$0 - $250," the "$0" means that, in some situations, no fixed cost is applied and only the hourly rate is taken into account. In the end, the cost remains very similar; it's just a different pricing approach depending on the movers.

Moving insurance

In Canada, it is standard in the industry for a mover to offer $0.60 per pound protection for damaged goods, at no extra cost to you, making it a free option. While movers rarely damage items, when an incident occurs, they have policies in place to quickly reimburse the damaged item.

However, if you have very fragile or special items that require special handling, such as crating, it is recommended to purchase premium insurance (between $150 and $200) or full value protection, which can cost several hundred dollars.

Optional but appreciated fee: the tip

Tipping is in no way mandatory in the final payment, but it is considered a sort of "unwritten rule" in Quebec and Canada, widely recognized and appreciated. It is especially appreciated by movers, particularly when they put in significant effort, such as during difficult weather conditions. In general, a tip of $5 per hour per mover is recommended, depending on the quality of the service.

	Tips and tricks Use the MovingWaldo moving cost calculator to compare real-time quotes from reliable movers. Get instant, no-obligation quotes from verified and insured movers, selected based on strict criteria. Enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and services tailored to your needs: local, long distance, packing, storage, and more.

How much will a moving company cost in the rest of Canada?

Since this article mainly focuses on the cost of movers in Quebec, you might be curious about the cost in the rest of Canada. We have therefore used data from Canada’s largest cities in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia to determine the average cost of movers. The cost of a moving company is slightly higher in the rest of Canada, particularly in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where the cost of housing is more expensive .

Average cost of movers in the rest of Canada
Type of home	Duration	Number of movers	Average hourly rate	Average transportation fee (1 hour)	Heavy item	Sports equipment	Total
1-bedroom apartment	4 hours	2	$142	$142	$0	$0	$710
2-bedroom apartment	4.5 hours	2	$142	$142	$0	$0	$781
2-bedroom house	5 hours	2	$142	$142	$188	$188	$1,228
3-bedroom house	6 hours	3	$194	$194	$188	$188	$1,734
4-bedroom house	7 hours	3	$194	$194	$188	$188	$1,928

Average hourly rate for movers (item transport) - Rest of Canada

Minimum labour time	Minimum transport time	2 movers	3 movers	Additional mover
3 hours	1 hour	$142	$194	$54

Average packing rates - Rest of Canada

Minimum labour time	Minimum transport time	2 movers	3 movers	Additional mover
3 hours	1 hour	$131	$184	$53

Average rate for moving special items

Price for moving appliances - Rest of Canada

Standard appliance	Heavy appliance (300-500 lb)	Commercial freezer
$0 - $200	$0 - $450*	$0 - $1100

Price for moving pianos - Rest of Canada

Upright piano	Baby grand piano	Grand piano
$274	$388	$559

Price for other items - Rest of Canada

Sports equipment	Pool table	Marble table
$0 - $375	$0 - $750	$0 - $500

Price for heavy items - Rest of Canada

200 lb and more	300 lb and more	400 lb and more
$0 - $375	$0 - $500	$0 - $800

Other fees - Rest of Canada

Stair fees (per floor beyond 2 floors)

$0 - $75

Long-distance move (over 500 km)

A long-distance move refers to trips exceeding 500 km. In this case, billing takes into account several factors, including the distance, the weight of the items, additional services, and, in some cases, accommodation fees for the movers if the trip lasts more than one day.

Transport fees

Estimate before the move
Before the move, the company will conduct an inventory of your belongings, either by visiting your location or doing it virtually. This helps estimate the price and weight of your goods to accurately estimate the moving cost.
Weighing of the items on moving day
On the day of the move, movers use an industrial scale to weigh your items in the truck. This determines the exact weight, which will affect the cost of the move based on the weight and distance travelled. An additional fee for weighing may be applied (scaling fee).

Minimum fee for 1,000 lb

It is common for moving companies to charge a fee for the first 1,000 lb, which generally represents a minimum billing for weight.

