Planning a move means making many decisions, like when to pack, how many boxes to use, and what to keep. A major choice is whether to hire moving labour or full-service movers, and moving companies London Ontario can offer both depending on your needs. Each option has its pros, cons, and ideal situations based on your budget, time, and stress level.

This guide explains what each service includes, how they compare, and how to choose the best fit.

What Is Moving Labour?

Moving labour is essentially hiring professional muscle without the full moving package. These workers are paid hourly to help with the physical parts of your move, such as:

  • Managing the loading and offloading of your rental truck or moving container
  • Carrying items up and down stairs
  • Basic furniture assembly or disassembly
  • Placing items in the rooms you choose

However, they do not drive the moving truck or provide packing, unpacking, or moving supplies unless you arrange that separately. You handle the transportation, packing, and overall coordination. In short, they lift; you manage everything else.

What Are Full-Service Movers?

Full-service movers take care of nearly every aspect of your move. This option is designed for people who want a hands-off, stress-free experience. Services typically include:

  • Packing and unpacking
  • Loading and unloading
  • Transportation of all items
  • Furniture disassembly/reassembly
  • All necessary supplies

You can customise the level of help you need, but the general idea is simple: they handle the work while you focus on your day.

Cost Comparison

Moving Labor

  • More budget-friendly, especially for local moves
  • Usually $60–$100 per mover per hour
  • You pay separately for truck rental, fuel, and insurance
  • Great for DIY movers and small relocations

Full-Service Movers

  • Higher cost but significantly less stress
  • Prices vary by distance, home size, and services
  • The cost often ranges from around $1,000 for small local moves to $10,000+ for long-distance moves.
  • Ideal for busy families or anyone wanting a smooth, efficient move

If saving money is the priority, moving labour is the economic choice. If convenience matters most, full-service movers offer peace of mind.

Time, Stress, and Control

Full-service movers reduce stress by managing packing, handling fragile items, and organising the truck professionally. You can spend your time preparing utilities or settling into your new place. Moving labour still saves you physical strain, but you’ll need to coordinate the details, drive the truck, and manage the schedule yourself.

If you like having complete control over how things are packed and transported, moving labour gives you that freedom. If you prefer to hand over responsibility, full-service movers are the better fit.

When to Choose Each Option

Choose Moving Labour if:

  • You’re on a tight budget
  • You already rented a truck or container
  • You only need help with heavy lifting
  • You want flexibility and a DIY-style move

Choose Full-Service Movers if:

  • You’re moving long-distance
  • You have a large home or heavy items
  • You’re short on time or energy

Hybrid Option

Some people combine renting a truck with hiring labour-only movers, or hiring packers while handling transportation themselves. This can save money while still giving you expert help where needed.