Moving to or within Edmonton as a University of Alberta student is an exciting milestone, but comes with challenges. Careful planning can make the transition smoother whether you’re relocating from another city or just moving across town.
Finding the proper housing, managing moving logistics, and staying organized are key to avoiding stress. From packing efficiently to setting up utilities, every detail matters.
To help you settle in easily, we’ve put together essential moving tips tailored for University of Alberta students. Follow these guidelines to ensure a seamless, hassle-free move so you can focus on your studies and new experiences.
1. Start Planning Early
Moving to a new home, especially as a University of Alberta student, can be overwhelming. To avoid last-minute stress, it’s essential to start planning well ahead of time. Proper preparation allows you to handle all the moving-related tasks without feeling rushed, even while juggling your studies and other responsibilities.
Start Searching for Housing Early
Begin your housing search at least a few months before your move. Whether you’re looking for dorms, shared apartments, or rental homes, securing your living space early will give you time to choose the best location and ensure affordability.
Create a Moving Checklist
A well-organized moving checklist can help you stay on track. Include all the tasks you must complete, such as finding packing materials, arranging transportation, and updating your address. A checklist keeps you organized and ensures nothing gets overlooked during your move.
Book Movers in Advance
Book them early if you plan to hire professional movers. During peak moving seasons like late summer (August and September), movers in Edmonton can get fully booked. Scheduling your movers in advance ensures you’ll have reliable help when needed.
2. Budget for Your Move
As a University of Alberta student, managing your moving budget is key to making your relocation as affordable as possible. You can avoid unnecessary expenses and enjoy a smooth move with careful planning.
Here are some tips to help you budget wisely:
Factor in All Costs
Moving involves more than just hiring a moving company. Be sure to account for expenses like rent, security deposits, student moving services, and utilities. You’ll want a clear idea of all the costs you’ll face to avoid surprises later.
Look for Student Discount
Many moving companies, transportation services, and packing supply retailers offer student discounts. Take advantage of these savings to lower your overall moving costs.
Compare Edmonton Movers
Don’t settle for the first moving company you find. Research and compare local Edmonton movers to identify budget-friendly options. Choose the moving company that offers excellent value without compromising reliability and quality service.
3. Declutter Before Packing
Packing can feel overwhelming if you have too many unnecessary items. Decluttering before your move helps streamline the process and makes unpacking easier, saving time and effort.
Here’s how you can efficiently declutter:
Sort Through Your Belongings
Look closely at what you own and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. Reducing the number of items you move will save space in your moving truck and reduce overall costs.
Pack Seasonally
Moving in Edmonton winters can be hard, so prioritize packing warm clothing, jackets, and weather-appropriate gear. Store summer clothes separately, and only take what you’ll need during the colder months.
Keep Essentials Easily Accessible
Designate a box for your textbooks, study materials, and daily essentials like toiletries, medications, and changing clothes. By keeping these items in a separate bag, you won’t have to search through several boxes to find what you need immediately.
4. Pack Strategically for an Easy Unpacking Process
Packing efficiently can make settling into your new University of Alberta home much smoother. Packing and organizing your belongings properly will save you time and frustration during unpacking. Here are a few key strategies:
Use Sturdy Moving Boxes and Label Them Clearly
To stay organized, label each box by its category or the room to which it belongs. This will make it easier for you and the movers to place everything in the correct spot, reducing the time spent looking for things later.
Pack a Moving Day Essentials Bag
Keep all the items you’ll need immediately (like toiletries, chargers, snacks, and important documents) easily accessible in a separate bag. These items will save you from digging through boxes on moving days.
Wrap Fragile Items Securely
Use bubble wrap, soft materials, or even towels to wrap fragile items carefully. Place these wrapped items at the top of boxes to minimize the risk of damage. Pack heavier items at the bottom of boxes to avoid crushing delicate ones.
5. Arrange for Utilities and Address Change
Setting up utilities and updating your address before your move can save you from unnecessary headaches after you settle in.
Contact Utility Providers
Schedule electricity, water, internet, and other essential services before your move-in day. This will ensure you have everything you need when you arrive at your new home. Aim to arrange these services at least a week in advance to avoid delays.
Update your Address
Don’t forget to notify the university, your bank, and other important organizations about your new address. This will help ensure that your mail reaches you without delays.
Use Canada Post’s Mail Forwarding Service
This is an easy and affordable way to ensure no mail is lost in transition. Setting up mail forwarding guarantees you won’t miss any important documents or correspondence from your old address.
6. Consider Transportation and Parking
For university students moving into a new home, understanding your transportation options is crucial for smooth commuting to campus and navigating around Edmonton. Planning can save you time and money while ensuring you stay connected to your new university environment.
Public transit
Check if your new place has accessible public transit routes that connect you to the University of Alberta. Edmonton’s transit system offers several convenient options for students, making traveling between your home and campus easier.
Car parking
If you plan to drive, secure parking permits for your new home or nearby areas. Many student residences and off-campus rentals have limited parking, so confirming availability will help avoid parking headaches.
Cycling
Cycling is an affordable, eco-friendly, and convenient way around Edmonton. Consider this option, especially if your new home is within biking distance of the University of Alberta. With dedicated bike lanes and cycling-friendly routes, biking is an easy and cost-effective commute method.
7. Familiarize Yourself with Edmonton
Getting to know the best neighborhoods in Edmonton will make your transition smoother and more enjoyable once you’ve settled into your new home as a University of Alberta student. Understanding your surroundings and discovering key services can enhance your living experience and save time.
Essential Services
Locate nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical facilities for easy access to your daily needs. Having these services close by will help you stay organized and prepared for anything coming your way during the semester.
Study-friendly Spots
Edmonton has plenty of cozy coffee shops and libraries that are perfect for studying. Explore places near campus to find your ideal study spot. Many students find that having a variety of locations to study—whether it’s a quiet corner in a library or a bustling café—helps with productivity.
Student Resources
Learn about student resources, support services, and discounts available to University of Alberta students in Edmonton. From affordable meal plans to career services and mental health support, familiarizing yourself with these offerings can enhance your university experience and provide valuable assistance throughout school.
8. Hire Professional Movers for a Stress-Free Move
While moving on your own may seem like a cost-effective option, hiring local movers can save you significant time, effort, and stress, especially when balancing university life at the University of Alberta.
Efficient Handling of Heavy Items
Professional movers have the experience and equipment to handle heavy lifting and safely transport your belongings. They’ll take care of everything from furniture to fragile items, so you don’t have to worry about damage or injury.
Moving Supplies and Packing Services
Movers typically provide moving supplies such as boxes and packing materials and even offer packing services. This means you won’t have to scramble for packing supplies or spend time packing yourself, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
Hassle-Free Experience with ASR Moving
For students looking for a trusted and reliable moving company in Edmonton, ASR Moving is here to make your move easy and stress-free. Our professional team offers tailored moving services, ensuring your move to or from the University of Alberta is smooth and hassle-free. With affordable rates and exceptional customer service, we guarantee a seamless moving experience. Contact us today for a free quote, and let us handle the heavy lifting.
