$3,500, depending on your home size, with hourly rates ranging from $100 to $150 for a two-person crew. This guide breaks down what you’ll pay, how to choose a trustworthy relocation service, and what mistakes to avoid when planning your move.
What It Costs to Move in Calgary
A studio apartment move costs around $470 to $1,100, while a four-bedroom house can reach $1,500 to $3,500. Most Calgary moving companies charge by the hour for local moves.
The standard rate sits between $100 and $150 per hour for two movers, with most companies requiring a two- to three-hour minimum. Your final bill depends on how much stuff you own, how far you’re traveling, and whether you need stairs or elevators. A one-bedroom apartment usually takes about four hours with two movers, while a three-bedroom home needs four movers working six to seven hours.
Long-distance move Calgary projects work differently. Companies charge flat rates based on distance and weight rather than hours. Moving from Calgary to Vancouver costs $2,000 to $3,500 for a three-bedroom home. For moves between Calgary and Edmonton, costs average $1,151 to $3,288, making the Calgary-Edmonton corridor one of Alberta’s busiest moving routes. Many companies offering services in Calgary also operate as movers in Edmonton, handling the 300-kilometer distance between these two major cities regularly.
Peak season runs from May to September when demand skyrockets, making booking early essential. Month-end and month-start dates see high demand as leases turn over, so mid-month moves often cost less.
How to Choose a Reliable Moving Company in Calgary
You need licensed and insured movers as part of the broader transportation industry. Ask for proof before you sign anything.
Legitimate movers maintain valid Alberta business licenses and proper insurance coverage. Check online reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau, where many reputable Calgary movers hold BBB accreditation. Read both positive and negative feedback to see how companies handle problems. Get written estimates from at least three residential movers or commercial movers, depending on your needs. Compare what’s included in each quote. Some movers charge extra for stairs, packing & unpacking services, or moving large items.
Most Calgary companies charge 25 to 30 percent more during summer months and at month-end when leases expire. A good mover answers your questions clearly and provides a detailed contract. They should explain their insurance coverage and what happens if something breaks. Popular companies fill their schedules for weekends and end-of-month dates quickly, especially during peak moving seasons.
If you’re researching companies that serve both cities, look for movers in Edmonton with solid track records across Alberta. Popular long-distance routes include Calgary to Edmonton and Calgary to Vancouver, so experienced companies handle interprovincial moves regularly.
Hidden Costs & Common Pitfalls
Watch out for fees that appear on moving day. This avoids the opposite scenario of do-it-yourself moving, where hidden costs still emerge through truck rentals and supplies.
Companies often charge extra for stairs, elevators, packing materials like boxes and tape, and moving heavy items such as pianos or antiques. Travel time adds up too. Some movers use an office-to-office model, charging from when they leave their location until they return. Others charge a flat truck fee plus the time spent at your addresses.
Hidden moving fees can wreck your budget. Ask these questions upfront: Does the quote include travel time? What’s the truck fee? Do you charge more for weekend moves? Are there extra costs for long carries from the truck to my door? Last-minute moves cost between $100 and $200 per hour due to short notice, so book early. Get everything in writing. A verbal agreement won’t protect you if disputes arise. The contract should list all services, costs, and payment terms clearly.
Red Flags to Avoid
Some warning signs mean you should walk away. Companies that demand large deposits before moving day often disappear with your money. Freight companies handling household goods should provide clear documentation. Movers who refuse to provide a written estimate or can’t show proof of insurance aren’t legitimate.
Prices that seem too good are usually scams. Budget movers might charge $59 to $99 per hour but offer basic service without packing or protection. You risk damaged belongings and surprise charges. Be cautious if a company only accepts cash or asks for large upfront deposits, provides vague contracts, or uses unbranded trucks.
Preparing Your Move
Start planning eight weeks before moving day. Create a checklist and tackle one task each week.
