Every year in Calgary, thousands of households look forward to their new homes.
Whether downsizing, upgrading, migrating or starting a new family, moving your stuff to a new home in Calgary is exciting yet challenging.
Fortunately, local movers in Calgary specialize in such a daunting task. Engaging professional and experienced movers helps alleviate the stress associated with moving and ensures your items are moved securely and safely.
However, amidst the excitement of moving to a new location, it is essential to understand the various factors that contribute to the overall moving cost in Calgary.
Like any city and general moving cost in Canada, Calgary has unique considerations that can influence pricing, such as distance, cost of living, volume of items, and specific moving services you need.
Take a look at a quick overview of what you’re expected to pay for local and long-distance service in Calgary.
| Type of move |
Studio |
1-Bedroom |
2-Bedroom |
3-Bedroom |
4-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local movers | $470-$1,100 | $550-$1,245 | $885-$1,450 | $1270-$1,595 | $1500-$3,500 |
| Long-distance movers | $850-$1040 | $1280-$2,500 | $2,000-$3,500 | $3,185-$5,100 | $4,590-$7,200 |
The above-mentioned are average estimates, however you can refer to our Calgary cost guide to know the accurate costs for some of the most common moving services in Calgary, AB.
How Much Does It Cost to Engage Local Movers in Calgary?
Different moving companies in Calgary charge different rates depending on the complexity of the moving assignment. You can expect to pay hourly rates or flat rate pricing, depending on whether you move locally or long-distance.
Typically, local movers in Calgary charge between $139-$150 per hour on average for any moving job. This range includes a service of two movers and one truck, and the final price will be according to the number of hours it will take to complete the move.
Flat rates are usually meant for long-distance moves everywhere in Canada, including Calgary.
Hourly Pricing
- How it works: With hourly rates, you can expect to charge based on the number of hours the movers spend working on your move.
- Typical range: Hourly rates in Calgary can vary but often fall within $139-$150 for a local move.
- Number of movers: More the number of movers you hire for the job, the higher amount you can expect to pay.
- Additional services you need: If you require more services like packing/unpacking and furniture assembly/disassembly, movers will spend more time, which typically results in overall Cost.
Flat Rate Pricing
- How it works: Flat-rate pricing involves a fixed cost for the entire move, no matter the time taken to perform the job.
- Typical range: Flat rates are influenced by factors like the distance of the move, the weight of your belongings, and additional services required. On average, you can pay somewhere between $2,200 to $9,570 or more.
How Much Does Moving House Cost in Calgary?
Within a radius of 50-100 miles, the size of your property has a significant role in deciding the accurate price of your local move in Calgary.
The average moving cost in Calgary can vary greatly, anywhere from $470-$1,100(studio) to $3,500(4-bedroom).
If you’re moving out of a two-bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay local Calgary movers around $885-$1,450.
However, moving out of a three-bedroom apartment will jump significantly to about $1,500 because more movers will be required for a more extended period.
The table below helps you understand the average moving Cost in Calgary based on the size of your home.
| Home size | Average cost | Number of movers | Number of hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $470-$1,100 | 2 | 3 |
| 1-Bedroom | $550-$1,245 | 2 | 4 |
| 2-Bedroom | $885-$1,450 | 3 | 6 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,270-$1,595 | 4 | 7 |
| 4-Bedroom | $1500-$3,500 | 4 | 8 |
Studio Apartment
For a studio move, the average Cost is around $470-$1,100, with two movers required to complete the job in approximately 3 hours.
1-Bedroom
Moving out of a 1-bedroom home costs approximately $550-$1,245, with movers working about 4 hours.
2-Bedroom
A local move from a 2-bedroom home costs around $885-$1,450 or more, involving three movers over approximately 6 hours.
3-Bedroom
Moving from a 3-bedroom home costs between $1,270 and $1,595, with four movers working for about 6-7 hours.
4-Bedroom
For a 4-bedroom home, the moving Cost ranges from $1500 to $3500, with four movers completing the job in around 8 hours.
Additional Costs to Move in Calgary
Packing Materials
Moving Companies in Calgary usually charge for packing materials like boxes, tapes and paper.
Insurance
Basic liability coverage is usually included in the moving services; however, if you choose to get additional insurance, you may need to pay an extra fee.
Stairs and Elevators
Any stairs or elevators involved in the moving job will incur additional charges.
Specialty items moving
Moving heavy or delicate items such as pianos, antiques, or artwork may incur extra fees.
Time restriction
Some moving companies in Calgary impose a surcharge for transporting your belongings during peak hours.
