Everything to do from today through move-eve. When to book the truck, when to switch Hydro, what to plan for the stairs, and why July 1 costs 1.5 to 2.5 times the usual rate.
In Quebec, most residential leases end June 30 and start July 1. The result: 30,000 to 40,000 households move on the same day in Greater Montreal. Trucks, movers, boxes — everything is in extreme demand.
The practical impact: a move that costs $600 on a Tuesday in May can cost $1,400 on July 1. And many companies are fully booked by mid-May.
This guide is the timeline we hand our moving-help clients. Follow it and your July 1 will be boring — exactly what we want.
2026 ranges for Montreal/Laval — use them to shop:
| Option | Typical July 1 cost | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Full mover (truck + 3 people) | $1,200 to $2,500 | Everything included, you barely move |
| Rented truck + 2-hour muscle | $500 to $900 | 50-60% cheaper, you keep control |
| Rented truck + friends | $200 to $350 | Cheapest, but requires planning and luck |
The hourly rate for a muscle crew in Montreal/Laval runs about $45-65/person/hour on July 1 (vs $35-50 any other day).
If you rent the truck, we're the loading/unloading crew in Laval and Montreal. Clear hourly rate, bilingual team, July 1 available — but our slots fill up starting mid-May.
Six weeks ahead minimum. At 4 weeks, half the companies are already full. At 2 weeks, you're paying the emergency rate.
$1,200 to $2,500 for a full mover (3 people + truck). $500 to $900 if you rent the truck and hire muscle. Roughly 1.5 to 2.5 times any other day.
For a 3½ or 4½ apartment, a 17-footer is enough. For 5½ or larger, take a 20 or 26. A well-packed smaller truck beats a half-empty bigger one.
Downtown and on the Plateau, yes. Request one from your borough at least 5 days ahead. It's free or around $20.
Yes. We load and unload your truck in Laval and Montreal on July 1 — but book by mid-June, we fill up fast.
