Hourly vs Flat-Rate Movers: Which Costs Less?
Hourly or flat-rate movers: how each pricing model works, when each one costs less, and the questions to ask before you choose.
Neither is automatically cheaper. Hourly pricing usually costs less for a small, well-prepared local move, and flat-rate pricing usually wins for larger homes, tricky access and longer routes, because the price cannot grow if the day runs long. The right choice depends on how predictable your move is.
How does hourly pricing work?
You pay a rate for the crew and truck for every hour worked, plus a truck or travel fee. In Guelph, Forge Movers charges $139 an hour before tax for two movers and a truck at the standard rate ($149 in Vancouver, $139 in Calgary), with a 3-hour minimum and then 15-minute steps. Our pricing page lists the peak and off-peak rates too.
Hourly suits you when the move is small, the homes are close together and you are packed and ready. Every minute you save is money you keep.
How does flat-rate pricing work?
A flat rate is one fixed price in writing. We work it out from the estimated hours, the hourly rate, a 10% buffer and the truck fee, based on your inventory and the access at both homes. If the move takes longer than estimated, the price does not change. If something new is added on the day, we quote it separately before the crew does it.
Flat-rate suits larger homes, moves with stairs or long carries, and anyone who wants to know the number before moving day.
When is hourly cheaper?
- Studios and one-bedroom homes with little furniture
- Short moves within the same city
- Moves where everything is boxed, furniture is disassembled and the path is clear
- Customers who can help carry or load
When is flat-rate cheaper or safer?
- Three-bedroom homes and larger
- Walk-ups, narrow stairs, long carries from the truck to the door
- Moves of roughly 100 km or more, where drive time is a big part of the day
- Anyone on a tight budget who cannot absorb a surprise
What should I ask before choosing?
- What exactly does the price include: blankets, wrapping, disassembly and reassembly?
- Is there a minimum number of hours and a truck or travel fee?
- What happens if the move runs long, or shorter than estimated?
- Is the quote itemized and in writing before I book?
Consumer rules differ by province. In Ontario, for example, a moving contract worth more than $50 must be in writing, and a mover generally cannot charge more than 10% above the estimate unless you agree to extra services. Read the details for your province in our guide to your rights when hiring movers.
Our recommendation
If you are unsure, ask for both. A good mover will give you an hourly estimate and a flat-rate price for the same move so you can compare them side by side. Get a free quote and tell us which one you prefer, or let us suggest the better fit for your move.