Begin by creating a budget, booking your moving company, and making an inventory of everything you own. Decluttering before packing reduces costs since you’ll have less to move. Donate or sell items you don’t need. Pack non-essential items first. Label every box with its contents and destination room. Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags taped to furniture when you disassemble. This saves time during reassembly.
Book parking permits if you live downtown or in a high-rise building. Calgary’s urban areas require coordinating elevator bookings and managing loading dock schedules. Confirm these details with your building manager two weeks before moving. Schedule utility disconnection at your old place and connection at your new Calgary home. Update your address with banks, insurance companies, and subscription services.
Consider partial packing services, which allow the moving company to pack specific items or rooms while leaving the rest to you. This approach gives you control over personal belongings while letting professionals handle fragile items.
Special Cases: Bulky Items, Long-Distance, and Storage Needs
Moving specialty items requires extra planning and costs more than standard furniture transport.
Piano moves cost an additional $250 plus $5 per step, with a minimum three-person crew required. Heavy items over 200 pounds like treadmills, safes, and pool tables also trigger extra fees. Professional furniture movers use special equipment and techniques to protect these valuable pieces. Some companies specialize in transporting pianos, antiques, and other high-value items.
Long-distance move Calgary projects need different preparation. Companies must provide written estimates that include all costs like travel time, fuel surcharges, and additional fees. For interprovincial moves, movers must follow federal transport rules and carry proper licensing and insurance. Moving from Calgary to Edmonton typically takes one day for a one- or two-bedroom apartment with a crew of two to three movers, while a three- or four-bedroom house requires two to three days with three to six movers.
Storage facilities may experience increased demand during peak season, so reserve storage space well in advance. Many local movers Calgary companies offer short-term and long-term storage. Ask about climate control if you’re storing electronics, artwork, or wooden furniture. Whether you’re using movers in Edmonton or Calgary, storage options often come bundled with moving services for added convenience.
Saving Money on Your Move
Moving during winter or fall costs less than summer due to lower demand. Schedule your move mid-week and mid-month when companies have more availability.
Handle some tasks yourself to reduce labor hours. Pack your own boxes but let movers handle large furniture. Label boxes clearly so unloading goes faster. The quicker the job, the less you pay. Compare flat rates versus hourly pricing for your situation. Hourly rates work well for small moves close by, while flat rates offer better cost control for larger jobs. For example, moving from a three-bedroom house in Calgary to a new home in Edmonton works better with a flat rate, so you can budget with confidence without watching the clock.
Some companies offer promotions or discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel. Always ask about available deals when requesting quotes. Booking your move during the middle of the month or on a weekday helps save money and reduces stress.
Final Checklist Before Moving Day
Do a final walkthrough of your empty house, checking every room, closet, and cabinet. Take photos of both properties before and after the move. This documentation helps if you need to file damage claims.
Withdraw cash for moving day to cover tips and unexpected expenses. Professional movers appreciate tips for good service. Confirm arrival times with your moving company the day before. Make sure someone will be at both locations to supervise loading and unloading. Have your phone charged and keep important documents with you rather than in the moving truck. Hiring movers familiar with Calgary neighborhoods enhances your moving experience, as they understand routes, traffic patterns, and local regulations.
Key Points for Calgary Movers:
- Book early during peak season – Summer (June through September) sees the highest demand, leading to higher rates. Waiting means higher prices or no availability.
- Get multiple written quotes – Compare what’s included in each estimate, not just the hourly rate. Hidden fees can double your final bill. If you’re moving between cities, get quotes from both Calgary companies and movers in Edmonton to compare pricing.
- Verify licensing and insurance – Legitimate Calgary movers maintain valid Alberta business licenses and proper insurance coverage to protect your belongings. Consider checking BBB accreditation as an additional trust marker.
- Declutter before packing – Less stuff means fewer hours, smaller trucks, and lower costs. Donate or sell items you don’t need.
- Plan for specialty items – Pianos, safes, and antiques need extra handling. Discuss these with your mover during the estimate to avoid surprise charges. Professional household goods carriers have the right equipment and training for delicate items.
