Your Complete Moving Guide
From Stampede Moving — everything you need to plan a stress-free move in Calgary, AB and surrounding areas.
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Your Moving Timeline
Follow this 8-week countdown to stay organized and stress-free.
8 Weeks Before
5 tasks
- ☐ Start decluttering — donate, sell, or toss items you don't need
- ☐ Research moving companies and get at least 3 estimates
- ☐ Create a moving binder or folder for all moving documents
- ☐ Set your moving budget (movers, supplies, deposits, travel)
- ☐ If renting, give your landlord written notice
6 Weeks Before
5 tasks
- ☐ Start collecting packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers)
- ☐ Begin packing rooms you use least (guest room, storage, garage)
- ☐ Arrange school transfers for kids if applicable
- ☐ Update your address with the post office at USPS.com
- ☐ Start using up pantry items and frozen food
4 Weeks Before
5 tasks
- ☐ Confirm your moving date and book your moving company
- ☐ Notify utilities (electric, gas, water, internet) of your move date
- ☐ Update your address with bank, insurance, subscriptions, employer
- ☐ Pack seasonal items, books, décor, and rarely-used items
- ☐ Arrange pet care or childcare for moving day
2 Weeks Before
5 tasks
- ☐ Confirm moving company details (arrival time, payment method)
- ☐ Pack most of your home — leave only daily essentials out
- ☐ Clean out the fridge and freezer
- ☐ Arrange parking for the moving truck if needed
- ☐ Back up important computer files and photos to cloud or drive
1 Week Before
5 tasks
- ☐ Pack your Moving Day Essentials Bag (see checklist below)
- ☐ Defrost freezer and clean all appliances
- ☐ Confirm utilities are scheduled for your new home
- ☐ Take photos of electronics setup before disconnecting
- ☐ Do a final walkthrough — check every drawer, closet, cabinet
Moving Day
6 tasks
- ☐ Do a final sweep of every room before the movers leave
- ☐ Check all windows, doors, and garage are locked
- ☐ Read meter numbers (gas, electric, water) for final billing
- ☐ Hand over keys, garage openers, and mailbox keys
- ☐ Confirm delivery address with the moving crew
- ☐ Walk through the new home before the truck unloads
Packing Tips from the Pros
Our crew has packed thousands of homes. Here's what works.
Label Every Box
Write the room AND a brief list of contents on 2 sides of every box. Color-code by room with markers or tape.
Heavy Items in Small Boxes
Books, tools, canned goods go in small boxes. Light items (pillows, linens) go in large boxes.
Wrap Plates Vertically
Plates survive better standing on edge (like records) than stacked flat. Wrap each one individually.
Stuff Gaps with Soft Items
Use towels, t-shirts, and socks as padding inside boxes. Saves on bubble wrap and packing paper.
Bag Hardware Separately
When disassembling furniture, put screws and bolts in labeled zip-lock bags taped to the furniture piece.
Take Photos of Wiring
Before disconnecting TVs, computers, or sound systems, take a photo of the back so you can reconnect easily.
Stampede Moving
Calgary's Professional Moving Company
Moving Day Essentials Bag
Pack this bag last and keep it with you — not on the truck. These are the things you'll need immediate access to on moving day and your first night in the new home.
lightbulb Pro tip: Use a clear bag or suitcase so you can see everything inside.
- battery_charging_full Phone chargers and power banks
- medical_services Medications and first-aid kit
- shower Toiletries and towels
- checkroom Change of clothes for each family member
- description Important documents (IDs, lease, closing papers)
- coffee Snacks, water bottles, and coffee
- cleaning_services Basic cleaning supplies and trash bags
- build Toolkit (screwdriver, hammer, tape measure)
- receipt_long Toilet paper and paper towels
- child_care Kids' essentials (toys, snacks, blankets)
Change of Address Checklist
Don't forget to update your address with these organizations. Do this 2-4 weeks before your move.
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