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The Ultimate Moving Checklist: A Stress-Free Guide for Homeowners


Moving is a thrilling milestone—but let's be honest, it can also be a bit overwhelming. Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, having a solid plan can make all the difference.

Here’s your ultimate step-by-step moving guide, including tips for families with kids and pets, so nothing gets left behind (including your sanity!).

Start Early and Stay Organized

Begin by giving your current home a thorough clean. Use this opportunity to declutter—donate, sell, or toss items you no longer need. Start packing non-essential items early, aiming to pack a little each day.

Create an inventory of large items like appliances and furniture to determine the appropriate size of the moving truck or to get accurate estimates from professional movers. If you're moving valuable or delicate items (like fine art or a piano), ensure you have proper packing materials and inform your movers in advance.

Secure Movers or a Rental Truck

Book your moving truck or professional movers well ahead of your move date. When selecting a mover:

  • Read online reviews and ask for referrals.

  • Compare multiple quotes and understand what's included.

  • Inquire about the number of movers assisting and whether insurance coverage is provided.

  • Always have a backup plan in case something doesn't go as expected.

Gather Packing Supplies

Check whether your movers provide packing materials before purchasing your own. If not, here's what you'll need:

  • Moving boxes (you can often find these for free from local stores or friends).

  • Packing tape, bubble wrap, paper, markers, and labels.

  • A dolly or cart for heavy items.

  • Cleaning supplies for both your old and new place.

  • Special gear if you're planning to paint or do touch-ups.

Packing Smart

When it's time to pack:

  • Clearly label your boxes by room and content—it saves major time during unpacking.

  • Take photos of electronics, appliance hookups, or any complex setups so you can easily reconnect them later.

  • Keep important documents like IDs, insurance, and passports in a clearly marked box—or scan them digitally.

  • Pack an overnight bag with clothes, toiletries, and essentials for your first night.

  • Don't forget to clean out and unplug your fridge at least 24 hours before moving.

Update Services and Change Your Address

Moving is a great time to review your service providers. You might be able to score better deals on internet, home insurance, or TV packages.

Here's a handy checklist for what to update:

  • Utility providers (gas, water, electricity)

  • Internet, cable, and phone

  • Insurance companies

  • Bank accounts and credit cards

  • Healthcare providers, dentist, vet, etc.

  • Employer and any subscription services

  • Your kids' school

  • Driver's license and health care cards

  • Canada Post (to forward your mail)

Don't forget to let landscapers, cleaners, or any regular service providers know about your move.

Moving with Kids or Pets?

Moving with little ones (furry or otherwise) requires extra planning. Consider booking pet care or daycare for the big day. Be sure to pack a special "first night" kit for kids with their favourite toys, snacks, and pajamas to keep them comfortable during the transition.

Bonus: Moving Day Tips

  • Start early to give yourself plenty of time for the unexpected.

  • Leave the keys where agreed with the buyer or new tenants.

  • Tip your movers if they do a great job—it's always appreciated.

A Note on Moving Costs

Recently I was named an expert in a Rent. article. Check out the featured article: Understanding 2025 Moving Costs | Rent.

While the article is U.S.-based, many of the insights—like budgeting for movers, understanding timing, and planning ahead—are just as relevant here in Canada. Moving challenges and costs may vary by region, but the core principles apply on both sides of the border.

Moving doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a solid plan and a calm mindset, you'll be unpacking in your new home before you know it. Whether you're planning your first move or your fifth, I'm here to make the real estate side as smooth as possible.

Have questions about buying or selling in Airdrie or Calgary? Let's chat—I'm here to help!

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Grateful Beyond Words – Silver Winner for Best Realtor in Airdrie

I’m beyond honoured to share that I’ve been named the Silver Winner for Best Realtor in Airdrie in the 2025 Best of Airdrie awards!

This recognition truly means the world to me—especially because it comes from this incredible community that I get to work with every single day. Real estate has never just been a job for me. It’s something I genuinely love and feel passionate about, and I put my whole heart into helping people through what can be one of the biggest (and sometimes most emotional!) decisions of their lives.

Whether I’m helping a family get their home ready to hit the market with staging, photography, and virtual tours—or guiding a first-time buyer through every step of the process—I aim to offer more than just the basics. I want every client to feel supported, heard, and confident. That means being honest, being available, and doing the little extras that make a difference.

