Understanding an hourly estimate
Most local moves in Quebec are billed by the hour. It's the fairest formula — you pay for actual time — as long as you understand what counts and what doesn't.
1What's counted
- Time starts when the crew arrives at the first address and ends after unloading at the last address, once the work order is signed.
- Travel between your addresses counts; the trip from our garage to your place and back doesn't (or is covered by a fixed travel fee shown in advance, depending on distance).
- A minimum number of hours applies (usually 2 to 3 hours depending on crew size), then billing is in 15 or 30-minute increments.
- Waiting caused by the customer (late keys, unbooked elevator, boxes not ready) is billable time, just like working time.
2What's included
- The truck, fuel, padded blankets, straps, dollies, floor-protection mats and basic tools to disassemble and reassemble furniture.
- Disassembly and reassembly of standard beds and tables, protection of furniture and door frames.
- Basic liability coverage for your belongings (weight-based, per industry practice). Declared-value protection is available on request.
- Not included: packing supplies (boxes, paper, mattress covers) sold per unit, heavy-item surcharges, extra stops and exceptional waiting fees — all detailed on the pricing page and in your quote.
3How to estimate the duration
- Average benchmarks with two movers, boxes ready and normal access: studio or one-bedroom — 2 to 3 hours; two-bedroom — 3 to 5 hours; three-bedroom apartment or 2-bedroom house — 5 to 7 hours; 3-bedroom house and up — 7 hours and more, often with 3 movers.
- Add 30 to 60 minutes per floor without an elevator at each address, and 20 to 30% if the truck parks far from the door.
- Three movers instead of two cost more per hour but often finish a big day 30 to 40% faster: the total is frequently similar or lower, and you get your day back.
- Our online estimate calculates a range from your answers; the final price depends on actual time, but full disclosure gives a reliable range in the vast majority of cases.
4How to lower the bill
- Everything packed, closed and labelled before arrival. That's rule number one: a crew packing while the other loads is time that doubles.
- Gather boxes by room near the exit path, disassemble what you can the day before and empty dressers of heavy items.
- Book the elevator, plan the parking and have the keys in hand. These three points alone often represent an hour.
- Choose a weekday outside month-end if you can: crews are more available, less traffic, sometimes a better rate.
- Ask for the right crew size. Two movers for a 3-bedroom house is a very long day: it's sometimes the most expensive choice in the end.
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