Moving in Laval: A Local Guide for Montreal-Area Residents

Laval is its own city on Île Jésus, just north of Montreal island across the Rivière des Prairies. It's Quebec's third-largest city, it's suburban, and it's the only place off the island with its own Metro stations. A move here from Montreal is a short local job, but two things make a Quebec move different from anywhere else in Canada: the July 1 moving date and the fact that Quebec actually regulates movers. Here's what matters.

Laval at a Glance

Laval is a city of about 440,000 — mostly bungalows, split-levels and newer condos, with the densest development around the Montmorency and Centropolis area near the Metro. The Orange Line runs to three Laval stations (Cartier, De la Concorde, Montmorency), the only Metro service off the island. Neighbourhoods like Chomedey, Sainte-Rose, Vimont and Laval-des-Rapides are reached by the A-15, A-13, A-19 and A-25 bridges. Older Chomedey duplexes have the exterior staircases common across the Montreal area; most of Laval's stock is newer and stair-free.

July 1: Plan Around Moving Day

Most Quebec leases run July 1 to June 30, so the province moves on the same day. Around July 1 (and the week either side), mover rates run two to three times the off-season, trucks book out months ahead, and no-shows spike. If you can move at any other time — a weekday in the middle of another month is ideal — do. If you're moving on or near July 1, book as early as you possibly can.

What a Local Move Costs

Montreal-area movers charge by the hour. Two movers and a truck run about $100 to $150 an hour off-season (roughly $110 to $130 typical), a three-hour minimum plus about an hour of travel, rising to $150 to $220 in the summer peak and $190 to $330 around July 1.

Move size	Typical crew	Off-season cost
Studio / 1-bedroom (3½)	2 movers	$400–$750
2-bedroom (4½)	2–3 movers	$700–$1,300
3-bedroom house or large condo	3 movers	$1,300–$2,400
4+ bedroom house	3–4 movers	$2,000–$3,600

Add roughly 50 to 120 percent for a summer-peak or July 1 date. Full detail is in how much movers cost in Montreal. For a single room or a few items, a small move is cheaper.

Quebec Regulates Movers — Use It

Unlike the rest of Canada, Quebec has real mover oversight. A moving company operating heavy vehicles must be registered with the Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ), and a company doing door-to-door contracts must be registered with the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC). Check both registries before you book, get a written contract in French (or bilingual), and keep the OPC's complaint process in mind if the final bill doesn't match. More is in local movers in Montreal: what to know before you book.

Access, Parking and Winter

Snow-removal parking. In winter, Laval posts temporary orange no-parking signs so crews can clear streets after a snowfall. Check for signs the night before and move vehicles, or the truck has nowhere to stage.
Metro-area condos. Buildings near Montmorency and Centropolis need a booked service elevator and often a loading-dock slot and a certificate of insurance from your mover — arrange it the week you confirm the date.
Older Chomedey duplexes may have narrow interior stairs or an exterior staircase; flag it when you book so the crew brings the right straps and plans the carry.
Bridges. The A-15 and A-25 crossings back up at rush hour; start early or plan a mid-morning departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a local move in Laval cost?

Off-season, two movers and a truck run about $100 to $150 an hour with a three-hour minimum plus roughly an hour of travel, so a 1-bedroom lands around $400 to $750, a 2-bedroom $700 to $1,300, and a 3-bedroom house $1,300 to $2,400. Summer-peak and July 1 dates cost 50 to 120 percent more.

Why is July 1 such a problem for moving?

Most Quebec leases end June 30, so a large share of the province moves on July 1. Around that date, mover prices run two to three times normal, trucks are booked months ahead, and cancellations spike. Move at any other time if you can; if you can't, book very early.

Are movers regulated in Quebec?

Yes — more than anywhere else in Canada. Heavy-vehicle movers must be registered with the Commission des transports du Québec, and door-to-door movers with the Office de la protection du consommateur. Check both registries, get a written contract, and use the OPC process for disputes.

Does the Metro really run to Laval?

Yes. The Orange Line has three stations in Laval — Cartier, De la Concorde and Montmorency — the only Metro service off the island of Montreal. The densest, most walkable part of Laval is around Montmorency.

What about winter parking for the truck?

After a snowfall, Laval posts temporary orange no-parking signs so streets can be cleared. Check for signs the night before your move and shift vehicles so the moving truck has room to stage at the door.

Book Your Laval Move

Set your date well away from July 1 if you can, check the CTQ and OPC registries, then get an upfront price from Montreal-area movers who cover Laval. If you're deciphering a listing, see what 5½ and 4½ listings mean.

Sources

Commission des transports du Québec — Carrier registry (ctq.gouv.qc.ca), 2025.
Office de la protection du consommateur — Moving companies and complaints (opc.gouv.qc.ca), 2025.
Ville de Laval — Snow removal and temporary parking restrictions (laval.ca), 2025.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation — Montreal CMA rental market report (cmhc-schl.gc.ca), 2024.