Are you looking to hire top movers in Vancouver? With a population of over 2.7 million people and a housing market that sees one of the highest turnover rates in Canada, finding reliable movers at a fair price can definitely feel like a challenge.
Whether you’re relocating within the city, heading to North Vancouver, to the suburbs, or to another city, you have come to the right place.
- To make your move easier and keep costs under control, this article shows you how much you should budget to hire professional movers in Vancouver.
How much do movers charge per hour in Vancouver?
If you are wondering how much it’ll cost to hire professional movers, on average, you will have to pay between 115$ and 195$ per hour for a team of two movers and a truck. For higher-demand periods or premium services, rates can go up to 135$ to 240$ (or more) per hour.
Pricing depends on factors like the size of your move, the complexity (stairs, elevators, tight spaces), and even the time of year. Since the demand and the turnover are higher, summer moves tend to be pricier.
While these rates might seem costly, hiring experienced movers will for sure, save you hours of heavy lifting, stress, and even potential breakages and injuries. Plus, they know how to optimize loading and unloading, cutting down on overall time.
To ensure that you get the best deal, start planning now and compare free quotes from different trusted companies.
How are moving costs calculated?
When it comes to moving costs in Vancouver, pricing is calculated in two main ways: hourly rate and flat rate.
Typically, local moves are charged by the hour. The rates are covering a team of movers and a truck. However, additional services like packing, furniture assembly, or handling fragile items, can add extra fees.
On the other hand, long-distance moves are usually based on a flat rate determined by mileage, the size of your move, and any special requirements. It just makes it easier to budget that way.
But what about tipping? While it is not mandatory, it’s a common practice in the moving industry to show appreciation for hard work.
Good moving etiquette? You can tip based on a percentage of your total moving cost or give a set amount per mover. Depending on the job’s difficulty, consider tipping:
- 10% - 20% of the total cost
- 5$ - 10$ per mover per hour
A generous tip is always welcomed, especially if your movers went above and beyond to make your move smooth!
What extra costs could you expect when hiring movers?
There are different scenarios where extra fees are to be expected, whether for added convenience or due to the specifics of your move.
Here are some of the most frequent additional charges you might encounter:
- Packing and unpacking
- Special items and furniture handling
- Stairs and elevators
- Travel time, overnight stay, fuel charges
Depending on your move’s complexity, these extras can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. As it can add up quickly, always request a detailed quote and clarify potential additional costs before booking!
How much should you pay to move in Vancouver?
Small move, big move, one thing we know is that moving in Vancouver is not cheap. However, by taking these steps, it will help you tremendously with your budgeting.
Depending on the type of service that you are looking for, the size of your move and the distance, prices can range anywhere from 600$ to 5 000$.
Here’s a breakdown of the average moving costs in Vancouver, for both local and long-distance moves.
Vancouver | Price average range | Price average |
Local move | 400$ – 2 000$ | 1 050$ |
Long-distance move | 2 500$ – 10 000$ | 5 000$ |
Below, you’ll find some real-world examples of moving costs in Vancouver to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Vancouver moves | Moving costs |
1-bedroom apartment | 419$ |
1-bedroom apartment | 460$ |
1-bedroom apartment | 592$ |
2-bedroom condo | 620$ |
2-bedroom condo | 787$ |
2-bedroom house | 1 275$ |
3-bedroom house | 1 045$ |
3-bedroom condo | 1 694$ |
3-bedroom house | 1 800$ |
What day is the cheapest to hire movers in Vancouver?
If you didn’t really think it through, timing makes a huge difference in your costs. With that being said, while weekends are the busiest and most expensive times to move, you can often save a lot of money by choosing weekdays, especially earlier in the week.
Movers tend to have lighter schedules on:
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
What does it mean? They’re more likely to offer lower rates compared to weekend days. So if you can plan your move during these days, you’ll likely pay significantly less.
How much does a local move cost in Vancouver?
Local move costs fluctuate quite a bit. On average, you’re looking at spending between 400$ and 2 000$ for a local move. Smaller apartments will typically fall on the lower end of that range while moving a larger condo or house will cost more.
The price also depends on :
- How long the move takes
- How many movers are required
- Any extra services you might need
Here are a few more examples of typical prices:
Local moves in Vancouver | Costs |
1-bedroom apartment | 462$ |
1 bedroom apartment | 523$ |
2-bedroom condo | 745$ |
2-bedroom house | 960$ |
3-bedroom condo | 930$ |
3-bedroom house | 1 390$ |
For a long-distance move from Vancouver, companies tend to use a flat rate. Based on the mileage, the size of the load and the extent of the service purchase, it can range anywhere from 2 500$ to 6 000$.
However, if you’re relocating very far away, in Ontario for example, you can expect the price to go as high as 10 000$.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or rent a truck in Vancouver?
Renting a truck may seem like the cheaper option upfront, but when you factor in the costs of gas, insurance, and the time it takes to load and unload everything, it might not save you as much as you think.
Plus, you’ll be doing all the heavy lifting yourself, which can lead to injuries or damage.
On the other hand, hiring movers adds convenience and reduces stress, as they handle the hard work for you. While it might cost a bit more, professional movers are quicker, safer, and often more efficient, ultimately saving you time and potential hassle.
Ultimately, it’s about weighing your budget against the value of your time and peace of mind.
How can you save money on your move in Vancouver?
Moving in Vancouver can get expensive, but with a bit of planning, you can save a significant amount.
By being proactive and making a few smart choices, you’ll keep your moving costs down without sacrificing quality. Here are some ways to save money on your move:
- Pack and unpack your own boxes
- Declutter and downsize your move
- Select the right moving day
- Hire the best movers
Helpful tip! If you will be moving in the Vancouver area in the near future, save between 1 200$ – 2 000$ to cover a large chunk, if not the total, of your moving costs.
With these savings, you’ll be able to enjoy your relocation while keeping your finances intact!
Compare the costs of the best moving companies in Vancouver!
When it comes to choosing the best moving company in Vancouver, comparing costs is a no-brainer to making sure you get the best value.
With so many options available, it’s important to consider both the quality of service and the price.
- By filling out our quick form, you’ll receive up to 5 free quotes from the top-rated movers in Vancouver, giving you the freedom to choose the right fit for your needs and budget. Plus, there's no commitment and no hidden fees.
Compare today to make your move easier and more affordable!
