How do professional moving companies determine the cost of shipping your belongings to destinations outside of Alberta? Get valuable insider knowledge for the budget.
Moving your life across provincial borders can be as exciting as it is stressful. And few things add anxiety like the uncertainty of how much that long trek is going to cost.
Professional long-distance moving companies Calgary residents trust utilize a range of strategies to calculate fees for far-reaching moves.
Whether you’re bound for neighboring British Columbia or clear across the country to Nova Scotia, arm yourself with insider intel to make the best choices for your move and budget.
Decoding Long Distance Charges from Calgary Movers
The moving industry utilizes two overarching systems to determine long haul charges:
- Weight-Based Pricing
- Distance-Based Pricing
Weight-based pricing is exactly what it sounds like—charges derive mostly from the total weight being shipped. Distance traveled is a lesser factor. This model is common for moves contained within the same province or region.
For longer trajectory interprovincial relocations, distance-based pricing takes precedence. Costs correlate strongly to the kilometers between origin and destination, while weight plays a supporting role.
Key Factors That Influence Cost
While formulas vary between companies, several core factors impact the bottom line:
- Weight: Heavier loads cost more to haul long distances. Professional movers determine item weights via certified scales.
- Distance: Farther trips cost exponentially more in time, fuel, labor. Cross-country treks hit the top rates.
- Truck Size: Larger trucks haul more belongings at once but have higher base fees.
- Season: Peak summer months have higher demand, impacting availability and prices.
- Access: Tricky drop-off points like downtown high rises or rural areas boost charges.
And services like packing and unpacking accrue additional fees. Pro movers break down all costs in written estimates for transparency.
Average Cost to Move Out-Of-Province from Calgary
Calgary residents relocating out-of-province can expect to pay on average:
- British Columbia: $3,500+
- Ontario: $7,000+
- Atlantic Canada: $8,500+
- USA: $9,000+
But averages only say so much. Actual moving quotes fluctuate around these markers based on particulars.
For example, a winter move to Ottawa for a 1-bedroom apartment may run closer to $5,000. But a summertime relocation to Toronto for a 3-bedroom house with full packing service could reach $9,000+.
Use the following table to help gauge potential costs for your specific long distance move:
| Destination | 1 Bedroom Apt | 2 Bedroom Apt | 3 Bedroom House |
| Vancouver, BC | $3,000 – $4,500 | $4,000 – $6,000 | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Edmonton, AB | $2,500 – $4,000 | $3,500 – $5,500 | $4,500 – $7,000 |
| Regina, SK | $4,000 – $6,500 | $5,500 – $8,000 | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Winnipeg, MB | $5,000 – $8,000 | $7,000 – $10,000 | $9,000 – $12,500 |
| Ottawa, ON | $6,000 – $9,500 | $8,000 – $12,000 | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Moncton, NB | $8,000 – $12,000 | $10,500 – $15,000 | $13,000 – $18,000 |
| Miami, FL | $10,000 – $14,000 | $13,000 – $17,000 | $16,000 – $20,000 |
Pricing reflects regular season moves for 4th floor residences with elevator access. Additional charges may apply for packing, storage, piano moves, etc.
Tips to Save on Your Long Distance Relocation
Securing a bargain long distance move hinges on strategy:
- Be flexible with timing. Avoid summer rush.
- Edit ruthlessly to reduce items transferred.
- Handle small valuables personally.
- Obtain binding estimates from multiple licensed companies.
- Compare line-by-line. Inquire about unclear fees.
- Ask about discounts like repeat or corporate customer.
- Get guaranteed price quotes in writing.
Shopping around drums up the best mix of competitive pricing and reputable service for long hauls from Calgary to destinations across North America.
Trust Calgary’s Top Movers to Handle Your Long-Distance Move
Moving between provinces or internationally demands experience. For seamless service at fair rates, rely on a long-distance mover with proven credentials.
Verify licenses. Check ratings. Ask for client references. And ensure they provide binding estimates with no unexpected costs.
The more thoroughly you vet and compare Calgary movers for long-distance jobs, the easier it is to keep your interprovincial relocation on budget.
