Planning a move in Montreal can be surprisingly expensive, especially during the city’s busy summer moving season. The total depends on the size of your home, how far you are moving, the number of movers required, stairs or elevators, travel time, packing services and the date you choose.
There is no official government-set price for a residential move. For budgeting purposes, a small local move may cost several hundred dollars, while a larger apartment or house move can reach well over $1,000. Complex moves, long distances and peak dates can cost considerably more. The best way to establish your actual cost is to obtain detailed written estimates from several moving companies.
Typical Moving Costs in Montreal
The ranges below are broad planning estimates rather than regulated or official prices. Actual quotes vary by mover, season and circumstances.
| Type of Move | Broad Planning Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Studio or small 1-bedroom local move | $400–$800+ |
| 1–2 bedroom apartment | $600–$1,200+ |
| 2–3 bedroom apartment | $900–$1,800+ |
| House or larger residence | $1,500–$3,000+ |
| Long-distance or complex move | Quoted individually |
These figures are best used as a starting point. Ask movers whether their quote includes travel time, fuel, equipment, taxes, insurance-related charges and any minimum number of billable hours.
What Affects Moving Cost in Montreal?
Size of your home and amount of furniture
A larger home generally requires more movers, a larger truck and more loading time. The volume and weight of furniture matter just as much as the number of rooms.
Stairs, elevators and access
Walk-up apartments are common in Montreal. Narrow staircases, long carries between the truck and entrance, elevator reservations and difficult parking can increase the time required.
Distance and travel time
The Office de la protection du consommateur notes that customers typically pay for travel time between a mover’s warehouse and the residence, which is one reason it recommends considering a company located near your home.
Moving date
Demand can be especially high around July 1. The Tribunal administratif du logement notes that most residential leases in Quebec end on June 30, which results in a large number of moves on July 1 each year. Booking earlier and considering a less congested date may give you more options.
Do You Need a Permit for a Moving Truck in Montreal?
It depends on the borough and how the truck will use public space. The City of Montréal says a permit may be required when you need to prohibit parking, use metered spaces, obstruct a bike path, occupy certain public areas or install temporary no-parking signs. Requirements differ by borough, so check your address before moving day.
The City also states that only authorized temporary signs may be used where such signage is required. In many boroughs, the signs need to be installed 12 to 14 hours before the space is occupied. Check Montréal’s official moving-truck parking requirements.
How to Choose a Moving Company
Quebec’s Office de la protection du consommateur recommends comparing offers from two or three companies, checking that the mover is established and confirming insurance coverage. It specifically advises checking for basic coverage for the items being moved and liability insurance of at least $1 million.
If a mover uses heavy vehicles, the Office also recommends checking its registration with the Commission des transports du Québec. Read the official Quebec consumer advice for hiring movers.
If you want a starting shortlist, see our guide to the Top 10 Moving Companies in Montreal, then request individual estimates based on your exact move.
Always Ask for a Detailed Estimate
Give the mover the addresses, number of rooms, floor numbers, stairs, elevators, parking situation and any oversized or unusually heavy items. For a long-distance move, Quebec’s consumer office recommends asking a representative to assess the move and provide a written estimate.
For agreements made online or by phone, Quebec consumer rules also provide protections for distance contracts. Keep your written contract, estimate and correspondence so you know what services and charges were agreed to.
Other Costs People Forget to Budget For
The moving company is only one part of the budget. Boxes and packing materials, packing or unpacking services, furniture disassembly, storage, cleaning, temporary parking arrangements and replacing damaged or unwanted household items can all add to the final cost.
Moving Your Address in Quebec
After moving, update your address with government organizations as soon as possible. Quebec’s Service québécois de changement d’adresse allows residents to send a new address to seven participating departments and agencies in one process, including Revenu Québec, RAMQ and SAAQ.
How to Save Money on a Montreal Move
Declutter before requesting a quote, pack non-fragile belongings yourself, provide accurate information to movers, reserve elevators and parking early, and compare written estimates rather than choosing solely by an advertised hourly rate. If your dates are flexible, ask whether an off-peak date would change the quote.
Final Takeaway
Moving costs in Montreal vary too much for one price to fit every household. A small local move can cost several hundred dollars, while larger or more complicated moves can reach several thousand. Obtain detailed quotes, verify the mover, understand what the estimate includes and check your borough’s parking requirements before moving day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a local move cost in Montreal?
A small local move may cost several hundred dollars, while larger apartment and house moves can exceed $1,000 or $2,000. These are planning ranges only; obtain written quotes for your exact addresses, inventory and date.
Is moving more expensive around July 1 in Montreal?
July 1 is an exceptionally busy moving period in Quebec because many residential leases end June 30. High demand can affect availability and pricing, so early booking is sensible.
Do I need a permit to park a moving truck?
Possibly. Requirements depend on the borough, parking restrictions and whether you need to reserve or obstruct public space. Verify the rules with the City of Montréal for the specific address.
How many moving quotes should I get?
Quebec’s Office de la protection du consommateur recommends contacting two or three moving companies to compare offers.
