Yes, you can. Many Toronto moving companies offer labour only moving, where the crew handles the lifting while you look after the truck. It is a smart way to cut costs without putting your back, your furniture or your friendships at risk.
In this guide, we explain what loading and unloading services include, when they make the most sense, how to prepare so you only pay for the time you need, and the questions to ask before you book.
What Labour Only Movers Do (and Don’t Do)
With a labour only service, you arrange the transport and the movers provide the muscle and the know how. At One Day Movers, our labour only movers in Toronto handle loading, unloading and furniture rearranging without a truck. That gives you full flexibility to choose your own rental truck, trailer or storage container.
| The crew handles | You handle |
| Carrying furniture and boxes out of your home | Renting and driving the truck, trailer or container |
| Loading the truck or pod safely and tightly | Fuel, mileage and any truck parking |
| Unloading and placing items at the new address | Packing your boxes, unless you add a packing service |
| Rearranging heavy furniture between rooms or floors | Booking elevators with your building |
| Taking apart and rebuilding furniture where needed | Having the vehicle ready when the crew arrives |
When Loading and Unloading Help Makes Sense
Labour only moving is popular with budget conscious movers and people who are happy to drive but not to lift. It works especially well when:
- You have already rented a moving truck and need help getting everything into it.
- You are using a pod or portable storage container that needs to be loaded at home or unloaded at the other end.
- You are driving yourself to a new city and only need a crew to unload when you arrive.
- You need furniture moved inside your home, for example before renovations, painting or new flooring.
- You are unloading a storage unit into your new apartment or house.
Here is a real example. One of our customers had the pod storage unloaded into their downtown Toronto apartment by our labour only crew of Ankit, Loveleen and Satwinder. The customer handled the container and our team did all of the heavy lifting.
We provide this help across the city. In East York, for example, our crews help with packing Danforth apartments, loading trucks near Taylor Creek Park and unloading in Leaside. Our East York movers and Etobicoke movers both offer flexible labour only help.
Why Pros Load a Truck Better
Loading a truck looks simple until you try it. Here is what you gain by letting trained movers do it:
- Fewer trips. A tightly packed truck holds more, which can save you a second trip and extra rental time.
- Less damage. Items that are stacked and secured properly do not slide, tip or crush each other on the road.
- A faster job. An experienced crew works as a team, so the truck is loaded quickly and you can get on the road sooner.
- No injuries for you. Sofas, mattresses, dressers and appliances are heavy and awkward, especially on stairs.
- You only pay for what you need. You keep control of the truck costs and pay only for the labour.
Our crews carefully handle everything from delicate antiques to bulky appliances, and we take care of furniture assembly as part of the work.
How a Good Crew Packs a Truck
Knowing how professionals load a truck helps you understand why it matters. A well loaded truck usually follows these rules:
- Heavy items like appliances, dressers and solid wood furniture go in first, against the wall closest to the cab.
- Weight is balanced from side to side so the truck handles safely on the road.
- Long items like sofas, headboards and mattresses stand upright along the side walls.
- Boxes are stacked with the heaviest at the bottom and the lightest on top.
- Gaps are filled with soft items like cushions and bags of linen so nothing shifts.
- The load is built in sections from floor to ceiling, and each section is secured before the next one starts.
- The things you need first at your new home go on last.
Good to know: A crew that loads the truck in tight, secure sections also makes unloading faster, which saves time at both ends of your move.
How to Prepare Before the Crew Arrives
With labour only moving, you are usually paying for time. A little preparation makes sure every minute is spent lifting, not waiting.
- Have the truck or container in place. Park as close to your door as you legally can, and confirm the pickup time with your rental company.
- Pack and seal every box. Label each one with the room it belongs in. If you need help with this part, our packing and unpacking services can be added on.
- Book the elevator. If you live in a condo or apartment, reserve the elevator at both buildings well in advance.
- Clear the path. Remove rugs, shoes and clutter from hallways and stairs.
- Keep valuables with you. Carry passports, jewellery, important papers and medication yourself.
- Confirm the equipment. Ask whether the crew brings dollies, pads and straps, or whether you should rent them with your truck.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Even if you only need a few hours of help, it pays to choose carefully. Ask every company you are considering:
- How do you charge, and is there a minimum number of hours?
- What details do you need to quote, such as stairs, elevators or large items?
- What exactly is included, and what costs extra?
- Who is responsible if something is damaged while loading your truck, and can you confirm that in writing?
- Can I see recent reviews from customers who used the same service?
You can read what Toronto customers say about us on our reviews page. For a wider look at pricing, our guide to moving costs in Toronto explains what affects the final price.
When Labour Only Is Not the Right Fit
Labour only moving is a great option, but it is not right for every move. A full service move may suit you better if:
- You are not comfortable driving a large rental truck in city traffic.
- You are moving a large family home and want one team to handle everything.
- You are on a tight deadline and cannot risk truck pickup delays.
- You have a piano or other specialty item that needs specialised equipment.
In those cases, our residential moving services include the truck, the crew and the equipment in one booking. For fitness equipment , our gym equipment movers have the tools and experience to move them safely. And if you only have a handful of items, our small moves service is another affordable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I hire movers just to unload?
Yes. Many people drive their own truck or have a container delivered and only need help at the new address. A labour only crew can unload and place your furniture and boxes in the right rooms.
Q. Do labour only movers bring a truck?
No. With our labour only service, you arrange the truck, trailer or container separately. We provide the crew for loading, unloading and rearranging.
Q. Can movers help me move furniture inside my house?
Yes. Labour only movers can shift heavy furniture between rooms or floors, which is useful before renovations, new flooring or when setting up a new layout.
Q. Is labour only cheaper than a full service move?
It usually costs less because you are not paying for the moving truck or the drive. The trade off is that you handle the rental, driving, fuel and parking yourself.
Q. Can I book loading help at short notice?
Often, yes. One Day Movers offers moving services 24/7, 365 days a year. One customer called just two days before their move and we fitted them in.
Q. Should I tip labour only movers?
Tipping is never required, but it is a common way to thank a crew for hard work. See our guide on how much to tip movers in Toronto.
Get the Heavy Lifting Done Right
If you have the truck sorted and just need strong, careful hands, labour only moving gives you the best of both worlds. You stay in control of your budget, and a trained crew makes sure everything gets loaded and unloaded safely. Contact One Day Movers for a free quote on loading, unloading or furniture moving help anywhere in Toronto.