The Ultimate Moving to Alberta Checklist

Moving to Alberta is an exciting adventure! Whether you’re seeking better career opportunities, a lower cost of living, or the breathtaking natural beauty of the province, there’s plenty of reasons why you might choose to move to the beautiful province of Alberta. But before you can start enjoying your new home, there’s a lot to prepare for, and missing key steps can lead to unnecessary stress.

That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive moving to Alberta checklist to guide you through every stage of the process. From planning your move to settling in, this checklist ensures you won’t overlook anything important. Get ready to make your transition smooth, stress-free, and exciting!

Why Move to Alberta?

Before diving into the logistics, let’s talk about why Alberta is a great place to live.

• Lower Taxes: Alberta has no provincial sales tax (PST), meaning you pay less when shopping compared to provinces like Ontario and British Columbia.
• Affordable Housing: Compared to major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, Alberta’s real estate market is much more affordable.
• Job Opportunities: With industries in oil and gas, technology, and healthcare, Alberta offers strong employment prospects.
• Growing Tech & Innovation Sector: Alberta is rapidly becoming a hub for tech startups and innovation, with government initiatives supporting entrepreneurs and new businesses.
• High Quality of Life: With shorter commutes, clean cities, and a strong sense of community, Alberta offers a great work-life balance. The province also invests in public services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle for residents.
• Beautiful Landscapes: From the Rocky Mountains to vast prairies, Alberta offers some of Canada’s most stunning scenery. Should you move to Calgary, Banff will only be an hour away!

So, it’s no wonder so many people are choosing to make the move to Alberta. For even more reasons, check out my top 10 reasons people are moving. Now, it’s time to get into everything you need to know before making your move.

1. Plan Your Move (2-3 Months Before)

The first step is planning your move properly to avoid last-minute chaos. A well-organized plan can save you time, money, and stress.

Set a Moving Budget: Moving isn’t cheap! Factor in expenses like moving truck rental, professional movers, fuel, hotel stays if driving long distances, utility setup fees, and potential first-month rent deposits. If your employer is relocating you, check if they offer a moving reimbursement package.

Decide on DIY vs. Professional Movers: If you’re moving a small load, renting a truck might be cost-effective. But for a large move, hiring professional movers can save time and effort. Get quotes from multiple companies, read reviews, and book early—especially if moving during peak seasons like summer. 

Declutter and Sell Unwanted Items: Reduce moving costs by selling, donating, or disposing of things you no longer need. Host a garage sale, list items on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or Craigslist, and donate to local charities like Goodwill Alberta or Habitat for Humanity Restore.

Research the Best Cities and Neighborhoods in Alberta: Consider factors like job market, cost of living, amenities, schools (if you have kids), and lifestyle preferences. You can view my community guides and list of best neighborhoods in Calgary for more help.

Start Gathering Important Documents: You’ll need various documents when updating your address, registering for healthcare, and getting a new driver’s license. Start collecting:

• Birth certificates, passports, and Social Insurance Numbers (SIN)
• Employment records and job offer letters (if applicable)
• Rental agreements or home purchase documents
• School records (if moving with children)
• Medical records and prescriptions

2. Housing and Accommodation (1-2 Months Before)

Find a Place to Live: Whether you’re buying or renting, research listings and connect with local real estate agents. You can view my listings here,

Understand Rental Laws: If renting, familiarize yourself with Alberta’s landlord-tenant laws here.

Update Your Address: Notify banks, insurance companies, utility providers, subscriptions, and government services to avoid missing important mail or service disruptions. Update your address with:

• Banks & Credit Card Providers – Ensure your billing address matches your new home to prevent payment issues.
• Insurance Companies – Update your home, auto, and health insurance to reflect your new address and ensure continued coverage.
• Government Services – Notify Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Alberta Health Care (AHCIP), and Service Canada for tax, healthcare, and benefits updates.
• Employer & School Records – If you’re relocating for work or moving with children, update your employer’s records and school administration to ensure a smooth transition.

3. Employment & Finances

Transfer Your Job or Search for Work: If you’re moving without a job, use platforms like Indeed and Alberta Job Bank to find employment.

