How far in advance to book movers

Many of our customers book about a month ahead. Others book two weeks or a week before the move, some just four or five days out, and some bookings are in place months before the moving date.

So how early to book movers depends mostly on your date. A month ahead gives you more dates and start times to choose from. A week, or even four or five days, can still work if the date you want is open, with fewer options.

We don't take same-day or last-minute moves: we plan each move with you before the day.

When to book movers for a month-end move

Booking a month ahead matters most for a move at the end of the month. If you rent in Alberta, the province's tenancy rules set that date:

  • One month of notice. A tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy gives one month of notice, in writing.
  • Late notice moves the date. If the notice comes late, the tenancy ends on the last day of the next complete tenancy month instead. In the province's own example, notice given on June 2 to end a monthly tenancy on June 30 ends it on July 31.
  • A fixed-term lease ends on its date. In Alberta's example of a lease ending December 31, the tenant has to be out by noon that day unless other arrangements are made, so book an early start.

The rules are on the Government of Alberta's Ending a tenancy page. Once your notice is in, book your movers for the end of that tenancy month.

When to book movers for a winter move

Our slower months for moving run from about November through April, so there's usually more choice of dates then. Evening and weekend moves cost the same as weekday moves, so a Saturday or an evening start doesn't change the hourly rate. Our Calgary movers' rates page lists the rates and what comes with them.

For a winter move, clear and salt the walks and driveway at both homes before moving day, and keep a path from the door to the street.

What to have ready when you book

Booking starts with our quote form. It asks where you're moving from and to, your date and the size of your home. Then a member of our team follows up by phone, text or email, whichever you prefer, to go over what's moving, the homes at each end and your dates. When your home is in Calgary and the move needs a visit, the visit is free, and your quote usually follows within 24 hours of it. For a home outside Calgary, we price the move with you without a visit.

Moving is billed by the hour, and the time your move takes sets the final cost. These things usually add time on moving day, so mention any of them when we follow up:

  • furniture that was supposed to be taken apart before the move but wasn't
  • items that need a door taken off to get them out
  • stairs nobody mentioned
  • a longer carry to the truck, or a longer drive, than planned

Once you've booked, we confirm your arrival time before moving day. Our residential movers in Calgary page covers what a home move with us includes.

Other things to book before moving day

  • Your building's elevator and parking. In an apartment or condo, ask the building how to reserve the elevator and a spot for the truck as soon as your date is set. Our moving contract lists waiting time, elevators and restricted parking among the things that can add time to a move.
  • Mail forwarding. Canada Post recommends ordering its Mail Forwarding service 30 days before you move. Ordered online, it can start as early as 5 days after you buy it.
  • Boxes or bins. If you're packing yourself, get your boxes early: here's where to get moving boxes in Calgary. Our plastic bins rent for moves within Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane and Okotoks; we drop them off about two weeks before the move and pick them up after it.
  • Storage, if your dates don't line up. If your new place isn't ready on moving day, we set up storage and handle both the move in and the move out.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should you book movers?

About a month ahead is a good guide, especially for a move at the end of the month. That's when many of our customers book.

Can I book movers a week before my move?

Yes, if your date is still open. Some of our customers book a week ahead, or even four or five days out, but booking earlier gives you more dates to choose from.

Do you take same-day or last-minute moves?

No. We plan each move with you before the day.

Do evening or weekend moves cost more?

No. Evening and weekend moves cost the same as weekday moves.

How soon will I get my quote?

When we visit your home in Calgary, your quote usually follows within 24 hours of the visit. For a home outside Calgary, we price the move with you without a visit.