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What do most movers charge per hour?
The cost of hiring movers in Canada can vary significantly based on factors like location, the type of move, the size of the moving crew, and additional moving services required. Moving companies also consider the size of your new and old home, and the amount of equipment required. Most moving companies charge by the hour for local moves.
A one-bedroom apartment will be cheaper for you to hire movers than a two-bedroom apartment or a house. A smaller apartment requires less time, crew, and equipment to help you pack and move, resulting in a cheaper overall cost.
For example, hiring two movers and a truck can cost on average $80 to $100 per hour, depending on the region and current demand during the time of year. On the other hand, hiring three professional movers and a truck can cost on average $120 to $150 per hour, again depending on the region and current demand.
Additional costs to factor into your hourly cost are travel fees, materials, and specialty items. Many moving companies in Kelowna charge a travel fee to cover the cost of driving to and from your locations. This fee can range from one hour of labour to a flat fee. Costs for packing materials, such as boxes, tape, and packing paper, can add up to make your move more expensive. Moving large or delicate items, such as pianos, pool tables, or antiques, often incur additional charges.
For long-distance moves, prices are generally based on the weight of your belongings and the distance of the move. However, some companies may still offer hourly rates for specific services. The average cost for a long-distance move can range from $2,000 to $5,000 within Canada, but this can vary widely. Typically, moving companies charge a rate per pound and per mile of your belongings and distance.
Scheduling your move well in advance can sometimes get you better rates. Weekdays and mid-month dates are also typically cheaper than weekends and month-end dates as there are usually fewer people moving and demand for movers. Before moving, consider going through your belongings and decluttering to reduce the amount of stuff you need to pack. It ensures you pack only the essentials and can make your move cheaper.


What are the cheapest days to hire movers?
The cost of hiring movers fluctuates depending on the day of the week, the time of the month, and the season. Movers typically charge less on weekdays as there is lower demand compared to weekends. Most people refer to moving on weekends to avoid taking time off work, so booking a weekday move can result in some cost savings. Higher demand usually translates to higher prices.
The middle of the month, typically from the 6th to the 24th, is generally less busy for moving companies. Most leases start and end at the beginning or the end of the month, making these times more expensive due to higher demand. Moving mid-month can help you save a few bucks.
The fall and winter seasons are also typically more quiet for moving companies. These are the off-peak season for moving due to the weather and the school year, leading to lower prices. Moving prices tend to become higher during the summer months when the weather is nicer. Moving during the holidays can also be more expensive.
Book your movers in advance to ensure you secure your preferred dates, especially if you’re aiming for a cheaper weekday or mid-month date. If you can be flexible with your moving date, you can also ask the moving company for their lower-rate days and times. It’s also important to get quotes from multiple moving companies and ask specifically about their rates for different days of the week and times of the month. Consider the additional services you may need as part of your move, so you can factor these additional expenses into the total budget of your move.