Open an Alberta Bank Account: Major banks like RBC, TD, and Scotiabank operate in Alberta. Having a local account makes transactions easier.

Understand Alberta’s Tax System: Alberta has a lower income tax rate and no PST. Learn more here.

4. Healthcare & Insurance

Apply for Alberta Health Care (AHCIP): Alberta provides free healthcare, but you need to register. Apply here.

Get Provincial Health Coverage: If you’re moving from another province, ensure your current coverage lasts until AHCIP starts.

Update Car Insurance & Registration: Alberta requires out-of-province vehicles to be inspected. Learn more here.

5. Transportation & Driving

Exchange Your Driver’s License: If you have a license from another province, you must exchange it within 90 days. Visit an Alberta Registry Office.

Register Your Vehicle in Alberta: If bringing your car, you must complete an out-of-province vehicle inspection before registering it in Alberta.

Understand Alberta’s Road Laws: Alberta experiences winter weather conditions, so ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires.

 

6. Schools & Childcare (If Applicable)

Enroll Your Children in School: Alberta offers public, Catholic, Francophone, charter, and private schools, giving parents plenty of options. Use the Alberta School Directory to find a school near your new home. If moving during the school year, contact the school district early to understand registration deadlines, required documents, and school zoning policies. 

Find Childcare Services: If you need daycare, check Alberta’s Childcare Lookup for licensed providers. Alberta offers subsidies for eligible families to help with daycare costs, so it’s worth checking if you qualify. Consider options like:

Understand Alberta’s Education System: Alberta’s school system is divided into Early Childhood (Pre-K & Kindergarten), K-12, and Post-Secondary. If you have older children, research high school diploma requirements, advanced placement (AP) programs, or specialized career-focused programs like the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for skilled trades.

Look Into Post-Secondary Options: If you or your child are considering further education, Alberta is home to top universities and colleges, including University of Alberta, University of Calgary, SAIT, NAIT, and Mount Royal University.

7. Settling In & Community Integration

Set Up Utilities & Internet: Contact providers for electricity (ENMAX, EPCOR), gas (ATCO), and internet (TELUS, Shaw) before moving. Doing this before moving ensures a smooth transition into your new home.

Explore Your New City: Visit local attractions like Banff, Jasper, or the Calgary Stampede. Check out my list of fun things to do in Calgary for even more ideas!

Meet New People: Join Facebook groups, Meetup events, or local sports leagues to build connections.

Enjoy Alberta’s Outdoor Activities: From skiing in the Rockies to hiking in Kananaskis, Alberta offers year-round outdoor fun. With so much to see and do, you’ll never feel bored here.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Alberta is an exciting journey, and with proper planning, it can be a seamless process. Use this moving to Alberta checklist to stay organized and make your move as stress free as possible.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might be planning their move to Alberta!

FAQ: What to Know About Moving to Alberta

What is the $5000 moving incentive in Alberta?

The $5,000 moving incentive in Alberta refers to government or employer relocation assistance programs that may help cover moving costs for skilled workers in high-demand industries. While Alberta itself doesn’t have a standard $5,000 incentive, programs like the Rural Renewal Stream and employer-sponsored relocation packages may offer financial assistance. Check Alberta’s official immigration and job programs for the latest details.

Is moving to Alberta worth it?

Yes, moving to Alberta is worth it for many people due to its affordable housing, strong job market, no provincial sales tax (PST), and stunning natural landscapes. The province offers a high quality of life with lower living costs compared to Ontario and British Columbia. However, factors like cold winters and industry-specific job opportunities should be considered before making the move.

What do I need to know before going to Alberta?

Before moving to Alberta, you should know about the cost of living, job opportunities, healthcare registration, and winter weather conditions. Alberta has no PST, lower income taxes, and an affordable housing market, making it attractive for newcomers. However, winters can be harsh, so preparing for extreme cold and snow is essential. It’s also important to apply for Alberta Health Care (AHCIP) and update your address with government agencies.

How long do I have to change my license after moving to Alberta?

You must exchange your out-of-province driver’s license within 90 days of moving to Alberta. To do this, visit an Alberta registry office with your current license, proof of residency, and identification. Depending on your previous license, you may need to take a knowledge or road test before receiving your Alberta driver’s license.