Find the Best Moving Companies in Calgary and the Surrounding Area

While MovingWaldo takes care of this for you by listing only Waldo Verified moving companies, here are some steps you can follow to choose the right moving company and avoid scams:

1. Check Ratings and Reviews: Look for companies with at least 4 stars and a minimum of 20 reviews on Google and MovingWaldo.
2. Verify Their Online Presence: Ensure they have a professional website and an active social media presence.
3. Confirm Insurance: Contact them to verify that they have at least the minimum legal insurance coverage of $0.60 per pound, without additional charges.
4. Check Accreditations: Look for accreditations from CAM, BBB (with a rating of B+ or higher), or Waldo Verified on MovingWaldo. Having at least one of these is a positive indicator.
5. Assess Their Experience: Make sure the company has been in the industry for a few years or is well-established.
6. Evaluate Pricing: Be wary of unusually low or high prices. Rates below $100 per hour or above $300 per hour may be red flags.
7. Trust Your Instincts: If you have any doubts, do not hire the company. Avoid movers found on platforms like Kijiji or marketplace sites, as they may present risks such as holding your items hostage.

Additional tips to avoid moving scams:

• Seek Referrals: Get recommendations from friends or family who have had positive experiences with moving companies.
• Use MovingWaldo: Rely on our service to simplify the process and ensure you choose a verified, trustworthy moving company.

Stay safe and make informed choices!

Choosing a Waldo Verified company ensures you receive top-tier reliability and peace of mind. Our thorough screening process guarantees that:

• Legality and Credentials: Movers are fully licensed and insured.
• Quality Assurance: You benefit from exceptional service with transparent, upfront pricing.
• Safety and Security: Comprehensive protection is provided, including a clear cancellation policy.
• Dedicated Support: Whether you book online or by phone, you receive personalized assistance from A to Z throughout the entire process.

To discover how we further safeguard your move, visit our 10 Point Moving Protection page for complete details.

Hourly pricing is the most commonly used pricing model in Calgary. It’s simple: the moving 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. This pricing model is industry-standard for local moves across Calgary, Alberta, and Western Canada.

In your quote, Calgary movers will provide you with an estimated labor time to accurately estimate the final cost.

Services considered in the labor time:

• Wrapping and protecting your belongings
• Dismantling and reassembling furniture
• Packing/unpacking (additional service if requested)
• Loading and unloading the truck
• Miscellaneous requests specific to your move
• 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. Transport logistics like these are typical in the moving industry.

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 Calgary have different fee-related policies. Generally, packing and unloading specialty items will add to your moving bill due to their fragility (requiring extra protection), weight (more workers required), and the additional space they may occupy in the truck (possibly requiring an additional truck).

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

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

Release value protection covers damages that occur 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 note that there is a deductible, which will vary.

Yes, there are usually specific rules to follow in condos when moving in Calgary. Before planning your move, it’s important that you contact the condo board to inquire about requirements such as:

• Elevator booking: Reservations are typically required and may incur a small fee. You may be asked to fill out a special request form, have insurance against damage, and provide padding for the elevator or have it provided by your Calgary mover.
• Move-in or move-out times: Check with the condo board for the hours allowed, as well as the allowed duration of the move, to minimize inconvenience to other residents.

Parking: You may need to reserve a loading and parking spot for the moving truck and ensure compliance with any time limits or designated areas. Failing to follow the parking regulations may result in fines or penalties.

If you're moving locally within Calgary or the surrounding area, booking your move at least 1 month in advance is usually sufficient. For long-distance moves, although MovingWaldo will do their best to accommodate last-minute bookings, it’s recommended to book at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you’re relocating in the high season to or from Calgary to cities like Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Saskatoon, Victoria, Kelowna, or to the United States. This timeframe helps ensure availability and allows for a smooth transition with the professional movers.

Here's a chart to help you visualize the timeline:

For a stress-free move, it’s always best to plan ahead. When booking in advance, professional moving services and moving companies in Calgary are more likely to have availability and can offer packing services, storage solutions, and other moving needs.