Moving to or Within St. Albert? Why Choosing Locally Owned St. Albert Movers May Be Better Than Hiring a Big Company.
Planning a move in St. Albert, Alberta, can feel overwhelming. Between packing boxes, organizing utilities, and adjusting to a new neighborhood, one of the most important choices you’ll make is which moving company in St. Albert to hire. Should you trust locally owned and operated St. Albert movers or go with a large, national moving chain?
The short answer: if your move is local, within or around St. Albert, St. Albert movers often provide better service, more flexibility, and a stronger community connection. But there are also times when a big company makes sense. Whether you’re relocating across town or just a few streets away, choosing experienced St. Albert movers can make the entire process smoother and less stressful.
Key Takeaways
Locally owned movers in St. Albert offer more personalized, flexible, and affordable service.
Big national movers may be better for large or long-distance moves but can cost more and feel less personal.
Always check reviews, licensing, and insurance before booking any moving company.
Supporting local movers keeps your money in the St. Albert community.
What “Locally Owned & Operated” Really Means
When you hear that a company is locally owned and operated, it means more than just being “small.”
The company is based in St. Albert (or nearby Edmonton).
The owners are part of the community — they live here, shop here, and depend on word-of-mouth.
Local movers are often more involved in day-to-day operations, not just running a call center.
For you, that means direct accountability. If something goes wrong, you’re talking to the owner or manager — not just a random call-line agent across the country.
Advantages of Hiring Local Movers in St. Albert
Here are the biggest reasons many residents prefer local movers:
1. Knowledge of Local Roads and Neighborhoods
A St. Albert mover knows how to handle tricky routes and neighborhood quirks. Whether it’s navigating construction on St. Albert Trail, tight town house parking near Mission, or busy intersections by Jensen Lakes, local knowledge saves time and stress.
2. Lower Travel Charges
Many national movers charge extra just to bring a truck from Edmonton or beyond. A St. Albert mover is already nearby, so you’re not paying for long commute times or fuel surcharges.
3. Flexibility and Quick Response
Need to change your moving date? Forgot about that oversized sectional sofa? Local movers can adapt faster. Larger corporations often stick to rigid schedules.
4. Personalized Service
Local crews rely on reputation. They want happy customers who will leave reviews and recommend them to neighbours. That often translates into extra care with your belongings and friendlier service.
5. Supporting the Local Economy
When you book a local mover, you’re investing in St. Albert. The money stays in the community, supporting local jobs and small business growth.
What Big Moving Companies Bring to the Table
Of course, large national or international moving chains have strengths too. They might be the right fit if:
You’re moving across provinces or a long distance.
You need specialized services like climate-controlled storage, corporate relocation, or commercial moving.
You want the security of a brand name with a formal guarantee.
That said, big companies can also come with higher prices, less flexibility, and more of a “one-size-fits-all” approach. For example, you may deal with subcontracted crews who don’t have the same personal investment in your move.

Comparison Table
Local St. Albert movers VS Big Movers in St. Albert
Factor Local Movers Big Movers Knowledge of St. Albert Excellent – known neighborhoods & traffic Limited – rely on GPS, less local nuance Cost for local moves Usually lower Often higher due to travel charges Flexibility High – easy to adjust Lower – corporate schedules Customer care Personalized, reputation-driven Standardized, less personal Best for Local residential & small business moves Large, cross-province, or international moves
What to Check Before Hiring Any St. Albert Moving Company
Regardless of whether you choose local or national, here are key factors to look at before booking:
Insurance & licensing: Are they fully insured and bonded?
Transparent pricing: Do you get a clear, written estimate that includes travel, labour, and extras like stairs or packing?
Experience with local housing: Townhouses in Riverside, condos in Grandin, or large homes in Oakmont may need different handling.
Reviews & reputation: Check Google reviews or Better Business Bureau (BBB) listings to see what past customers say.
Customer service: Can you reach a real person quickly if you have a concern?
For example, MoveAdvisor lists multiple St. Albert movers with ratings, so you can compare before deciding.
Examples of Movers Serving St. Albert
Here are a few moving companies worth checking out:
Alberta First Choice Moving — a locally owned mover with over 40 years of experience. (albertafirstmoving.ca)
Two Small Men with Big Hearts — provides packing, storage, and moving services across Alberta. (twosmallmen.com)
Ferguson Moving & Storage — a reputable company serving the St. Albert area. (fergusonmoving.com)
Each has its own unique strengths, so consider your specific needs before making a choice.
FAQs About Movers in St. Albert
Q: Are local movers always cheaper than big companies?
Not always. But for moves within St. Albert or nearby Edmonton, locals often save you money on travel costs and provide better value.
Q: Do local movers handle long-distance moves?
Some do, but big companies usually have more resources for cross-country moves. Ask if your local mover partners with larger firms for long hauls.
Q: How soon should I book a mover?
At least 2–3 weeks ahead during peak season (May–August). For winter or fall moves, 1–2 weeks is often enough.
Q: Do movers in St. Albert provide packing services?
Yes, many local companies offer full packing, supplies, and even unpacking if needed. Always ask what’s included in your quote.
Final Thoughts
If you’re moving within St. Albert, choosing a locally owned and operated moving company usually means:
Lower costs for short moves
Crews who know the community
More personalized and responsive service
Big national companies still have their place — especially for long-distance or specialized moves. But for most local moves, a St. Albert mover gives you the best balance of cost, care, and convenience.
When choosing St. Albert movers, don’t just look at price. Compare reputation, insurance, and customer service. After all, you’re trusting movers with more than just furniture — you’re trusting them with your home.
✅ Don’t just take our word for it — check out our Google Reviews and explore our BBB profile to see what real customers have to say about their experience with us.
Ready to make your move stress-free? Partner with a team that knows St. Albert inside and out. Visit Fast Kats Moving Edmonton today and book your reliable, affordable, and local moving service!







