Fort McMurray Moving Guide
The Complete Moving Checklist
Week-by-week tasks so nothing falls through the cracks. Check off each item as you go — or print the whole list.
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8+ Weeks Before
Plan Your Move
Booking & Logistics
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Book your moving companyHorizon Moving: (780) 531-1919 — book early, especially May–September
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Confirm your moving date and get a written clear quoteGet everything in writing — quote, date, services included
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Give notice to your landlord (if renting)Most Alberta leases require 1–3 months notice depending on your lease type
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Start researching your new neighbourhoodSchools, transit, grocery stores, healthcare — important for families
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Create a moving budgetInclude movers, packing materials, cleaning, deposits, utility setup charges
Declutter & Donate
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Go room by room — sort items into Keep, Donate, and DiscardFewer items = lower moving quote. This is the most important pre-move task.
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Donate usable items to local charities or list on Facebook Marketplace
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Properly dispose of hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, propane)Movers cannot transport these — arrange disposal before move day
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List large furniture you won't be taking — sell or donate
Packing Supplies
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Order moving boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrapOrder from Horizon Moving supplies → — delivered to your door
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Get wardrobe boxes for clothing on hangers
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Get dish packing kits for your kitchen
Horizon Moving Tip Summer moves in Fort McMurray book 4–6 weeks out. If you're moving May–September, call (780) 531-1919 as soon as you have a date confirmed.
4–6 Weeks Before
Notify & Start Packing
Address Changes
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File a Canada Post mail forwarding requestDo this at canadapost.ca — takes effect quickly and forwards mail for up to 12 months
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Update your address with Service Canada (EI, CPP, OAS if applicable)
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Update your address with the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)Important for tax returns and benefit payments
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Update your address with Service Alberta (driver's license, health card)Alberta residents must update their address within 14 days of moving
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Notify your employer of new address
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Update address with your bank and credit cards
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Update address with insurance providers (home, auto, life)
Utilities
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Schedule electricity disconnection at old addressATCO, EPCOR, or your local provider — schedule for the day after your move
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Schedule electricity connection at new address
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Transfer or cancel internet and TV service
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Transfer or cancel natural gas service (ATCO Gas)
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Transfer or cancel water/sewer (Wood Buffalo Regional Municipality)
Start Packing
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Start packing rooms you use least first (guest rooms, storage, basement)
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Label every box with contents and destination roomBe specific: "KITCHEN — Pots & Pans" is better than "KITCHEN"
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Pack a "valuables" box for important documents — keep it with you on move dayPassports, birth certificates, financial documents, medications
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Photograph electronics before unplugging (for reconnecting at new place)
2 Weeks Before
Finalize Everything
Packing & Prep
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Continue packing non-essentials — aim to be 70% packed
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Disassemble furniture you're packing (if not using movers for this)
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Use up or donate freezer and pantry food
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Return library books, rented equipment, borrowed items
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Collect all items from storage units, friends, family
Confirm with Your Movers
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Reconfirm move date and time with Horizon MovingCall (780) 531-1919 to confirm details and address any questions
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Confirm access arrangements at both addresses (parking, elevator booking, key pickup)
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Book elevator at new building if applicableMost Fort McMurray apartment buildings require advance booking — call your building manager
1 Week Before
Final Preparations
Packing the Rest
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Pack all rooms except daily essentials (leave out: toiletries, 2-3 days of clothes, phone charger, bedding)
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Pack kids' and pets' essentials bag separately — things you need immediately on arrival
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Pack a "first night" box: toilet paper, paper towels, snacks, cofcharge, basic tools, light bulbsLabel it clearly and load it LAST so it comes off the truck FIRST
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Defrost the refrigerator and freezer
Logistics
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Arrange childcare or pet care for moving dayKids and pets in a safe place makes moving day much smoother for everyone
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Confirm parking access at both locations for the moving truck
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Prepare payment for your movers (e-Transfer ready, cash on hand)Horizon Moving accepts Interac e-Transfer to operations@movewithhorizon.ca
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Notify friends or family about your moving day in case you need help
Horizon Moving Tip Organize boxes by room and stack them near the front door before we arrive. Clear paths through the house save time — which means your upfront move is smoother and faster for everyone.
Moving Day
The Big Day
Morning
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Wake up early — don't let the movers arrive before you're ready
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Eat breakfast — it's going to be a long day
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Pack remaining daily essentials into your personal bag
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Confirm your movers are on the way (Horizon: (780) 531-1919)
When Movers Arrive
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Walk the movers through the home — point out fragile items and special instructions
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Show movers where the "first night" box is — it goes last on the truck
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Keep out of the way but stay available for questions
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Keep pets and children secured away from the movers
Before You Leave Your Old Home
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Do a final walkthrough — every room, every closet, every cabinet
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Check attic, basement, garage, and outdoor storage
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Turn off all lights, fans, and appliances
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Turn off water if you're the last to leave
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Return all keys to landlord or real estate agent
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Take photos of the empty home for your recordsImportant for deposit disputes
At Your New Home
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Be there before the movers arrive
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Direct movers on where to place furniture in each roomHave a rough floor plan in mind — it's much easier to place furniture correctly now than move it later
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Check all items off the truck — note any damage before the crew leaves
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Pay your movers and leave a review if you're happyA Google review for Horizon Moving means the world to our team and helps other Fort McMurray families choose right
After Your Move
Settle Into Your New Home
First 24–48 Hours
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Unpack your "first night" box — get the essentials sorted
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Set up beds and bathroom — prioritize sleep and comfort first
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Locate electrical panel, water shutoff valve, and furnace
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Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
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Change the locks (if you've bought the home)
First Month
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Update your address on your driver's license and health cardRequired within 14 days of moving in Alberta
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Register kids at new school
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Register with a new family doctor or find a walk-in clinic
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Update vehicle registration and insurance with new address
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Leave a Google review for your moversHelps your neighbours make the right choice. Review Horizon Moving →
You did it! Moving is stressful but you've made it. If Horizon Moving made your move easier, we'd love a review on Google — it takes 2 minutes and helps other Fort McMurray families find us.
Ready to Book the Easy Part?
Let Horizon Moving handle the heavy lifting. Free quote, clear quotes, fully insured.