Cost and Price to Move three-bedroom home in Calgary

18 Oct 2024

Cost of Moving a Local Three-Bedroom Home in Calgary

Moving a three-bedroom home locally in Calgary typically costs between $800 and $1,400, depending on several factors. Moving can be both stressful and expensive, but understanding the costs involved can help you plan and budget effectively. In this article, we’ll explore the typical cost of moving a three-bedroom home locally in Calgary, what factors impact these costs, and how you can potentially save money.


What Is a Local Move?

A local move generally refers to any move within the same city or within a 100-mile radius. This differs from a cross-country or cross-province move, which involves relocating to another city, province, or territory.


Factors Influencing the Cost of a Local Move

Several variables can affect the cost of moving a three-bedroom home within Calgary:

1. Distance Between Homes

While local moves are shorter than long-distance relocations, distance still matters. The further the movers have to travel, the higher the cost due to fuel expenses and travel time.

Example: Moving from one part of downtown Calgary to another may cost less than moving from Calgary’s outer suburbs to a neighborhood across town.

2. Size of the Home

The larger your home, the more items and furniture you likely have to move. A three-bedroom home typically involves more belongings than a smaller apartment, requiring additional moving time and materials.

Example: A move with a standard three-bedroom house and typical furniture could cost around $1,200, while a more furnished home with extra belongings might increase the cost to $1,400.

3. Amount of Furniture and Special Items

The amount of furniture, appliances, and any special items like pianos or pool tables can significantly increase the moving cost. These items require extra care, special handling, and additional time.

Example: Moving a piano or large appliances like a refrigerator may add $100 to $300 to the total cost.

4. Season and Timing

Moving costs fluctuate depending on the time of year. The summer months (May to September) are considered peak moving season, where prices tend to be higher due to demand. Winter moves are usually less expensive.

Example: Moving during the summer could cost an additional $100 to $200 compared to moving in the off-season (October to April).

5. Moving Company Rates

The price also depends on the moving company you hire. Reputable moving companies in Calgary may charge higher rates but offer better services such as packing, unpacking, and insurance for your items.

Example: Affordable movers may offer base prices starting at $800, but high-end relocation companies in Calgary may charge up to $1,400 for more comprehensive services.


Average Cost of a Local Move for a Three-Bedroom Home

On average, the cost to move a three-bedroom home locally in Calgary is around $1,250. However, this figure can vary based on the factors mentioned above.

Example Pricing Breakdown:

  • Base Rate: $800 for a small, lightly furnished three-bedroom home, including loading, transport, and unloading.
  • Standard Move: $1,250 for a typical three-bedroom home with average furniture and belongings.
  • High-End Move: $1,400 or more if you have a lot of furniture, require special handling for items like pianos, or are moving during peak season.

These figures don’t include extra services such as packing, unpacking, or storage, which could increase your overall expenses.


Additional Costs: Packing, Unpacking, and Storage

While the base moving cost covers transportation, labor, and loading/unloading, other services like packing and unpacking add to the total cost.

  • Packing and Unpacking Services: $200 - $700, depending on the number of items and whether you need full or partial packing services.
  • Storage: $100 - $300 per month, depending on the size of the storage unit.
  • Special Handling (Pianos, Appliances): $100 - $300 per item, as special equipment and handling are often required.

Tips for Reducing Your Moving Costs

Here are a few practical tips to help reduce the cost of your move:

1. Declutter Before You Move

The less you have to move, the cheaper your move will be. Take the time to declutter your home and get rid of items you no longer need. Sell, donate, or recycle these items to lighten the load.

Example: Decluttering could reduce your moving costs by $100 to $200 if fewer items need to be packed and transported.

2. Pack Your Own Belongings

Hiring professional packers can be convenient, but it's also costly. If you have the time, consider packing your own items to save money.

Example: Packing yourself could save you $200 to $500, depending on the size of your home.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

Don’t settle for the first moving company you find. Obtain quotes from several moving companies in Calgary to compare prices and services. This ensures you’re getting the best deal for your move.

Example: By comparing quotes, you may find a more affordable moving company that charges $1,000 instead of $1,250for the same services.

4. Be Flexible with Your Moving Date

Moving during the off-season or on weekdays rather than weekends can reduce costs. Being flexible with your moving date may also allow moving companies to offer discounts.

Example: If you move in January instead of July, you could save $100 to $200.


Sample Price Guide for Moving a Three-Bedroom Home in Calgary

Service TypeCost RangeDetails
Basic Move (within Calgary)$800 - $1,200Includes loading, transport, and unloading for a 3-bedroom home.
Full-Service Move (with Packing)$1,200 - $1,800Packing, transportation, unpacking for a standard 3-bedroom home.
Special Handling (Piano, Appliances)$100 - $300/itemExtra charges for handling large items like pianos or refrigerators.
Storage Unit Rental$100 - $300/monthShort-term storage for extra items during your move.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does it cost to move a three-bedroom home locally in Calgary?
A: The cost typically ranges from $800 to $1,400, depending on factors like distance, amount of furniture, and additional services.

Q: What is included in the base moving cost?
A: The base cost generally includes labor for loading and unloading, transportation, and fuel for a local move. Additional services like packing and storage may cost extra.

Q: Can I lower the cost of my move by packing myself?
A: Yes, packing your own belongings can save you between $200 and $500 on packing services.

Q: How much does it cost to move special items like pianos or appliances?
A: Moving large or fragile items like pianos or appliances can cost an extra $100 to $300 per item due to the need for special handling.


Conclusion

The cost of moving a three-bedroom home locally in Calgary typically ranges from $800 to $1,400, but various factors such as the distance, amount of furniture, and time of year can influence this price. By decluttering, packing your own items, and getting multiple quotes, you can keep costs manageable. Whether you're looking for affordable movers or premium relocation companies in Calgary, understanding the costs involved will help you budget effectively for your move.

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