Hourly vs Flat Rate Movers: Which Saves You Money?
How Hourly Rate Moving Works in Montreal
With hourly pricing, you pay for the actual time movers spend on your job. In Montreal, typical 2026 rates are $85–$120/hour for two movers with a truck, and $120–$160/hour for three movers. Most companies have a 2- to 3-hour minimum. The clock starts when the truck arrives and stops when the last item is unloaded.
Hourly rates work well when your move is straightforward and quick — a small apartment, short distance, easy access on both ends. If you're moving a 3½ from one Verdun ground-floor to another, two movers might finish in 2.5 hours, putting you at $215–$300.
How Flat Rate Moving Works in Montreal
A flat rate means the mover quotes you a fixed price before moving day, based on inventory, distance, and access. Flat rates in Montreal start at around $295 for a studio and go up to $1,800+ for a large house.
The advantage is predictability. No watching the clock, no surprise fees if traffic backs up on the Champlain Bridge. The downside is that flat rates build in a buffer — so if everything goes perfectly, you might pay slightly more than hourly would have cost.
When Hourly Rates Save You Money
Choose hourly when: your apartment is small (studio or 1-bedroom), both locations have easy ground-floor access, the distance is short (under 10 km), and you've packed everything before the movers arrive. In these scenarios, hourly can save you $50–$150 compared to a flat rate.
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Also consider hourly if you're flexible and organized. Have everything boxed, furniture disassembled, and pathways cleared. The faster the movers work, the less you pay.
When Flat Rate Is the Smarter Choice
Choose flat rate when: you have a 2-bedroom or larger, you're in a walk-up, the distance is significant, or you're moving during peak season. Flat rates eliminate the risk of a move running long — and for a family-sized move, that risk is real.
Flat rate is also better if you have specialty items (pianos, antiques, heavy gym equipment). Always get the flat rate in writing with a detailed list of what's included.
