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Ultimate Guide to Moving Plus Best Movers in Calgary
Erick Dillmann
Realtor® with 2% Realty
Table of Contents
Moving and packing in Calgary, especially when selling your home, requires careful planning and execution. Our guide will help you navigate the process plus provide you with the best movers in the city.
Are you planning a move in or to Calgary? Whether you’re relocating to a new neighborhood or moving from another city, this comprehensive guide is designed to make your moving and packing experience as stress-free as possible. Consequently, get ready to embark on a smooth transition with our expert tips and tricks.
Moving and packing in Calgary, especially when selling your home, requires careful planning and execution. Therefore, the key to a stress-free move lies in organizing and preparing ahead of time. Furthermore, start by creating a comprehensive moving checklist tailored to your specific needs, which includes sorting your belongings, scheduling moving services, and arranging your packing supplies. Moreover, effective packing strategies are crucial; this means categorizing items, using quality materials for packing, and labeling boxes clearly for ease of unpacking. Additionally, understanding the local Calgary moving scene, from traffic patterns to the best movers to hire, can also significantly ease your transition.
Stay tuned as we dive deeper into practical tips and savvy strategies to streamline your moving and packing process in Calgary. Similarly, we’ve got a wealth of insights coming up to make your move as smooth as possible.
Navigating Moving and Packing within Calgary
Crafting Your Moving Checklist
A well-planned moving checklist is your roadmap to a stress-free move. It should cover every aspect – from sorting your belongings and deciding what to pack, to setting up utilities in your new home. Moreover, a thorough checklist ensures that nothing is overlooked in the hustle of moving.
Good news! We have the Ultimate FREE Moving Checklist.
Planning and Timing Your Calgary Move
Organize your move by establishing a realistic timeline, factoring in Calgary’s unique weather and traffic patterns. Subsequently, plan your move during off-peak hours to avoid traffic congestions. For winter moves, allow extra time for weather-related delays. Additionally, ensure you consult with your Realtor so that the contents of the home are removed in a timely manner and meet the contract terms. Real estate purchase agreements have noon as the closing time on the completion date, however, the buyers may have a 24hr walkthrough term which means the home should be almost ready for turnover 24hrs in advance.
Efficient Packing Tips for a Smooth Transition
Start your packing process by decluttering and categorizing items. Use high-quality packing materials and label boxes clearly with contents and destination rooms. Employ a color-coding system to streamline unpacking. Prioritize packing rarely used items first, saving daily essentials for last.
Choosing Reliable Calgary Moving Services
Select a local moving company with a solid reputation and understanding of Calgary’s neighborhoods. Ensure they are licensed, insured, and have transparent pricing. Get multiple quotes for comparison and confirm all services included in their package. Double-check that your booking is scheduled several days in advance to avoid a last-minute surprise.
Creating a Moving Budget
Prepare a comprehensive budget considering all potential costs, including movers, packing supplies, utility set-up, and unforeseen expenses. Compare quotes from various moving services to find the best value for your needs.
Preparing for Moving Day
Have an essentials kit with necessary items like documents, medications, and snacks. Securely pack and personally transport valuable items. On moving day, ensure everything is labeled and ready for the movers, streamlining the loading process. Make sure to take necessary precautions to protect the home from moving damage, including cardboard or blankets to protect walls and floors.
Settling into Your New Home and Neighborhood
Unpack essentials first, focusing on bedrooms and the kitchen. Introduce yourself to new neighbors and explore local amenities. Calgary offers diverse communities, each with unique characteristics and resources.tems. On moving day, ensure everything is labeled and ready for the movers, streamlining the loading process. Make sure to take necessary precautions to protect the home from moving damage, including cardboard or blankets to protect walls and floors.
Adapting to Life in Calgary
If you are moving to Calgary, get to know your new environment. Calgary boasts a range of recreational activities, community events, and cultural experiences. Engage with your community to make the most of your new home.
Frequently Asked Moving Questions + Tips
- Q: When should I start preparing for my move?
- A: Ideally, start preparing for your move at least two months in advance, before you list your home for sale
- Q: What’s the best way to declutter before a move?
- A: Sort items into categories – keep, donate, sell, and discard. Be mindful of what you really need.
- Q: How can I keep my moving expenses within budget?
- A: Get quotes from multiple movers, declutter to reduce load, and do some packing yourself.
- Q: Any tips for the first week in a new home?
- A: Unpack essentials first, explore the neighborhood, and start establishing your new routine.
- Q:How should I prepare my appliances for moving?
- A: For the safe transportation of your appliances, it’s important to disconnect and prepare them properly. This includes stabilizing your washer and ensuring all major appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and stoves are disconnected.
- Q: Can I pack and move my plants?
- A: Most Calgary moving companies do not take plants, especially for longer-distance moves, as the conditions inside the moving trailer are often not conducive to their survival.
- Q:What should I do with high-value or irreplaceable items like jewelry?
- A: For high-value items such as jewelry, money, or collectibles, it’s recommended to either carry them with you or make other arrangements for their transport.
