Your Moving Checklist for Alberta: 8 Weeks Out to Settled In
Planning a move in Alberta? This moving checklist Alberta families can follow takes you from eight weeks before the move to your first days in the new place. Tick off one step at a time, and call Bison Movers on 780-994-6355 when you want a free estimate.
8 weeks before the move
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Set your moving date, or the two or three dates that could work.
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Go through each room and decide what to keep, sell, donate or throw out.
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Ask for free estimates from movers and compare what each one covers.
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Check your lease or sale paperwork for the dates you have to be out and in.
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Start a folder for receipts, estimates and moving papers.
4 weeks before the move
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Book your movers if you have not already. Busy times fill up.
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Start packing things you do not use every day: books, decor, off-season clothes.
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Label every box with the room it goes to.
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Arrange time off work for moving day.
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Tell your internet, phone, power and gas providers your move date.
2 weeks before the move
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Update your address with your bank, employer, insurance and the government offices you deal with.
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Set up mail forwarding.
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Pack most of the house, leaving out only what you need day to day.
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Plan for the fridge, freezer and any appliance that needs emptying or draining before the move.
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Arrange parking space for the truck at both addresses.
1 week before the move
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Pack a bag for each person with clothes, medications, chargers and toiletries.
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Set aside important papers, keys and valuables to carry yourself.
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Confirm the date, time and both addresses with your movers.
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Defrost the freezer and use up the food in it.
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Take photos of furniture and electronics before they are moved.
Moving day
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Be at the old place when the crew arrives and walk through the rooms together.
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Point out fragile items and anything that needs special care.
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Keep your essentials bag with you.
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Do a last walk through every room, closet and cupboard before the crew leaves.
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Be at the new place to show the crew where each box and piece of furniture goes.
After the move
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Check that everything has arrived and tell your movers right away if something is damaged or missing.
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Unpack the kitchen and bedrooms first so the house feels livable.
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Confirm your utilities and internet are working.
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Finish updating your address wherever it is still old.
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Break down boxes and hold on to your moving papers for later.
Moving in an Edmonton winter
Many Alberta moves happen in cold weather. A little planning keeps everyone safe and your things protected.
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Clear snow and ice from walkways, steps and the driveway before the crew arrives. Add salt or sand where it is slippery.
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Keep doors open only as long as needed so the house does not lose its heat.
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Pack electronics, plants and anything sensitive to cold in a warm vehicle or let them warm up slowly before use.
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Ask your movers how they protect floors and doorways from wet boots and snow.
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Keep the phone charged, and have a plan for a delay if a storm hits.
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Dress in layers and keep hot drinks and water on hand.
How to choose movers
Good movers make a move calmer. Before you book, ask each company:
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Are you insured and licensed in Alberta?
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What does your free estimate cover, and what could change it?
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Who packs, and who carries the heavy items?
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What do you do if something is damaged?
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Can you work around my move date, my building and my parking?
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Can I see reviews from real customers?
What a free estimate covers
A free estimate is the movers' plan and price for your move, given before you commit. At Bison Movers, tell us your move date, where you are moving from and to, and what you are moving. We give you a clear estimate and explain the costs before the move begins. Call 780-994-6355 or email info@bisonmovers.com.
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Moving a parent? See our senior moving service
Common questions
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How early should I start planning a move?
Eight weeks ahead is a comfortable start. A shorter move can work with a shorter list. Call us and we will help you decide what matters most.
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Can you help with packing?
Yes. Bison Movers offers packing services, so you can have us pack part of your home or all of it.
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Do you move in winter?
Yes. Winter moves are part of life in Edmonton. Tell us about parking, stairs and walkways when you ask for your estimate, and we plan around them.
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How do I get a free estimate?
Call 780-994-6355 or email info@bisonmovers.com with your move date and addresses.