What to Look for in a Moving Company in Calgary

Choosing a moving company in Calgary shouldn't feel like a gamble. But with dozens of options — from established companies to guys-with-a-truck operations on Kijiji — knowing what separates a trustworthy mover from a risky one can save you money, stress, and broken belongings. Here's exactly what to look for.

Check Licensing and Insurance First

This is non-negotiable. Before anything else, verify these two things:

Business Licence

Every legitimate moving company in Calgary should hold a valid City of Calgary business licence. You can verify this through the City's online registry. If a company can't produce a licence number, walk away.

Insurance Coverage

A professional mover should carry at minimum:

• General liability insurance: Covers damage to your property (walls, floors, doorframes) during the move. Look for at least $2 million in coverage
• Cargo insurance: Covers your belongings while they're on the truck. Ask what the per-item and per-move limits are
• Workers' compensation: Protects you from liability if a mover is injured in your home. In Alberta, this is managed through the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB)

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance — any reputable company will provide one without hesitation. At Unitas Movers, we share our insurance documentation upfront because we believe transparency builds trust.

Written Estimates vs. Verbal Quotes

One of the most common ways people get overcharged is by accepting a verbal quote. Here's the difference:

Written Estimate (What You Want)

• Detailed breakdown of charges: hourly rate, number of movers, truck fee, travel time, fuel surcharge
• Clear terms for additional charges (stairs, long carries, specialty items)
• Cancellation and rescheduling policy
• Insurance coverage details
• Something you can reference if there's a dispute

Verbal Quote (What to Avoid)

• "It'll probably be around $400-$500" — that range can easily become $800 on moving day
• No documentation means no recourse
• Often a sign of an unlicensed operator

A good moving company will either visit your home, do a video survey, or ask detailed questions about your inventory before quoting. If someone gives you a price after a 30-second phone call, be skeptical.

How to Read Moving Company Reviews

Online reviews are valuable, but you need to read them critically:

Where to Check

• Google Business Profile: The most reliable source — harder to fake, and Google's algorithm filters suspicious reviews
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check for complaints and how they were resolved, not just the rating
• HomeStars: Popular in Calgary for home service reviews
• Facebook: Useful for seeing how the company responds to both positive and negative feedback

What to Look For

• Specific details: Reviews mentioning crew members by name, specific items moved, or particular challenges overcome are more likely genuine
• Response to negatives: How a company handles complaints tells you more than their perfect reviews. Look for professional, solution-oriented responses
• Recency: Reviews from the last 6-12 months matter more than a glowing review from 2019
• Volume: 50 reviews averaging 4.7 stars is more trustworthy than 5 reviews averaging 5.0 stars

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Years of experience in Calgary's moving industry have taught us the warning signs. Avoid any company that:

• Demands a large cash deposit: A small deposit or credit card hold is normal. Requiring hundreds of dollars in cash upfront is not
• Won't provide a written estimate: If they won't put it in writing, they're leaving room to inflate the price
• Has no physical address: A legitimate moving company has a verifiable business location
• Uses a generic email: Gmail or Hotmail instead of a company email domain suggests a fly-by-night operation
• Quotes significantly below market rate: In Calgary, local moves with two movers and a truck typically start around $99-$140/hour. If someone quotes $50/hour, the price will climb on moving day — guaranteed
• Can't provide proof of insurance: This is the single biggest red flag. No insurance means you have no protection
• Pressures you to book immediately: "This price is only good today" is a sales tactic, not a moving company policy

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Before committing to any Calgary moving company, ask these questions:

1. Are you licensed and insured? Ask for the business licence number and Certificate of Insurance
2. How do you charge? Hourly or flat rate? What's included in the rate?
3. How many movers and trucks for my move? Understaffing a move saves the company money but costs you time
4. What's your cancellation policy? Life happens — know the terms before you book
5. Do you charge travel time? Most Calgary movers charge travel time from their base to your home and back. Know the rate
6. Are there extra charges for stairs, long carries, or heavy items? These are legitimate surcharges, but they should be disclosed upfront
7. What happens if something is damaged? Understand the claims process before you need it
8. Can you provide references? A company that's been in business should have happy customers willing to vouch for them

What Your Quote Should Include

A transparent moving quote from a reputable Calgary company should clearly state:

• Rate per hour (or flat rate for long-distance)
• Number of movers assigned
• Truck size
• Travel time charges
• Fuel surcharge (if applicable)
• Minimum charge (typically 2-3 hours for local moves)
• Stair fees, long-carry fees, or elevator wait charges
• Packing materials costs (if using packing services)
• Insurance coverage included
• Payment methods accepted
• Cancellation and rescheduling terms

Local vs. National Moving Companies

Both have pros and cons for a Calgary move:

• Local companies (like Unitas Movers) know Calgary's neighbourhoods, building access quirks, parking challenges, and weather patterns. They're often more flexible on scheduling and pricing
• National chains offer brand recognition and standardized processes, but may subcontract to local crews you haven't vetted. Prices tend to be higher due to corporate overhead

For local and regional Alberta moves, a well-reviewed Calgary-based company typically offers the best combination of knowledge, pricing, and accountability.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a moving company comes down to three things: verify they're legitimate (licensed, insured), get everything in writing, and trust your instincts when something feels off. A few hours of research before booking can save you thousands in damages, overcharges, or lost belongings.

Ready to work with a company that checks every box? Get a free quote from Unitas Movers — licensed, insured, transparent pricing, and hundreds of happy Calgary customers.