Moving company costs: example of a long-distance move between Montreal and Calgary

Number of movers: 2
Number of trucks: 1
Weight: 4,236 lb

Example of moving costs from Montreal to Calgary
Transport fees	Scaling fee	Minimum fee of 1,000 lb	Piano	Partial packing	Storage	Warehouse handling	Total
$3,760	$50	$1,800	$800	$560	$476	$285	$7,731

Alternative moving service options

Other options are available for your move, such as renting a container or moving truck.

The cost of renting a moving container in Quebec

A moving container is a large container, similar to those used for maritime transport, often seen on large trucks. Common sizes are 16 feet, 12 feet, and 8 feet.

How does it work?

About a month before your move (or within a timeframe that suits you), the company will drop off your container at your parking area. You’ll have all the time you need to fill it at your own pace.

This option is ideal for people with a limited budget but who own a house, as well as those with a busy schedule. Plus, the whole family can gradually help pack items into the container, making the process simpler. This service is also perfect if you need to store your items while waiting for your new home to be ready.

What are the prices for a moving container in Quebec?

According to the website of PODS , one of the leading moving container providers in Canada, prices range from $599 to $899 for one month, including transport. This makes it very cost-effective if you have a house.

The cost of renting a moving truck in Quebec

The cost of renting a moving truck in Quebec varies depending on the companies, which present their rates in different ways. Renting a truck is the cheapest option, but it involves more effort, as you’ll have to handle driving the truck and moving the furniture.

Some options might be more advantageous depending on whether you're moving over a long or short distance. Here's an overview of the prices to help you make an informed decision.

Home Depot rental prices
Truck type	First 90 minutes	Additional 15 minutes	4 hours	1 day
Small cargo van	$24	$5	$79	$119
Large cargo van	$39	$5	$94	$139
Closed trailer	-	-	$39	$49

Mileage is unlimited on all vehicles.

Source: Home Depot (February 2025)

U-Haul rental prices
Truck type	Rental duration	Km driven	Estimated price
9-ft cargo van	4 hours	20 km	$40
10-ft truck	5 hours	25 km	$45
15-ft truck	6 hours	30 km	$60
20-ft truck	6 hours	35 km	$75

Each additional km costs $0.99 beyond the base price.

Source: U-Haul (February 2025)

Enterprise rental prices
Truck type	Rental duration	Km driven	Estimated price
Cargo van	4 hours	20 km	$59
12-ft light cube van	5 hours	25 km	$87
16-ft cube van	6 hours	30 km	$93
20-ft box truck	6 hours	35 km	$139

Each additional km costs $0.99 or $0.49, depending on the vehicle. Some vehicles include 250 km free per rental period.

Source: Enterprise (February 2025)

Hiring professionals for a stress-free move

In summary, several options are available for your move, each with its pros and cons. Hiring movers remains the most expensive solution but guarantees a full-service, stress-free experience.

Renting a moving container, on the other hand, is a more affordable option but requires parking space and some time to pack your items properly. Finally, renting a moving truck is the most economical choice in terms of price, but it requires more effort and logistics. If you have friends who are willing to help, this can be an ideal solution to reduce costs while staying flexible.

Your choice will depend on your budget, your time and space needs, and the level of help you can secure. No matter what you decide, plan well in advance to ensure your move goes smoothly.

Don’t forget to refer to MovingWaldo for trusted movers you can compare online and choose the best price.

Methodology

To determine moving prices, we use data collected through MovingWaldo in 2025, a Quebec-based platform that offers a calculator for obtaining instant quotes from movers . This data relies on information from the most reputable movers in Quebec and Canada and allows us to provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the average cost of movers.

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MovingWaldo is a technology company that specializes in simplifying the moving process for individuals and families. Our comprehensive suite of services includes booking trustworthy movers, comparing internet plans, and automating administrative tasks, which can save users hours of paperwork.