Apartment Size: The Biggest Cost Factor
The single biggest factor in your moving cost is how much stuff you have, which usually correlates with your apartment size. A studio often uses the Essential package near the 3-hour minimum, while a 5-bedroom house may need the Elite package, two trucks, or a two-day plan.
But size isn't everything. A minimalist 4½ can cost less to move than a heavily furnished 3½. Movers care about the number and weight of items, not just square footage. That's why an in-home or virtual estimate beats a phone quote every time — the mover needs to see what they're moving.
Distance, Stairs, and Building Access
A local move within Montreal (under 25 km) is the baseline. Going to the South Shore adds $100–$250, Laval adds $100–$300, and long-distance moves to Toronto or Quebec City are quoted as flat rates starting at $1,500+.
Stairs are a major cost driver in Montreal, where walk-up triplexes are the norm. Stairs or no elevator typically add 0.5-1.0 hours because movers need more time and care. Narrow spiral staircases — common in Plateau-era buildings — can add even more time because movers need to maneuver carefully.
Season, Day of Week, and Timing
Up & Out keeps the same package rates year-round, but July has much tighter availability than November. Weekend moves are harder to book than weekdays, and morning slots usually disappear first. Choosing a Tuesday in October usually gives you more scheduling control than a Saturday in June.
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The peak availability window is June 25 to July 5, when demand spikes due to Quebec's traditional Moving Day. If you have any flexibility at all, avoiding this window is the single easiest way to reduce scheduling stress.
Specialty Items and Extra Services
Pianos ($200–$600), pool tables ($300–$500), safes ($150–$300), and hot tubs ($400–$800) all require special equipment and expertise. These items are quoted separately from your main move. Packing services add $200–$600, and storage adds $80–$250/month depending on the unit size.
Other cost factors include: long carry distances from door to truck, parking permit fees ($75–$150), elevator reservation deposits ($200–$500), and insurance upgrades ($75–$200). A thorough moving quote should account for all of these.
