Hiring Moving Labor Only: When You Have the Truck
What Is Labor-Only Moving?
Labor-only moving means you supply the truck and the workers handle the heavy lifting — loading at your old place and unloading at the new one. It's a sweet spot between a full DIY move and full-service movers: you save on the truck markup that moving companies charge, while avoiding the back pain of hauling a couch down three flights of Plateau stairs yourself.
In Montreal, several companies specialize in this hybrid model. You can also find individual movers on platforms like TaskRabbit and local Facebook groups. Rates typically run $40-$60 per mover per hour, with a two-mover, two-hour minimum being standard.
Cost Breakdown: Labor-Only vs Full-Service
For a typical 4½ apartment, two movers for three hours of loading plus two hours of unloading costs $400-$600. Add your truck rental ($60-$100) and you're at $460-$700 total. Compare that to $800-$1,200 for the same move with a full-service company. You save roughly 30-40%.
The trade-off: you handle the truck logistics, driving, and coordination. You're also responsible for the truck's insurance and any parking permits. Make sure the labor-only crew is insured for liability — ask for proof of their CNESST coverage before they start lifting.
Finding Reliable Moving Labor in Montreal
Ask for recommendations in neighborhood-specific Facebook groups like "Plateau Mont-Royal Entraide" or "Verdun Community." Look for workers with reviews and references. Local companies that offer labor-only packages usually vet their crews better than random Kijiji postings.
Planning Your Move?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Montreal's most trusted movers in under 2 minutes.
Set clear expectations upfront: what floor, how many rooms, any heavy items like a piano or a safe, and whether you want them to wrap furniture. Have moving blankets, straps, and a dolly ready when they arrive — some labor-only crews bring basic equipment, but not all. The more prepared you are, the faster and cheaper the job.
