Indoor signs
1/28/2026
Relocating your business isn't just a logistical challenge; it's a critical branding moment. Your customers, suppliers, and partners need to find you without confusion, and your new location must immediately communicate the same professionalism and brand standards they've come to expect. A poorly executed move can cost you foot traffic, confuse your audience, and dilute years of brand equity. Get it right, and you'll use the relocation as an opportunity to refresh your presence and capture new market attention.
The greatest risk during a business move isn't the physical relocation, it's the visual communication gap. Even a few days without proper signage at your new location translates to lost customers, missed deliveries, and frustrated clients circling the block. While professional Calgary movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics of transporting your physical inventory, your branding strategy needs to move just as quickly. Coordination is key: as the trucks are being unloaded, your exterior channel letters and directional "We Have Moved" banners should already be in place to prevent any lapse in customer foot traffic.
In Calgary's competitive commercial real estate landscape, first impressions at your new address happen fast. Your signage is working 24/7 before you've even unpacked your first box.
Calgary's Development and Building Approvals division requires permits for most exterior signage, and processing times vary by complexity. Building-mounted channel letters typically require 4-6 weeks for approval, while ground-mounted monument signs can take 8-10 weeks. Start your permit applications before you finalize your lease to avoid move-in day delays.
Calgary's Chinook winds and unpredictable freeze/thaw cycles create installation challenges. Large-format installations like pylon signs or building wraps are best scheduled during stable weather windows (late spring through early fall). If you're moving in winter, prioritize interior branding elements first and schedule exterior work for when conditions stabilize.
Audit your current signage and branding assets (What comes with you? What needs replacement?)
Site survey at new location to assess visibility, sightlines, and mounting surfaces
Submit permit applications for exterior signage
Design refresh or brand update (optional but recommended during transitions)
Order long-lead items: Monument signs, channel letters, architectural elements
Finalize and proof all signage designs
Order interior wayfinding and directional graphics
Plan lobby signage and reception area branding
Vehicle wrap updates with new address (if applicable)
Temporary "We're Moving" signage for the current location
Install temporary directional signage at new location ("Opening Soon" with date)
Update Google Business Profile, website, and directories with the new address
Install window graphics with the opening date
Fabrication complete for all major signage elements
Pre-installation site prep (electrical rough-ins for illuminated signs)
Coordinate installation timing with the moving schedule
Exterior channel letters and primary identification signs installed first
"We Have Moved" banners at the old location with directional arrows
Interior wayfinding graphics installed as spaces are set up
Final QC walk-through before grand opening
Channel Letters are non-negotiable for street-level visibility. In Calgary's downtown core or industrial areas, illuminated channel letters with LED halos ensure your business is visible during winter's early sunsets. Mount these on building facades facing your primary traffic flow.
Monument Signs establish a permanent presence for multi-tenant buildings or standalone facilities. Specify cast aluminum or high-density urethane substrates for Calgary's temperature swings; standard materials crack after repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
Customers shouldn't have to guess which entrance to use or where to park. Install directional pylons in parking areas, building-mounted arrows for side entrances, and clear floor graphics in multi-floor facilities. Use your brand colours consistently across all directional elements to reinforce recognition.
Your reception area is your handshake. Dimensional lobby signs using brushed aluminum, acrylic, or wood substrates communicate permanence and professionalism. This isn't the time for temporary vinyl decals; invest in fabricated signage that matches your exterior brand presence.
Window graphics serve double duty: Privacy for conference rooms while maintaining brand visibility from the street. Frosted vinyl with your logo or brand pattern adds sophistication without blocking natural light.
The most successful relocations run two parallel timelines: physical move and visual identity installation. Here's how they intersect:
Week Before Move: Your signage fabrication is complete and staged. Exterior installations begin at the new location while your team continues operations at the current site.
Move Day: As moving crews transport equipment, our installation team is working independently on mounting channel letters, installing directional signage, and placing temporary wayfinding. These operations don't interfere with each other when properly coordinated.
Week After Move: Final interior graphics go up after furniture is placed. This includes wall graphics, branded environmental elements, and any custom fabrications that require precise measurements from the installed layout.
Not all signage materials withstand Calgary's environmental demands. Here's what works:
Vinyl Graphics: 3M Controltac for repositionable applications, always UV-laminated for south or west-facing installations
Dimensional Letters: Cast aluminum or acrylic with polyurethane finish for temperature stability
Monument Signs: High-density urethane (HDU) carved and coated, or welded aluminum construction
Window Film: Dual-layer laminates rated for high UV exposure and thermal stress
Exterior Substrates: ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) or marine-grade plywood for flat sign faces
Each material is selected for longevity, replacements are expensive, and your budget is better spent on comprehensive initial installations rather than repairs.
Many businesses successfully complete their physical move but fail to communicate their new location effectively. The result: confused customers, lost revenue during the critical transition period, and strained client relationships.
Your branding doesn't just support your move; it protects your revenue stream. Exterior signage installed before opening day means zero downtime in customer awareness. Coordinated vehicle wraps with updated addresses prevent delivery confusion. Strategically placed "We Have Moved" directional banners at your old location redirect foot traffic before they walk away.
Business relocation branding isn't a single line item; it's an investment in continuity. Typical Calgary commercial projects range:
Basic exterior package (channel letters + window graphics): $10,000–$20,000
Comprehensive exterior/interior (monument sign + lobby sign + wayfinding): $35,000–$75,000
Complete rebrand with move (all signage + vehicle wraps + environmental graphics): $75,000+
Costs vary based on building type, permit complexity, and material selections. However, phasing isn't recommended; incomplete signage undermines your professional image and defeats the purpose of a cohesive brand presence.
Business relocations involve multiple vendors, tight deadlines, and complex logistics. Adding signage coordination to your already-full plate creates bottlenecks. Professional project management ensures:
Permit applications are submitted correctly the first time
Fabrication timelines align with your move schedule
Installation doesn't conflict with moving operations
All elements meet Calgary building codes and safety standards
From initial site survey through final installation, dedicated project oversight keeps your branding timeline on track while you focus on operational continuity.
Business moves happen fast, but signage timelines don't. The earlier you begin planning your visual identity strategy, the smoother your transition. Our team specializes in coordinating the branding side of commercial relocations, from permit navigation to installation day logistics.
Schedule a site survey at your new location to assess visibility challenges, mounting options, and timeline requirements. We'll provide a comprehensive branding plan that moves as efficiently as your business does.
Request a relocation branding consultation today.
