How Much Does a Move Cost in Montreal in 2026

Pricing by Apartment Size

Moving costs in Montreal vary significantly based on the size of your apartment and the amount of furniture and belongings you're moving. Here's a realistic breakdown of what professional movers charge in 2026 for local moves within Montreal.

Studio Apartment

$250 to $400 for a typical studio move. This price range applies to small units with minimal furniture — usually one bed, one closet, a kitchenette and basic living room items. Studio moves typically take 2 to 3 hours with two movers.

Small One-Bedroom (2½)

$300 to $500 for a small one-bedroom move. These moves usually require 2 to 4 hours with two movers.

One-Bedroom Apartment (3½)

$400 to $650 is the average cost for a one-bedroom move. This includes a bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom. These moves usually require 3 to 5 hours and two to three movers. This is one of the most common apartment types in Montreal.

Two-Bedroom Apartment (4½)

$550 to $850 covers a two-bedroom move. With additional space, more furniture and multiple rooms to organize, these moves typically require 4 to 6 hours and two to three movers. Many families with young children live in two-bedroom units.

Three-Bedroom and Larger (5½+)

$750 to $1,100 or more for three-bedroom apartments, houses and larger residences. These moves are more complex, require longer timeframes (5 to 8+ hours), a crew of three to four movers and careful coordination.

These estimates assume local moves within Montreal and do not include surcharges for stairs, parking difficulties or special items. Peak season rates (June to August) can be 30 to 50% higher than off-season prices.

Factors That Influence Price

Several factors beyond apartment size directly impact your final moving bill. Understanding these can help you budget more accurately and identify where you might save money.

Distance and Location

Moves within the same neighborhood cost less than moves across Montreal. A move from Plateau to Mile-End (10 km) costs less than a move from downtown to the West Island (25 km). Distance increases fuel, labor and time. As a rule of thumb, expect an additional $50 to $150 for longer distances within the city.

Stairs and Building Access

Walk-ups significantly increase costs. A fifth-floor apartment without an elevator requires more time and physical effort. Movers may charge $100 to $300 extra for multiple staircase climbs. Narrow hallways, tight corners and small doors also add to complexity and labor time.

Season and Time of Year

Summer moves cost more. June 15th to August 15th is peak season. July 1st — Quebec's official moving day — sees the highest prices, sometimes 2 to 3 times the off-season rate. Moving in November, December or February can save you up to 40% compared to summer rates.

Volume and Type of Items

The more items you have, the longer the move takes and the higher the cost. Bulky items like pianos, pool tables, outdoor furniture and appliances require specialized equipment and expertise. These items may incur additional fees of $50 to $500 each depending on complexity.

Special Items and Fragile Goods

Antiques, artwork, electronics and fine china need extra care and packing. Movers may charge additional fees or require specialized insurance for valuable items. Always inform your mover about these items in advance.

Moving Insurance

Basic insurance is often included, but comprehensive coverage costs extra ($100 to $300). This protects your belongings in case of damage or loss and is highly recommended.

Peak Season vs Off-Season

When you move matters enormously. The difference between July and January can be thousands of dollars.

Peak Season: June 1st to August 31st

Summer is the busiest time for movers in Montreal. Families move before children start school, renters take advantage of summer break, and the weather is predictable. Demand is extremely high, which means prices surge. July 1st is particularly expensive — rates can triple compared to winter prices. If you must move in summer, book 4 to 6 weeks in advance and expect to pay premium prices.

Off-Season: November to March

Winter and early spring offer the best rates. Moving companies have lower demand and are eager to book jobs. You can save 30 to 50% compared to summer. Yes, winter weather can be challenging, but experienced Montreal movers handle snow and ice routinely. If you have flexibility, moving in February or March is ideal for budget-conscious people.

Mid-Week vs Weekend

Tuesday through Thursday are cheaper than Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Weekday moves may cost 15 to 25% less because demand is lower. If your schedule allows, move mid-week during a quieter season for maximum savings.

Best Time to Move

The cheapest moving window? February or March on a Tuesday afternoon. The most expensive? July 1st evening. Plan accordingly based on your budget and flexibility.

Additional Services and Their Costs

Beyond basic moving, professional movers offer supplementary services that can simplify your move but add to the total cost.

Packing and Protection

At PMG, protecting your belongings is included in the service: moving blankets, stretch wrap, straps and corner protectors are provided at no extra charge. Our professional-grade protection equipment ensures the safety of your furniture and appliances. For fragile or high-value items, we have specialized materials.

Furniture Assembly and Disassembly

Taking apart beds, desks, shelving and reassembling at your new place adds $150 to $400 depending on the number and complexity of items. Many people hire movers for this service because it's time-consuming and requires the right tools.

Post-Move Cleaning

Professional cleaning of your old apartment (required by many landlords) costs $100 to $300. Some moving companies offer this add-on; others refer you to cleaning services. Budget for this separately if not included.

Specialized Equipment Rental

Dollies, hand trucks, moving blankets and other equipment are usually included in moving services. However, specialized equipment (hoisting equipment for high-rises, piano dollies) may incur additional fees of $100 to $300.

How to Save on Your Move

Strategic planning and smart choices can reduce your moving costs significantly. Here are proven ways to keep your budget in check.

Book Early

Movers offer better rates when you book 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Last-minute moves cost 20 to 50% more due to rush fees. Start contacting movers as soon as you know your move date.

Move During Off-Season

November through March are substantially cheaper than summer. If possible, avoid June through August and especially July 1st. Even moving two weeks before or after peak dates saves money.

Declutter Before Packing

The fewer items you move, the lower your cost. Donate, sell or recycle items you don't need. Reducing your move volume by 25% can save $100 to $300. Plus, you start fresh in your new home with only what you truly want.

Have Your Boxes Ready Before Movers Arrive

Start packing your boxes 3 to 4 weeks before moving day. On the day, everything should be ready when the team arrives — boxes sealed, labeled and stacked. If movers have to wait for you to finish packing, you waste valuable time (and your money). If you prefer not to deal with it, our Turnkey Service includes complete packing.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact at least three moving companies and compare detailed quotes. Prices vary considerably. A phone quote or online estimate is free. Comparing saves you hundreds and helps you identify the best value (not always the cheapest).

Move Mid-Week

Tuesday through Thursday are cheaper than weekend moves. Combine this with off-season timing for maximum savings. Moving on a Wednesday in February costs far less than a Saturday in July.

Avoid High-Cost Locations

Moves in areas with difficult parking, narrow streets or no elevator access incur surcharges. If possible, move from or to a location with easier access to reduce labor time and extra fees.