Edmonton movers and surrounding areas

Hourly pricing is the most commonly used pricing model in Edmonton. It’s simple, the company will provide you with an hourly rate and charge you based on the time it takes to complete your move. The more prepared you are, the less it will cost.

In your quote, movers will provide you with an estimated labor time, so they can precisely estimate the final cost. 

Services considered in the labor time: 

• Wrapping and protecting 
• Dismantling and reassembling 
• Packing/unpacking (additional service if requested)
• Loading and unloading the truck 
• Miscellaneous requests 
• Driving from the pickup to the drop-off location (and to/from their office) 

To cover travel time and fuel, movers may charge you for the time it takes them to drive to and from their office. Alternatively, they may charge a pre-established truck fee, which will be based on the distance to be driven and the size of the truck. 

Certain services are included in the final price such as: basic insurance (release value protection), moving blankets, moving equipment and sometimes wardrobe boxes. 

All moving companies in Edmonton have diverse fee-related policies. Generally, packing and unloading specialty items will be an added cost to your moving bill for their fragility (extra protection required), weight (more workers required), and extra space they may take up in the truck (additional truck required). 

The moving company may charge extra fees for heavy items like sports equipment and appliances. Extra stair fees (above 2nd floor) and overnight or storage fees (if the move was not completed in one day), may be charged. Also, fuel fees could apply, especially for longer distances. 

There are two types of moving insurance protections: release value protection and full value protection. 

Release value protection covers the damage happening in the moving truck and can cover $0.60 per pound of the damaged item. The cost is typically included in the price and there is no deductible.  

Whereas full value protection applies to damage done in the moving truck and in your home. This can cover anywhere between $5 to $10 per pound of the damaged item. Expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars for full value protection and know that there is a deductible and that it will vary. 

Traffic Bylaw Regulations on Public Streets of the city of Edmonton allow moving trucks to park on the streets, as long as they respect all parking signs in the area. They also cannot block the movement of regular traffic on the street, nor park on the sidewalk, nor near places where emergency vehicles require access.

In addition, it is necessary to obtain a temporary parking permit for the moving truck in advance, which can be scheduled virtually by filling out a form, and it is free.

When moving in Edmonton, it’s a clever idea to move valuable or fragile items yourself to avoid risk, loss, or damage. These may include electronics, jewelry, important documents, alcohol bottles, and sentimental items. 

Additionally, any hazardous materials that contain chemicals such as cleaning supplies, outdoor equipment, grilling supplies, and nail polish should be moved yourself to ensure safe handling. Movers will not move hazardous materials to protect their safety and liability risks. If you have pets or plants, movers will likely not move them due to their fragility. 

Moves are rarely cancelled, despite Edmonton’s harsh winter weather. Movers know how important your moving date is and how much is involved. They do not want to take the risk of breaking your trust and failing your plans (which may cause a domino effect for multiple other moves). 

While moves are rarely cancelled because of the weather, it is possible that your move is delayed. Your move may be delayed because of the harsh road conditions. A reputable moving company will contact you in advance if they believe they might be late. 

In Edmonton, reputable moving companies will provide you with the following types of paperwork: 

Written estimate

This is a document that must be given to you before the move and describes the estimated costs of your move. On your quote expect to see the hourly rate, the number of trucks and movers, the estimated labor time, the inventory list (weight/volume of items), the travel time, the truck fee(s), specialized item fees (if any), storage fees (if any), stair fees (if any), taxes, and the cost/details of the insurance of your choice (basic or extra). 

Bill of lading/work of order

This contract details the agreement between you and the mover, the terms and conditions of the move, and serves as a receipt for the items being moved. 

Packing material document

If you purchase any of these from the moving company, they will provide you with a document displaying each item. 

Revised written estimate

This is an updated version of the original written estimate and is only required if there are changes to the original moving plan. These changes may include additional items added, destination address changes, or unforeseen events. All of these can incur additional costs. 

The best time of year to move in Edmonton is in the spring and specifically in early to mid-May from Monday to Thursday. Here’s why:

• The weather: Spring in Edmonton is mild and pleasant, the snow will have melted, it won’t be too cold or humid, making it perfect for moving without worrying about extreme temperatures.
• The traffic: Spring moves in Edmonton benefit from less rush hour traffic, particularly from Monday to Thursday, when people are at work, and children at school. 
• Parking: Spring moves in Edmonton offer easier parking, as the reduced traffic makes it easier to find spots, especially in residential areas. Plus, there are no winter parking bans in May, making it hassle-free to move.
• Cheaper rates: The rates for rental properties and moving services can be lower than during the summer months, when demand is highest. Consider moving especially during the weekdays and not at the end of the month to find better prices.

To avoid becoming a victim of a moving company scam, here are some warning signs to watch out for.

They do not provide a detailed written estimate 

A detailed written estimate is important to avoid unexpected charges or misunderstandings about the services offered. If your moving company does not provide one, it’s a red flag. 

They have bad ratings or are not available on the CAM and BBB 

This may indicate that the company has a poor reputation, lacks the necessary certifications, or has a history of complaints. In that case, reconsider your choice and look for a more reliable moving company. Look for companies with good ratings and reviews from other sources too, such as Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

They don’t have a physical address 

A company without a physical address or local presence may not be legitimate. Legitimate moving companies should have a physical address, phone number, and website. 

The Information about their licensing is nowhere to be found 

Legitimate moving companies should have a valid license that can be easily verified. In Edmonton, the Government of Alberta must license them to operate legally. You can easily check Alberta’s website to verify their license.

They do not offer basic insurance (release value protection)

If your moving company doesn’t provide basic insurance, it’s concerning, since it’s the most basic level of protection that moving companies offer. It covers your items based on weight, usually at 60 cents per pound. Without it, your belongings may not be covered in case of damage or loss. 

They ask you for a large deposit in advance

A legitimate moving company often asks for a small deposit upfront ($100 – $250) to secure your reservation in Edmonton, so be cautious if they request a large deposit. If they ask for over $300 for a small apartment (typically 450 cu ft. as the volume of items), it may be a scam.