- Q: Do moving companies in Calgary offer storage facilities?
- A: Yes, many moving companies in Calgary, offer secure and clean storage facilities. This service is typically at an additional charge. Container storage is a cost-effective option providing up to 90 days of storage.
How Much do Movers Cost in Calgary: Pricing Guide
Type of Move | Expected Cost Range |
|---|---|
In city move with average size and weight items | $80-$150 per hour |
In city move with heavy items | $155-$200 per hour |
Long-distance or out of city move small home | $500-$1,500 |
Long-distance or out of city move large home | $1,000-$5,000 |
Best Movers in Calgary
Company Name | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|
Alberta Pro Movers | 403-910-1414 | |
Moving Waldo | 1-833-600-0514 | |
High Level Movers Calgary | 403-407-1973 | |
The Transport Guys | 587-583-2993 | |
Sparta Movers | 587-805-1180 |
IMPORTANT! Based on feedback from hundreds of clients we highly recommend you stick with a reputable mover and not attempt to hire someone from Kijiji or Facebook market place.
Ultimate 6 Week Moving Checklist
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6 Weeks Before Moving
Personal Planning:
- Make time for friends and family and any last family gatherings
- Start purging and decluttering items.
- Plan a garage sale or donate unwanted items.
Packing and Supplies:
- Buy or collect free boxes and packing materials i.e wrapping tape, blankets
- Review our Ultimate Moving Guide for tips and tricks
- Start packing non-essential items.
Organization:
- Label moving boxes with colored stickers/tape for each room.
- Create a private inventory of valuables.
- Pick a spot for boxes to make for easy access
4 Weeks Before Moving
Service Arrangements:
- Schedule utility transfers (water, gas, electricity).
- Confirm parking for the moving truck.
- Arrange for cleaning services if needed.
Packing Update:
- Pack most of your non-essential belongings.
- Measure doorways, stairways, and elevators for furniture fit.
- Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items. Refrain from placing heavy items on them.
2 Weeks Before Moving
Address and Account Updates:
- Change address with banks, subscriptions, and government agencies.
- Notify friends and family of the new address.
- Update insurance policies.
- Plan to disconnect security or smart home devices, make sure there is no impact on homes functionality
Final Checks:
- Confirm moving day logistics with the moving company.
- Plan meals to use up perishable food items.
- Back up important data on computers and devices.
Moving Day
Address and Account Updates:
- Change address with banks, subscriptions, and government agencies.
- Notify friends and family of the new address.
- Update insurance policies.
Final Checks:
- Confirm moving day logistics with the moving company.
- Plan meals to use up perishable food items.
- Prepare for weather conditions.
5 Weeks Before Moving
Packing Continuation:
- Take photos of all electronics before unplugging them
- Buy ziplock bags to put hardware in labeled baggies for easy reassembly of furniture.
- Continue packing at a steady pace. Set a daily routine.
- Use household items like socks and towels for packing supplies.
- Plan how to move special items (e.g., pianos, fine art, gun safes).
Administrative Tasks:
- Address minor home repairs. Or Repairs that are part of your purchase agreement.
- Pick a moving company Confirm arrangements with movers, check their licensing and insurance.
- Ensure moving times meet you terms of sale requirements.
- Update personal documents and records.
- If moving cross-country, have vehicles serviced.
3 Weeks Before Moving
Final Preparations:
- Begin deep cleaning of current home.
- Double-check moving details and confirmations.
- Plan/Prepare an essentials box for the first day in the new home.
- Double check where movers can unload items at your new home, Or if moving to a condo reserve the elevator and notify the property manager.
Packing Completion:
- Finish packing all items except essentials.
1 Weeks Before Moving
Last-Minute Packing:
- Pack the remaining essentials.
- Prepare appliances for the move (defrost fridge, drain hoses).
- Use or donate items that can’t be moved, like certain foods and cleaning supplies.
- Clean and prep outdoor furniture.
- Empty oil and gas from grills, heaters, lawn mowers, etc
Moving Day Preparations:
- Reconfirm arrival time with movers.
- Plan for pet and child care on moving day.
- Set aside cleaning supplies for last-minute cleaning.
- Plan to protect home from moving damage.
Post-Move
Post-Move:
- Unpack essentials and set up key areas (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom).
- Start exploring your new neighbourhood.
- Leave a review for your moving company.
- Book a massage or find a hot tub 🙂
Remember, moving can be a stressful and busy time, so it’s important to stay organized and keep your checklist updated. This plan should help you manage your move effectively.
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Erick Dillmann
2% Realty Associate | Realtor® | BA Economics
With more than 17 years in the Calgary real estate sector, Erick offers an extensive knowledge base and expertise to each client he assists. Serving as a committed associate of 2% Realty for over ten years, he blends his marketing expertise with a sincere passion for exceeding client expectations. Erick’s remarkable success is demonstrated by his achievement of the Top Platinum Producer award for eight consecutive years.
