"How much will my move cost?" is the first question nearly everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends on how long it takes. Most local movers in Edmonton charge by the hour, so the price really comes down to time. Here's how that pricing works, how long moves usually take, and what quietly adds hours to the bill.
How local moving prices work
Most local moves are priced with three parts:
- An hourly rate for the crew, which depends on how many movers you need. Two movers is typical for apartments; three or four make sense for larger homes because the job finishes faster.
- A truck or travel fee, often a flat charge for bringing the truck and equipment.
- A minimum, usually two or three hours, so even a small job is worth sending a crew.
Packing, packing materials and specialty items like pianos or safes may be priced separately. GST is added on top. A good quote spells all of this out before you book. At Lifting Legend it's one flat hourly rate per crew size, with no stairs or "heavy item" surprises added on moving day.
How long does a move usually take?
These are typical times for a local move with a well-prepared customer, everything packed and the truck parked close to the door:
| Home | Typical crew | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Studio or small 1-bedroom | 2 movers | 2–4 hours |
| 1–2 bedroom apartment or condo | 2–3 movers | 3–6 hours |
| 3-bedroom house | 3 movers | 5–8 hours |
| 4+ bedroom house | 3–4 movers | A full day, sometimes more |
Your move can land outside these ranges, which is why a quote based on your actual home and items beats any chart.
What adds time (and cost)
- Not being packed. The biggest one by far. Packing on moving day while the crew waits is the most expensive way to pack.
- Stairs and long walks. Walk-ups, split levels and a truck parked far from the door all add carrying time.
- Elevators. Shared or slow elevators, or no booking, can double the time in a condo. See our condo moving tips.
- Furniture that needs taking apart, like beds, desks, wall units and cribs.
- Distance between homes and traffic at rush hour.
- Extra stops: a storage unit, a second address, or a trip to donate furniture.
Seven ways to lower your moving bill
- Be fully packed before the crew arrives, with boxes taped, labelled and stacked near the door.
- Get rid of what you don't want before the move, not after. Every item you don't move saves time.
- Book the elevator and parking at both ends.
- Take beds apart the night before if you're comfortable doing it.
- Pick a weekday or mid-month date if you can. They're easier to book.
- Move small, fragile and valuable things yourself in your car.
- Choose the right crew size. Three movers for four hours often costs less than two movers for seven.
Pro tip: If you're moving a small amount, or you already have a truck or POD, ask about loading help only. You pay just for the lifting.
What to ask before you book any mover
- What's the hourly rate, and for how many movers?
- Is there a truck, travel or minimum charge?
- Are stairs, long carries or heavy items extra?
- Are blankets, wrap and dollies included?
- How is time counted: from arrival, or from leaving the shop?
- What do you need as a deposit, and is it refundable if you reschedule?
Be cautious with a quote that's far lower than everyone else's, or a company that won't put its rates in writing. A clear, written estimate is the best protection you have.
Want a real number for your move? Send us the details in a free quote request and a real person replies within two hours with a clear hourly price.
Quick answers
Do movers in Edmonton charge by the hour?
Most local movers do: an hourly rate based on the crew size, usually plus a truck or travel fee and a two- or three-hour minimum.
Is it cheaper to move on a weekday?
Weekdays and mid-month dates are usually easier to book, and some movers price them lower. Month-end weekends are the busiest days of the year.
Should I tip movers?
Tipping isn't required. Many people tip a crew that did a great job, or offer cold drinks and snacks during the move.
How can I get an accurate moving quote?
Give the mover a full picture: home size, big items, stairs or elevators at both ends, and anything that needs packing. The more they know, the closer the quote.
