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You just found out you're moving. Could be a new job, maybe you need more space, or you're done listening to your neighbour's phone calls through the wall. First thing that crosses your mind. "I've got time."
Except here's what actually happens: that time you think you have? Gone before you know it.
People call us every week in the same situation. They waited, now they're panicking, their choices are slim, and they're spending way more than they needed to. So when should you actually start planning your move? Let's talk about it.
Look, every move is different. But here's a basic breakdown to give you an idea:
Another factor is the time of year. Summer is the most popular moving time and same with end of month moves. If you know you are going to be moving during a busy period make sure to give extra time for your booking.
Distance matters, obviously. Moving from Windemere to Lewis Estates is a simpler and quicker move than a long distance Edmonton to Calgary move.
A one-bedroom apartment move is straightforward. You can probably pack most of it yourself in a few weekends. Still need time to book movers, but the coordination is simpler.
A three-bedroom house? Packing takes longer. You need to go through room by room, you probably have a garage or outdoor sheds as well that you need to take into account.
And if you've lived in a place for ten or twenty years? You're not just moving furniture. You're sorting through decades of your life. That needs time.
Standard furniture and boxes? Pretty straightforward. But maybe you've got a piano. Or a hot tub. Maybe there's expensive art or antiques. Pool table in the basement?
These things need special handling. Not every moving company does this kind of work, and the ones who do book up even faster. If you've got specialty items, add at least another few weeks to your timeline.
Everyone wants to move in the Summer. But that means movers are packed from May through September. You need to book way ahead.
Winter moves? They happen all the time. But moving at minus 30 adds complications. Everything takes longer. You need extra protection for your stuff. Weather can cause delays.
The sweet spot is usually spring or fall if you can swing it. Better availability, better rates, and the weather won't make your life miserable.
Working full time? You can't just take every weekend off to pack. You need more lead time, or you need to hire packing services (which, honestly, might be worth it anyway).
Got friends helping? Great, but now you're coordinating multiple schedules. That takes time too.
We have dealt with this before. It's part way through July and we get a call that someone needs to move by the end of the month. On the off chance you may get your move booked but more often than not, if you are using reputable moving companies they will already be booked. You end up choosing from whoever has openings, which might not be who you actually want.
Prices go up. Last-minute moves cost more. Rush fees, premium pricing, all of it. Plus you don't have time to properly compare moving quotes from different companies. You just go with whoever can fit you in.
Quality takes a hit. When you're rushing, you can't properly check reviews or vet companies. Red flags get missed.
And the stress? It's brutal. You're packing until midnight. Things get forgotten. All of these stressors are avoidable if you are prepared for your move and plan ahead.
When you book your movers early, you get to pick your moving date. Not just take whatever's available.
You can actually compare different moving companies properly. Read reviews, check references, get detailed quotes. Make a real decision instead of a desperate one.
The pricing is better too. Book before peak season hits and you'll save money. You're not paying those last-minute premiums, and you have time to watch for any deals or promotions.
The stress level is completely different. You can tackle things bit by bit. Packing one room at a time. You actually have time to sleep the week before your move.
And movers can do a better job when they have time to understand what you need. Complex logistics get handled properly. Specialty services can be arranged. You get accurate estimates instead of rushed guesses.
Life happens. Job offers come through faster than expected. Landlords give surprise notices. House sales close quicker than anyone thought.
Can you pull off a move in less than a month? Yes. Is it ideal? No, but can be doable if you take action immediately.
Before you move you need to create a moving checklist to keep you on track.
As soon as you know you're moving, start decluttering. Even if the move is six months away, go through your stuff now. Donate what you don't need. Toss what's broken. The less you move, the easier everything gets.
Make a budget. Factor in costs for time, packing supplies and any storage you may need for the move. Check out our tips for how to reduce moving costs with professional movers.
Start researching moving companies. Don't wait on this.
About two to three months before you move, get quotes from at least three different companies. Read reviews. Ask questions. Compare moving quotes & pick the company best suited for you.
If you're packing yourself, start with items you don't use every day. Off-season sport equipment, clothes & decorations. This spreads out the work so you're not doing it all in one weekend. Check out more tips and advice for packing yourself.
About a month before the move, notify your landlord if you're renting. Arrange time off work for moving day. Start changing your address with banks and credit cards.
Two weeks before, pack everything except what you need for daily life. Confirm all the details with your moving company. Use up what's in your fridge and freezer.
The week before your move, pack those last essentials. Prepare a box with what you'll need immediately at the new place. Phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents. Keep this with you, not on the truck.
This isn't a strict schedule. Adjust it based on your situation. The point is to start early and spread out the work.
The best time to plant a tree was yesterday, the second best time is today. It's the same thing with planning your move.
Even if your move is six months away, spending an hour this weekend to start a list or get a few quotes puts you way ahead. Small steps now prevent massive stress later.
At Alberta First Choice Moving, we help people figure out their moving timeline all the time. Every situation is different, and we get that. Whether you need a full-service move or just some advice about when to start, we're here to help.
Your move is happening whether you plan ahead or scramble at the last minute. Only one of those options lets you actually enjoy the process.
Ready to start your move? Give us a call at (780) 440-6676 or book your move online.
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