According to Statistique Canada, Canada’s census metropolitan areas (CMAs) grew by more than one million people in just 12 months, with Edmonton and Calgary leading the way. That surge means more people are moving into the city, putting added pressure on housing, rental markets, and moving services. Combine that with Edmonton’s unpredictable weather and seasonal demand for movers, and it’s easy to see why moving here comes with unique challenges.
Planning a move within the city or coming in from another location? Avoiding common mistakes can save time, money, and frustration. This guide breaks down 11 mistakes to avoid when moving to Edmonton, along with practical tips to keep the process smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Make your move smarter, not harder.
Mistake #1: Leaving Packing Until the Last Minute
Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of any move, and putting it off is a fast way to create unnecessary stress. Many people underestimate how long it actually takes to pack up a home. A room you think will take 30 minutes might end up taking two hours, especially when you find yourself sorting old belongings or trying to wrap fragile items correctly.
Rooms like kitchens and closets are common culprits. Kitchens often have delicate glassware and oddly shaped items that require extra care. Closets are packed with clothes, shoes, and seasonal items that take longer to organize than expected.
Tip: Start packing non-essential items at least 2–3 weeks before your moving day. This might include books, seasonal decorations, extra linens, or guest room items. Working in stages will help you stay organized and avoid the chaos of last-minute packing.
Mistake #2: Using Bags Instead of Moving Boxes
It might seem easier to toss your stuff into plastic bags, especially when you’re short on time or supplies, but that shortcut can cost you. Bags don’t offer the same protection as sturdy moving boxes. They’re more likely to tear, collapse under weight, or shift during transport, which increases the risk of damage.
Stacking bags in a moving truck is also a challenge. They don’t hold their shape, making it harder to organize the space efficiently. You could end up with broken items or wasted space that drives up your moving costs.
Some people choose bags out of convenience or because they ran out of boxes, but it’s not worth the risk.
Tip: Use quality moving boxes for everything, especially fragile or heavy items. Reinforce the bottoms with tape and clearly label each box. Many Edmonton moving companies offer packing kits or box rentals to make the process easier.
Mistake #3: Packing Items You Should’ve Tossed
Moving is the perfect chance to declutter. Yet many people end up wasting time and money packing items they don’t need, old clothes, broken electronics, expired products, or things they haven’t used in years.
Bringing clutter to your new home just creates more work when it’s time to unpack. It can also increase moving costs, especially if you’re being charged by volume or weight.
Mistake #4: Not Having a Plan for Pets
Moving is not just stressful for you, it’s also unsettling for your pets. Sudden changes to their environment, loud noises, unfamiliar people, and traveling long distances can make them anxious or even cause behavioral issues.
Without a proper plan, your pet could be exposed to dangerous situations like running out the door during the chaos, getting overheated in a car, or becoming sick due to stress.
Tip: Before the move, pack a separate pet essentials kit with food, water, dishes, toys, treats, medications, and waste bags. On moving day, keep your pets in a quiet, safe space, either a separate room or a friend’s home.
If you’re driving to your new place, invest in a secure carrier or a pet seatbelt to keep them safe and comfortable during the ride.
Also, consider Edmonton’s pet bylaws, for example, some condo buildings or rental homes may have breed, noise, or pet limit restrictions. Check those in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.
Mistake #5: Packing Hazardous or Restricted Items
Not everything in your home is safe to pack and move. Some items are flammable, toxic, or pressurized and should not be loaded onto a moving truck.
Examples include:
- Bleach, ammonia, or other cleaning agents
- Paint and paint thinners
- Propane tanks or charcoal
- Aerosol sprays (e.g., hairspray, bug spray)
- Fertilizers or pesticides
These items pose a risk to your belongings, your movers, and the vehicle itself, especially during hot or cold weather conditions, which Edmonton often experiences.
Tip: Contact your moving company in advance to ask what items they prohibit. Then check with your local Edmonton Eco Stations or waste disposal centers for proper ways to dispose of hazardous materials.