The Airdrie City View recently featured me in their Readers’ Choice spotlight, and I’m so grateful they gave me the chance to share a bit about my story—how I got started in real estate after years in new home and land development, why I love what I do, and what I think really matters when it comes to buying or selling a home.

You can read the full article here.

To everyone who voted, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support, trust, and kind words mean more than you know. I truly wouldn’t be here without you.

This past year has been full of growth and amazing clients, and this recognition is such a lovely reminder of why I do what I do. I can’t wait to keep building on that momentum, continuing to learn, and helping even more people feel empowered and excited about real estate.

If you're thinking of making a move this year—or even if you're just curious about what's possible—please feel free to reach out. I’d love to chat.

Thank you again, Airdrie

— Tyler 

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April Market Update: The Shift Toward Balance Is Finally Here

After several years of low inventory, fast sales, and skyrocketing prices, Calgary and the surrounding areas are starting to catch their breath—and honestly, it’s a welcome change.

The real estate market in April brought some much-needed balance. More listings, slower sales, and steady prices are creating a healthier environment for both buyers and sellers. So whether you’re actively house hunting, thinking about listing, or just like to stay informed, here’s what you need to know.

A Big Shift: More Listings, Fewer Sales

In April, we saw 5,876 homes on the market in Calgary—more than double what we had last year at this time. But let’s put that into perspective: inventory was extremely tight in 2024, so this jump really just brings us back to normal spring levels.

Sales, on the other hand, were down 22% compared to last year, sitting at 2,236 homes sold. That might sound dramatic, but it’s actually in line with our long-term trends. Buyers haven’t disappeared—they’re just being a little more cautious (and they finally have more options, which helps).

CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie explains it well: steady employment, population growth, and more affordable lending rates (compared to last year) are helping to keep the market steady, even amid some broader economic uncertainty.

Prices: Holding Steady

So with more listings and fewer sales, what’s happening to prices? They’re holding.

The increase in inventory has eased some of the pressure we’ve seen over the past few years. We’re now sitting at close to three months of supply—a far cry from the one-month (or less) conditions that made buying feel like a race.

Here’s what benchmark prices are doing:

  • Detached & semi-detached homes: Just over 2% higher than last year

  • Apartment & row-style homes: Largely unchanged

Of course, this can vary depending on the property type and price point. Lower-priced detached homes are still super competitive, while apartments and row homes are seeing more balance.

Zooming In: What’s Happening Around Calgary?

Let’s break things down by region so you can see how things are playing out closer to home:

Airdrie

Airdrie is starting to feel a little more balanced, too. April saw 185 sales and 290 new listings, which brought the sales-to-new listings ratio down to 64%—a big improvement compared to recent months.

  • Benchmark Price: $544,700

  • Change from March & Last Year: Flat

  • Months of Supply: 2.3 (up from recent lows)

This is a nice breather for Airdrie after three years of super tight conditions. If you’re a buyer, you’ve got more breathing room. If you’re a seller, prices are still solid.

Cochrane

Cochrane is still doing its thing—quietly strong and steadily growing. Sales have held steady compared to last year, and new listings are climbing, but not enough to flood the market.

  • Benchmark Price: $592,000

  • Month-Over-Month: Slight increase

  • Year-Over-Year: Up nearly 6% (a record high)

Prices continue to rise thanks to strong demand and still-limited inventory. If you’ve been waiting to sell in Cochrane, this might be your moment.

Okotoks

In Okotoks, things are easing, but not stalling. Sales have slowed a bit, but new listings are finally picking up.

  • Benchmark Price: $627,100

  • Month-Over-Month: Down slightly

  • Year-Over-Year: Up 2%

  • Inventory: Still low, but improving

It’s a modest shift, but an important one—more balance means more opportunities for both buyers and sellers.

So, What Does This Mean For You?

We’re officially out of “panic mode,” and that’s a good thing. The frenzied pace of the last few years made real estate feel overwhelming. Now, with more homes on the market and less pressure to move immediately, buyers can take a breath and think things through—and sellers can still take advantage of strong pricing.

If you’re:

  • Buying – You’ll have more choices, more time to decide, and potentially more negotiating room.

  • Selling – You may not get 10 offers in a day, but serious buyers are still out there, and pricing remains strong in most areas.

Every market shift comes with opportunities—it’s just about knowing where to look. If you’ve been waiting for things to calm down before making a move, now might be the perfect time.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just want to understand what this all means for your situation, I’m here to help. Let’s talk strategy and make a plan that works for you.

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Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
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