Edmonton moving services: quotes and access

Compare quotes for the move you will make

Prepare an inventory before asking for estimates. Include furniture dimensions, box counts and items needing special handling. The Office of Consumer Affairs advises having the mover see all belongings while preparing the quote and obtaining a signed quote on company letterhead. Ask the mover to include service timing, payment terms and delivery commitments. [5]

Add an access note for each address: floor, stairs, elevator booking, loading entrance and distance from the proposed truck position to the door. Ask each company to identify its crew size, truck, minimum charge, travel charges and treatment of waiting time. Request separate packing, disassembly, storage and disposal lines so you can compare the same scope.

Ask whether you are hiring the moving company or a broker. The federal consumer guide describes a broker as a business that arranges transportation through subcontractors and warns that responsibility can become unclear. Get the name of the company doing the work and written confirmation of who handles damage, missing items and delivery problems. [5]

Settle truck and building access before booking

Check the signs outside both properties and discuss the proposed truck with the mover. Edmonton’s Residential Parking Program includes varying restrictions in Garneau and permit-only mini-programs in Wîhkwêntôwin, formerly Oliver. The City allows visitor permits for service vehicles, but eligibility and availability depend on the program area. [1]

The City states that vehicles over 4,500 kg cannot park in residential areas. Ask the mover to confirm the truck’s weight and a compliant loading arrangement; contact 311 if the street rules leave uncertainty. For an apartment or condominium, ask your building manager to confirm elevator times, loading access and any required protection before you agree on arrival time. [1] [5]

For a container move, Edmonton requires an approved OSCAM permit to place a POD or SeaCan on City road right of way. Ask the container supplier who applies, which location the permit covers and how delivery and collection fit the approved period. A DIY trailer also needs a parking plan: the City prohibits unattached trailers, including utility trailers, on its streets. [1] [2]

Decide what to discard before the inventory

Choose the furniture you will keep before the mover quotes. Edmonton’s Eco Stations publish resident drop-off fees of CAD 11 for a small item such as a chair, CAD 21 for a large item such as a sofa and CAD 19 for each mattress or box spring. Use those figures when deciding whether to take an unwanted item yourself or request a disposal service. [4]

Ask a mover offering removal to separate transport and labour from disposal charges. Eco Station attendants have final say on acceptance and fees. The City lists Coronation as closed for construction on its website, so check your chosen station before loading a vehicle. If a company takes your waste, confirm the business acceptance rules that apply to that load. [4]

Confirm belongings protection and storage

Ask for the mover’s Certificate of Insurance and written replacement-value options. The Office of Consumer Affairs distinguishes the company’s insurance from protection for your goods and recommends checking your household policy with your insurer. Ask about exclusions for owner-packed boxes, fragile furniture and high-value items, plus the claim process and deadline. [5]

For a gap between possession dates, ask where the company will keep your belongings and who can access them. Federal guidance recommends confirming secure overnight parking or storage, winter heating at a storage facility and insurance for the storage period. Carry valuables and temperature-sensitive essentials yourself, and ask the mover which goods it will refuse. [5]

Photograph furniture before loading and retain the inventory, quote and payment records. At delivery, check items and access routes for damage, record missing belongings before signing and inspect the truck for anything left behind. The federal guide advises filing damage or insurance claims right away because deadlines can be strict. [5]

Coordinate possession and utility dates

EPCOR asks for at least three business days’ notice to transfer services between properties; Encor customers need at least five business days. Provide the current service end date, new address and new service start date. EPCOR allows service at multiple properties, so you can arrange an overlap while cleaning or moving between homes. [3]

Confirm when you receive keys before setting the crew’s arrival. Keep the building manager’s contact details and the mover’s dispatch number with you. Before moving day, ask who you should call if possession, elevator access or the loading location changes, and how the company will charge for that change.

Edmonton Eco Station resident furniture drop-off fees

Choose an arrangement that fits your access and timing

Your hiring checklist

1. Create one inventory and access description to send to each mover.
2. Request written quotes with packing, travel, waiting, storage and disposal charges separated.
3. Identify the company doing the work and the person handling claims.
4. Confirm the truck, legal loading position and any required street-container approval.
5. Reserve building access and confirm key collection before setting arrival time.
6. Arrange utility start and end dates with any needed overlap.
7. Photograph belongings and keep valuables, documents and essentials with you.
8. Check the inventory and record damage or missing items before signing at delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I budget for a local move?

Get written quotes for your inventory and access rather than relying on a general price range. Ask for the total scope, minimum charge and treatment of travel, stairs, waiting, packing and storage before comparing offers. [5]

Can my mover use a visitor parking permit?

Edmonton allows visitor permits for service vehicles in eligible Residential Parking Program areas, with neighbourhood-specific availability. Confirm eligibility and truck access with Parking Services. The City also states that vehicles over 4,500 kg cannot park in residential areas. [1]

Does the mover’s insurance cover my belongings?

Ask for written details. The federal consumer guide says the mover’s Certificate of Insurance does not protect your goods unless you buy replacement-value protection from the mover. Confirm your household insurance coverage and ask about owner-packed boxes, exclusions and claim deadlines. [5]

Can I keep utilities running at both homes?

EPCOR permits service at multiple properties during a move. Give at least three business days’ notice for a transfer, or five business days if you are an Encor customer, and specify both service dates. [3]