A smooth moving day starts weeks before the truck arrives. When you know what to do and when, the job feels much smaller, and your movers can work faster because everything is ready. This week-by-week plan shows how to prepare for movers in Fort McMurray, from the first phone call to the last box, whether you are moving across town, to Anzac or another Wood Buffalo community, or to another city in Alberta.
6 to 8 weeks before: book your movers and set the plan
The earlier you book, the more choice you have for your moving date. This is especially true at the end of the month, when many leases end, and for long-distance moves that need to be arranged in advance.
- Confirm your key dates: lease end or possession date at the old home, and when you get the keys to the new one
- Contact movers for a free quote. Share both addresses, the size of your home, stairs or elevators, and any large or unusual items
- Decide what help you want: moving only, or packing, unpacking and cleaning as well
- Start a simple moving folder or note on your phone for quotes, dates, contacts and receipts
- If you rent, give notice to your landlord in writing as your lease requires
Not sure what to book? Our moving services in Fort McMurray cover local and long-distance moves, and you can add only the extras you need.
4 to 5 weeks before: sort, sell and start packing
Every item you do not move is one less item to pack, carry and unpack.
- Go room by room and sort items into keep, sell, donate and recycle
- Use up frozen food and pantry items you do not want to move
- Collect boxes, packing tape, markers and paper, or ask about professional packing
- Pack rooms and items you rarely use first: storage rooms, guest rooms, seasonal gear, books and décor
- Label every box with the room it goes to and a short list of what is inside
- Measure large furniture and the doorways at the new home so you know what will fit
If packing a whole home sounds like too much, our packing and unpacking service can do it for you with proper materials.
2 to 3 weeks before: handle the paperwork and logistics
- Arrange to move or set up power, natural gas, water, internet and phone at the new address
- Update your address with Canada Post, your bank, employer, insurance and other accounts
- Ask your condo or apartment building about elevator bookings, move hours and where the truck can park, at both addresses
- Book cleaning for the home you are leaving and, if you want, the home you are moving into
- Plan for children and pets on moving day, such as a relative, friend or sitter
- Tell your movers about any specialty items such as a piano, hot tub or safe
Moving into a building with shared spaces? See how our condo and townhome movers plan around building rules.
1 week before: finish packing and confirm the details
- Pack everything except what you need for the last few days
- Confirm the date, arrival time and both addresses with your movers
- Take apart furniture you are comfortable with, and keep screws and bolts in labelled bags taped to the piece
- Defrost and clean the freezer if it is moving, following the manufacturer’s instructions
- Set aside valuables, important papers, medication and chargers to move with you
- In winter, plan to clear snow and ice from driveways, steps and walkways at both homes
Moving between November and March? Read our winter moving tips for Fort McMurray for cold-weather planning.
The day before: pack your essentials box
Pack one clearly marked box or bag that travels with you, not on the truck. Include:
- Toiletries, a change of clothes and any medication
- Phone chargers, important documents and keys
- Toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags and basic cleaning supplies
- Snacks, water, a kettle or coffee maker, and a few dishes
- Bedding for the first night, and a small tool kit
Also charge your phone, keep a clear path to the door, and set aside anything that is not moving so it does not end up on the truck by mistake.
Moving day: be ready when the crew arrives
- Do a quick walkthrough with the crew lead and point out fragile items and anything that stays behind
- Keep one person available to answer questions at each address
- Protect floors and keep pets in a closed room or away from the home
- Check every room, closet, cupboard and the garage before the truck leaves
- At the new home, tell the crew where large furniture goes so it is placed in the right room the first time
After the move: unpack and settle in
- Set up beds and the kitchen first, so the first night is comfortable
- Unpack one room at a time, starting with the rooms you use most
- Recycle boxes and packing paper, or ask about removal of leftover packing materials
- Book a move-in or deep clean if the new home needs it
Let a moving and cleaning package do the heavy lifting
Many people find the cleaning, packing and leftover boxes are the most tiring parts of a move. Noah Moving & Cleaning offers four packages that combine them with your move:
- Noah Complete Move — 25% off: moving plus move-out cleaning for your old home.
- Noah Fresh Start — 20% off: moving plus move-in cleaning or a deep clean of your new home.
- Noah Easy Move — 15% off: moving plus junk removal or removal of leftover packing materials.
- Noah Full Service — 30% off: packing, moving, unpacking, and cleaning.
Learn more on our moving and cleaning packages page. Contact us for details and to book. Leaving a rental? Use our move-out cleaning checklist before the final inspection.
Noah Moving & Cleaning is federally licensed in Canada and licensed by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Alberta, and carries WCB coverage, cargo insurance, and liability insurance for moving and cleaning services.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book movers?
Contact movers as soon as you know your moving date. Booking early gives you the best choice of dates, especially at the end of the month and for long-distance moves that must be arranged in advance.
Should I empty drawers before the movers come?
Ask your movers when you book. In general, remove anything fragile, heavy, valuable or liquid from drawers, and pack loose items in boxes so drawers do not slide open during the move.
What should I not pack in the moving truck?
Keep important documents, medication, valuables, keys and your essentials box with you. Tell your movers about any hazardous items such as propane tanks, fuel or paint so they can explain what cannot go on the truck.
How much does it cost to hire movers in Fort McMurray?
The price depends on factors such as the size of your home, how much you are moving, access at each address, distance and your moving date. Request a free quote with your details.
Get a free moving quote
Ready to start planning? Call Noah Moving & Cleaning at (780) 607-2205 or request your free quote online, and we will help you plan your move week by week.