Mistake #6: Forgetting to Secure and Separate Valuables
Some items can’t be replaced if they go missing or get damaged. During a move, it’s easy to lose track of important documents, cash, jewelry, electronics, heirlooms, or keepsakes, especially if they’re mixed in with general boxes.
These valuables should never be thrown into the truck with everything else.
Tip: Pack them in a clearly labeled and sealed container that stays with you at all times. A backpack, lockbox, or small suitcase works well. Keep this bag separate from other moving boxes so it doesn’t accidentally get loaded onto the truck.
If you’re using a moving company in Edmonton, ask if they offer secure handling for high-value items, or better yet, transport them yourself.
Mistake #7: Not Labeling Your Boxes Clearly
Failing to label your boxes properly creates major delays on moving day. The movers won’t know which boxes go where, and unpacking becomes a guessing game. You’ll waste time digging through random boxes just to find your coffee mug or bed sheets.
Tip: Use a simple labeling system that includes:
- Room name (e.g., “Kitchen,” “Master Bedroom”)
- Contents (e.g., “Plates and Glasses,” “Winter Clothes”)
- Special handling instructions (e.g., “Fragile,” “This Side Up”)
Consider using color-coded labels or stickers for each room. This helps movers quickly place boxes in the correct area of your new home.
A few extra minutes labeling saves hours later and reduces the risk of broken items due to mishandling.
Mistake #8: Skipping the Essentials Bag
It’s easy to get caught up in packing everything except what you’ll need right away. Many people forget daily must-haves like phone chargers, medications, and basic toiletries. Then they’re left digging through boxes on the first night.
Fix it: Pack a “first 24 hours” bag with everything you’ll need the moment you arrive. Think of it like an overnight kit: toothbrush, PJs, important documents, and phone cords.
Mistake #9: Waiting Too Long to Book Movers in Edmonton
Peak moving times in Edmonton, spring, summer, and the end of each month, get booked fast. Waiting until the last minute often leads to limited options or higher prices.
Moreover, with Edmonton’s record population growth and status as one of Canada’s top destinations for movers, demand for moving companies is at an all-time high. Statistics Canada reported that Edmonton added 13,893 new residents in 2024, its largest net gain in over two decades. Combined with seasonal demand, this makes last-minute bookings nearly impossible.
Fix it: Aim to book your movers at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. This gives you a better shot at your preferred date, time, and a fair rate.
Need help? Reach out early to trusted local pros like Asr Moving, they know the area and can save you the stress.
Mistake #10: Not Budgeting or Asking About Fees
One of the most common moving mistakes is underestimating the full cost of a move. Many people focus only on the base price and forget about hidden fees like stair charges, long-carry fees, or extra costs for disassembling and reassembling furniture. These surprises can quickly throw off your budget.
To avoid last-minute stress, always ask for a detailed, itemized estimate upfront. A good moving company will be transparent and happy to break down the costs so you know exactly what you’re paying for, no guesswork involved.
Mistake #11: Trying to Do It All Alone
Tackling an entire move by yourself might seem like a way to save money, but it often ends up being more stressful and expensive in the long run. DIY moves can drag on for days, lead to damaged furniture, or worse, cause injury during heavy lifting.
Even if you’re confident handling the basics, certain tasks like moving large appliances or navigating stairs with bulky items are better left to professionals.
It’s worth weighing the physical and mental toll against the cost of hiring movers who have the tools, experience, and muscle to get the job done efficiently.
Population growth trends make this even more relevant: as of July 2024, three in four Canadians (74.8%) now live in CMAs, with Edmonton ranking among the fastest-growing at 4.5% annual growth. With more people moving to Alberta than leaving, demand for moving services in the Edmonton area is expected to continue rising.
If you’re looking for an experienced local mover in Edmonton, Calgary or anywhere in Canada who knows the city inside and out, Asr Moving is here to help. Our team handles the heavy lifting, literally and figuratively, so you can focus on the excitement of your new home.
Wrapping Up
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Stay organized, prepare early, and avoid these 11 common mistakes, and you’ll save yourself time, stress, and money. If you’re relocating across town or settling into a new neighborhood in Edmonton, a smooth move starts with smart decisions.
