Guide for moving to Alberta

Guide to moving to Alberta.

Moving can be a hectic and stressful process, especially moving provinces. After you made the first decision of which city you are moving too and picked your new place. There are some important things, that you will need to do, we have created a guide with tips to help make your move as smooth as possible. 

Registering and Insuring Your Out Of Province Vehicle

One of the first things you should do when moving to Alberta, is to switch your vehicle insurance, you have 3 months to register your vehicle once moving to Alberta. When coming from out of province, you will be require to do a vehicle inspection, you will need to go a "Request Vehicle Inspection" form. You are able to get this form at any registry, click here to search for a registry in your area. When picking up the form, remember to bring you current registeration papers, the registry will take note of your vehicle information. Once you have the request vehicles inspection form, you can take that form with you when you take your vehicle to get inspected. 

When taking your vehicle for an inspection make sure you do your research and choose a reputable mechanic. If the mechanic finds anything on your vehicle that does not pass inspection you will need to do those repairs before the mechanic can pass the vehicle. Once you have received your "out-of-province vehicle inspection certificate," you will need to get vehicle insurance. Once you have selected the insurance company that best suites your needs, you can registry your vehicle, and receive your new Alberta drivers license. 

Changing Your Health Care

Once in Alberta you are eligble to receive Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, after you have lived in Alberta for 3 months. Once you have lived in Alberta for 3 months, you will need to go to an Alberta registry. You will need to complete a form, along with providing lease agreement or pay stub (proof of address and date, drivers license, passport. You are able to print the form online or complete the form at the registry. There is no cost to receive an Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, once your application is completed you will receive your card by mail. 

Alberta Weather

One of the biggest adjustments to moving to Alberta can be the weather. Alberta comes with some unique weather, from cold winters, to hot summers. You can see snow as early as mid October and it can last up until May. It is recommended to invest in a good set of winter tires, and make sure your vehicle is winter weather ready, with an emergency roadside kit, block heater if your vehicle doesn't currently have one installed. Along with making sure your vehicle is winter ready, you want to make sure you have the proper clothing for Alberta's chilly days. A good quality winter coat, boots, and warm clothing to help keep cozy on those chilly days. If you are moving to southern Alberta, you will experience "chinooks". It is a unique weather pattern that causes the weather to suddenly warm up, it helps to break up the chilly temperatures. 

Utilities

There are many different utiltiies companies in Alberta, giving you the opportunity to shop around for the best rates. For electric companies, Alberta has plenty to choose from two of the major companies are ATCO and Epcor. When it comes to gas companies, two of the most popular are ATCO gas and Atlas gas. It is recommend to shop around to find the best provider, once you have a provider you are interested in a smart tip is to ask if you are able to lock in your rate or equalize payments. Doing either a rate lock in or equalize payments, this will make it easy to budget. 

It can be such an exciting adventure moving to a new place, hopefully our helpful tips will make your move to Alberta easier and stress free. Allowing you time to focus on setting up your new place, and starting to explore what this beautiful province has to offer. From scentic views of the mountains, to a wide range of history to uncover and start making memories you will never forget.