Disposal cost
Besides transportation costs, moving companies help you safely dispose of unwanted belongings. This is usually a small fee involved, and the total Cost depends on the items that need to be disposed of, so the fee is included in the quotation.
Below is the general rates and price list for different moving services in Calgary:
| Moving special items | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Piano | $150 for an upright piano and $395 for a grand piano. |
| Safe | $180-$350, depending on size and weight |
| Pool table | $150-$695, depending on size |
| Artwork and Antiques | Based on size and value |
| Type of Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Stairs Climbing | $25/flight onwards, depends on how many levels to cover |
| Packing/Unpacking | hourly rates |
| Disposal | based on weight and size to move |
| Cleaning Service | hourly rates |
Overall, the Cost of moving to Calgary can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the above mentioned aspects.
Cost of Long-Distance Move From Calgary
While planning a move outside the local lanes of Calgary, you need to hire long-distance moving companies in Calgary. Such companies will charge you according to the size of your property, the total distance of the move, and any additional services required to finish the job.
For example, if you are moving 250 miles and have a 2-bedroom house, the average cost range you can expect to pay is around $1,375 and $1.895.
Similarly, if you are moving 1000 miles from a 4-bedroom house, the estimated cost range can be between $7,600 and $9,295.
Remember, the overall Cost may vary based on factors such as the moving company you choose, specific services you need, and other considerations.
Average Cost of a Long-Distance Move From Calgary to Vancouver
This distance from Calgary to Vancouver is around 662 km, and the moving Cost for a 3-bedroom townhouse typically ranges from $2,500 to $3,000. The number of movers required for the move can be 3-4, with an average of 7 hours taken to complete the job.
How to cut costs on Local or Long-Distance Move?
Whether you hire local or long-distance movers, following some critical moving tips can help minimize the Cost of your move.
Self-Packing/Unpacking
Packing and unpacking your stuff is a great way to reduce the cost of your move by about 15-20%. However, buying suitable packing materials is crucial before starting the process. If you’re short on time and cannot do the heavy lifting, let the experts handle the job.
Downsize
Cutting down the unwanted stuff is a sure way to reduce the moving Cost in Calgary. You can get a junk removal service, donate your extra furniture, or sell them online.
Choose the right moving company
Each year, many complaints arise regarding moving companies. Before choosing to work with any service provider, doing a little research can make a significant difference.
The Canadian Association of Movers regulates all moving companies in Calgary. You can verify a company’s credentials and legitimate status of the company before you trust them with your valuable possessions.
Conclusion
Before you hire Calgary movers, it’s crucial to communicate well with the team regarding the potential charges when obtaining a quote. Also, spend time carefully reviewing the company’s terms and conditions to get a clear idea of the overall Cost and identify aspects that may lead to additional charges.
Frequently Asked Questions about Calgary Movers
How can I calculate the cost of my move in Calgary?
Calculating moving costs involves considering aspects like the volume of items, the duration of move and additional service required. Usually, the longer movers cost more due to more work and manpower needed to complete the job.
Do moving companies in Calgary provide packing supplies?
Absolutely, moving companies in Halifax provide all the essential packing supplies, including boxes, tapes, bubble wraps, and packing paper.
How much do local movers cost in Calgary?
Local Calgary movers typically charge $130-$150 per hour for a service of two movers and one truck. On average, you can expect to pay a local Calgary moving company around $470-$1,100 (studio apartment) to $3,500(4-bedroom home) when moving locally.
How much do long-distance movers cost from/to Calgary?
On average, the Cost of long-distance movers in Calgary ranges from $2,000 (studio) to $7,500 (3+ bedrooms) for a distance of 1,000 miles. The accurate Cost may change based on the move distance, the weight of the items, and the additional services needed to finish the job.
How do you find affordable movers in Calgary?
Finding affordable movers in Calgary is easy by getting multiple quotes from different moving companies. Doing this will help you compare the quotes and ensure you get a fair price for the required services.
How do local and long-distance moves differ in terms of cost?
Local moves within Calgary usually involve lower transportation costs than long-distance moves. The total distance covered is crucial to the overall relocation cost.
Can I get a rough estimate of my moving cost in Calgary?
While a moving cost calculator can provide a cost estimate, contacting a moving company in Calgary is always recommended. These companies can provide more accurate quotes based on your specific moving needs.
Are there any additional fees or moving costs I should be aware of?
Additional costs may include packing services, special handling for delicate items, or charges for navigating stairs and elevators. It is good to discuss your requirements with your chosen moving company to avoid surprises later.
