How Many Movers Do You Need? And How Long Will Your Move Take?
Two movers suit a studio or one-bedroom, three suit most two-bedroom homes and larger houses usually need four. A one-bedroom takes about 3 to 4 hours, a two-bedroom 3 to 5, a three-bedroom house 5 to 8 and a 4+ bedroom house 7 to 10 or more. Stairs, elevators, packing and distance change the total.
Updated November 5, 2026
How many movers and how many hours for my home?
These are typical numbers for a local move in Surrey. Your written quote confirms the crew, truck and hours for your inventory.
Studio or 1 bedroom
2 movers and a 16 ft truck. Usually 3 to 4 hours, and a 3-hour minimum usually applies.
2 bedrooms
3 movers and an 18 ft truck. Usually 3 to 5 hours.
3 bedroom house
3 to 4 movers and an 18 ft or 27 ft truck. Usually 5 to 8 hours.
4+ bedroom house
4 movers and a 27 ft truck. Usually 7 to 10 hours or more.
What adds time to a move?
Stairs
Walk-ups and basements slow every trip. Tell us how many flights there are at both addresses.
Elevator waits
In a condo, waiting for a shared elevator counts as billable time. See the [strata move-in guide](/guides/strata-move-in-booking-surrey) for how to book it.
Distance to the truck
A long carry from the door to the truck adds time on every load. Reserve parking close to the entrance.
Travel between addresses
Driving time between your locations is added to the hourly total.
Unpacked belongings
Loose items take far longer to load than sealed, labelled boxes.
Disassembly and heavy pieces
Beds, wardrobes, sofa beds and appliances take extra people and time.
When should I add another mover?
Add a mover when you have heavy pieces, several flights of stairs or a fixed deadline such as an elevator slot or a 1 p.m. rental move-out time. Going from two to three movers raises the hourly rate, but it often shortens the job, so the total can end up close.
A small crew on a big home can run long and cost more than the right crew would have. If you are between sizes, ask for a quote for both and compare the totals. The cost by home size guide shows how those totals work out.
How can I estimate my own move?
- Count your bedrooms and note the large furniture in each, such as beds, wardrobes and sofas.
- Estimate how many boxes you will have and whether they will be sealed by moving day.
- Note the floors, stairs and elevators at both addresses, and where the truck can park.
- List anything heavy or fragile, such as a piano, a safe or glass furniture.
- Send both addresses, your date, photos and a room list with your quote request.
How to make your move faster
- Finish packing before the crew arrives, and tape and label every box by room.
- Clear hallways, stairwells and the path to the truck.
- Take apart beds and desks ahead of time, or tell us so we can plan the time.
- Reserve the elevator or loading zone and visitor parking early.
- Keep a bag of essentials, keys and documents with you rather than on the truck.
Plan your Surrey move with us
Local moving
Apartments, condos and houses across Surrey and the Lower Mainland.
Apartment moving
Rentals, walk-ups and high-rise apartments, with small crews and clear hourly rates.
Packing services
Full or partial packing with proper boxes, wrap and labelling.
Moving prices
How much do movers cost in Surrey? Hourly rates and typical totals.
Moving in: Newton, Fleetwood, Surrey City Centre
More moving guides
How Much Does a Move Cost in Surrey by Home Size?
Typical crew, hours and total cost for a studio, 1 to 4 bedroom homes and houses in Surrey.
Moving Checklist for Surrey, BC
A week-by-week checklist from booking movers to settling in, with BC-specific steps.
Best and Cheapest Time to Move in Metro Vancouver
The best days, months and times to move, and why month-end and summer weekends book up first.
Common questions
Are two movers enough for a two-bedroom home?
Two-bedroom homes usually need three movers. Two may work for a sparsely furnished apartment, but a third mover often shortens the job. Your quote confirms the crew for your inventory.
How long does a studio move take?
A studio usually takes the 3-hour minimum or a little more, depending on stairs, elevators and how ready you are.
Does a bigger truck make a move faster?
A bigger truck can mean fewer trips and a shorter job for a large home, but crew size and preparation matter just as much.
What if my move takes longer than the estimate?
Local moves are billed by the hour after the minimum, so the total follows the actual time. A packed, sealed and labelled home with clear access keeps the job close to the estimate.
How do I know how many movers to book?
Tell us your home size, the floors and elevators at both ends and any large items. We recommend a crew size and confirm it in your written quote.
Get a free moving quote
Tell us where you are moving and when. We reply with a written quote, not a ballpark. Prefer to talk? Call (604) 674-7874.