Moving to Alberta? There’s a long list of things to do when moving provinces, including steps before, during and after your move. 

Here’s a checklist to help you stay on track. 

Should I Move to Alberta?

If you’re considering moving to Alberta, you’re not alone. Our province has been growing steadily over the past several years, with no sign of slowing down. So, what makes Alberta so attractive to relocators?

For starters, the local lifestyle is simply unbeatable. From stunning scenery to first class arts and culture, there’s no shortage of things to do. On top of that, Alberta is known for having a strong economy, with practically endless employment opportunities across a wide range of industries. It’s also an affordable place to live – especially compared to other provinces like British Columbia and Ontario.  


Thinking about moving to Calgary, Alberta? You may find these other blogs helpful!


Where to Move in Alberta

An important part of moving to a new province is deciding where you’d like to live. Alberta is a big place, and every area has something unique to offer. You’ve got major cities like Calgary and Edmonton, smaller cities and suburbs, and even quaint rural towns. 

If you’ve never visited Alberta before, you’ll want to do some research before you commit to moving to determine which specific community will be best for you. 

Calgary: Alberta’s Standout City 

Calgary isn’t just one of the fastest growing cities in Alberta, but also in Canada as a whole, and for good reason! Calgary’s unbeatable lifestyle, strong economy, and relatively affordable homes have made it an easy choice for many relocators. 

While Calgary offers something for everyone, it’s important to choose the right neighbourhood for you based on your needs and ideal lifestyle. To do that, you’ll want to do your research in advance and work with someone who knows Calgary’s communities inside and out – more on that later. 

Curious about life in Cowtown? Find out what Calgary is famous for

Before You Move 

Moving to Alberta from another province (or even another country) is more complicated than your average move. Part of what makes it so complex is all the things you need to do before you even make your move. 

Make a Plan For Housing

One of the most important aspects of moving to Alberta is having a plan in place for housing. Whether you want to buy a house right away or rent for a while, you’ll need to sort out your housing well in advance. 

Start Packing

It’s never too early to start packing. Moving day will come sooner than you think. This is also a good opportunity to sort through your current belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. 

Gather All Essentials

No matter how organized you are, things can get lost in the shuffle during a move. As you prepare, take time to gather essential documents and items that are can’t-lose. This includes things like passports, birth certificates, and medical records. Store these in a safe place and consider travelling with them on moving day. 

Getting Ready For Moving Day

Moving day can be hectic, especially if you’re relocating to a new province. Luckily, there are a few things you can do in advance to help things go smoothly. 

Book Movers

If you plan to use a long-haul moving service, you’ll want to book it months in advance. These types of movers are in high demand, and spots can fill up quickly. 

Book Travel

On top of getting your belongings packed, you’ll also want to make plans for your personal travel (and whoever is moving with you). Whether you plan to drive or fly, making plans in advance can help you cut back on costs. 


Searching for more advice on how to move to another province? Read these other blog posts. 


After You Arrive in Alberta

Even after you’ve arrived in Alberta, there will be a handful of important things to do before you get settled. Here are just a few things you will need to do after your move. 

Update Your Province of Residence

As soon as you arrive in Alberta, you’ll need to formally change your province of residence. This means updating your driver’s license, applying for the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, and updating your address with other government agencies like the CRA. 

Set Up Utilities 

Once you know what your Alberta address will be, you’ll need to cancel utilities at your current place and arrange for them to be set up in your new one. 

Set Up Mail Forwarding 

Don’t forget to set up mail forwarding at Canada Post to ensure any outstanding mail makes it to your new home. 

Work With an Alberta Relocation Expert

Alberta’s largest city, Calgary, ranks among some of the top cities in the world for quality of life. If you’re thinking about moving here, you’ll want to work with a real estate agent who specializes in supporting relocators and home buyers who are new to Alberta. That’s where we can help – Dolce Real Estate.

With multiple decades of combined experience in Calgary’s evolving market, our dynamic services for relocators have stood the test of time. Regardless of where you may be moving from, and what you would like your life in Calgary to look like, we can help!

Moving to Calgary? We can help! Call 403-999-5882 or send us an email at info@dolcerealestate.ca.

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