How to avoid unexpected expenses when moving?

Moving to a new city always comes with a wave of emotions: the anticipation of new opportunities, meeting new people, and adventures intertwines with thoughts about countless organizational issues. In Calgary, one of the most dynamic cities in Western Canada, moving can be challenging if you don't take into account the many small expenses that can easily get out of hand. To minimize the risk of unpleasant financial surprises, it is necessary to carefully plan each stage of the move, from finding a place to live to setting up your new home.

Choosing an apartment: avoiding hidden fees

Before signing a lease, it is important to read all the terms and conditions carefully and ask the landlord about all associated fees. Many apartment listings in Calgary seem attractive because they do not mention additional costs for heating, hot water, or utilities. In reality, the cost of “heat and utilities” is often included in a separate monthly fee, which can range from $150 to $200 CAD depending on the size of the apartment and the season. By clarifying in advance which services are included in the fee, you can compare the actual costs between different options.

Deposit (optional): Although it is usually sufficient to pay a monthly security deposit, some landlords require a second deposit for carpet or parking. There may also be an application fee of up to CAD 50. Read the contract carefully and check the cost of each item.

Moving company costs: how to save on transportation

The largest expense when moving is often the cost of a moving company. A standard door-to-door service with movers, a fleet of vehicles, and packing materials can cost between CAD 1,500 and CAD 2,500, even for a two-bedroom apartment. To avoid an unexpectedly high bill, you should:

  • Request at least three official quotes from different companies;
  • Make sure that the fixed price includes carrying items up stairs or in an elevator, the distance from the house to the vehicle, packing furniture, and unpacking;
  • Agree on the cost of additional services (packing fragile items, disassembling/assembling furniture) separately so as not to get caught up in an “hourly rate” above the 100–120 CAD per person specified in the estimate.

Alternative: participate in a group move, where the truck travels with several customers and the cost is divided between them. Similar services are offered by local micro-carriers and mutual aid platforms.

Moving offline: before signing up for internet and cable

When moving frequently, people often order internet and cable TV services from one of the big three providers. However, a bundle subscription can sometimes turn out to be the most expensive item in your budget. To avoid unnecessary expenses, monitor independent providers: some local companies offer basic internet packages starting at CAD 30/month with no contracts, and for cable, free digital antennas or streaming platforms with low monthly fees are often sufficient. Transitional promotions, trial periods, and the option to cancel your contract on a monthly basis will help you avoid inflexibility and unnecessary expenses.

Moving costs: repairs and furniture without extra expenses

New residents often forget that a rented apartment may need minor repairs or basic furnishings: small jobs, buying curtains, light bulbs, shelf brackets. In total, this costs CAD 300–500. This amount can be avoided if you:

  • Inspect the property with the landlord before moving in and record all defects in a written report;
  • Clarify which minor repairs the owner will cover;
  • Do basic furnishing with the help of IKEA budget shopping;
  • Use exchange and donation platforms.

Vehicle registration and parking costs

For many Calgarians, a car is a necessity, but the cost of re-registering a vehicle, obtaining new license plates, and purchasing a parking permit can range from CAD 150 to CAD 300 per month. To avoid excessive costs, you should:

  • Re-register your car in Alberta before the end of the 90-day period from the date of your move;
  • Estimate the cost of a monthly resident parking permit;
  • Consider car sharing (Car2Go, Modo) for occasional trips.

Unexpected services and fees: know what to avoid

Registering a new gas or water meter, renting garbage cans, checking fire alarms in condominiums — all these small payments are barely noticeable in the overall picture of moving. It is important to ask right away:

  • Who pays for gas, electricity, and water meters?
  • Do you need to sign a separate contract for garbage collection and sorting?
  • Is there a fee for using the pool, gym, or common areas?

Adapting to your budget: build in a “safety cushion”

The most common mistake when budgeting for a move is to ignore 10–15% for unexpected expenses. In fact, this is the portion that helps cover:

  • Additional hours for movers;
  • Small expenses for groceries and delivery;
  • Uber or Lyft transportation costs during the first few days;
  • Purchase of a first aid kit, energy bars, and water.

The right approach is to immediately include at least 15% of these expenses in your overall estimate.

Moving to Calgary opens up many opportunities, but requires careful financial planning. Carefully reviewing rental terms, preparing alternative scenarios for transporting your belongings, optimizing moving and service costs, and including a “safety cushion” will help you stay within your budget and move without financial stress.