I am moving to Calgary in the next few months with my wife and 1 year old son. I am wondering what we REALLY need in the house in order to survive? We are trying to keep our spend down and I know we need things like Internet and TV, but I am wondering do we REALLY need Cable TV to survive or is there a terrestrial TV like the UK? If we need cable, what is the cheapest and best option? what is the best and cheapest internet/TV bundle?

Basically I am wondering what we can do without on a daily basis to save some money.

Any advice?

you dont need cable TV i have basic cable TV but never watch it...get a vpn and watch UK tv via the internet and stream it to your TV.

I have just moved to Calgary form Edmonton and have moved enough times to know better...but i forgot the little things like chopping board. spud peeler..general kitchen utensils..i did remember the iron and ironing board this time

We are in Calgary - have been here a month and I would say if you want to save money don't bother with cable.

We have it and I can't say I've got into it much. I have to scout for things to watch that I like... it's a bit like sky - 100s of channels and nought to watch!

If hubby didn't insist on having cable for the footy I would ditch it and save some money. I suppose it depends on what you like to watch, but for my taste I don't need cable. As someone else said you get lots of channels and nothing much to watch.

There are a number of ways to get decent telly via the internet and the more technically inclined posters will be along to help you in that area.

We have a cable package that includes sports and all the kids stuff. We also have Apple TV, not sure if you can get that without the cable bit first.Hubby and I hardly watch TV (too many crappy channels) and quite honestly the kids just watch constant repeats of kids programmes and movies on Netflix.
I would be quite happy without it.

Saving money on a daily basis......if you like your coffee I would go straight out a buy a coffee maker (we got one in Superstore for about 40 bucks) to brew your own coffee and a couple of travel coffee mugs. Seriously. Try to avoid going to Timmies or Starbucks everytime you need a caffeine fix, unbelievable the amount of money that many people spend in there on a daily basis

Bring whatever you can with you, it's the little things that will soon add up.

knowing exactly what internet package to get would be good as if we can do away with paid cable..great! but watching tv via the internet will need a costly package??

any help would be great thanks..

this is only the start...home and cell phones next!

Food and running water, sanitation is also good.

I doubt you will come to a sticky end, bits fall off, or become malnourished if you don't have cable TV. However in the event of an apocalypse, it may keep you up to date with any disasters that might befall you.

I survive just fine with neither TV or internet at home. In fact our quality of life as a family has probably improved since cutting the cable... Its funny how many other people Ive met since we took that decision who also dont bother with all that crap on the idiot box, I thought we would be in a minority of one. We just get DVDs from the local library and cut down the amount of aimless screentime enormously.

Our primary reason for lack of internet is that I cant get high speed where I live, but once the technology catches up we will probably sign up, if only so the kids can copy and paste from wikipedia

No all you need is a basic internet connection..if your in Calgary then you can get a basic package that will do just fine for watching tv via the net.

This is a good site for all things TV, Internet and cell phones
http://www.digitalhome.ca/
Go to the discussion forum and read up about providers or in your case living in Calgary the big 3 are Telus, Shaw and Bell so you can go to their websites and compare prices, packages and services.
lots of people use SKYPE or other VOIP to keep in touch with family in the UK.

If your question extends beyond just TV... my advice, hit IKEA for your first setup. Buy the midrange stuff (DO NOT CHEAP OUT, you're already in IKEA) thats good and solid and use that until you find your feet. Even though I've been here a while now I still like having some things that are just functional for when I'm by myself, and some things for when I have people round etc.

But in terms of entertainment, yes your right, don't worry about cable, use something like Tunnelbear to watch UK TV. over the air terrestrial does exist in Canada so that might do for you.

In terms of buying an actual TV... do your research. Don't immediately think you must buy a cheap TV and must by a small one since you're getting by in your first few months. Dell.ca do good deals on TVs for one thing, and I also regret not just getting my 46in Sony Bravia that was the right size for my front room straight away.

Also, back on TV, whatever you do, don't exclusively watch UK TV. Yes, do mix it in, but treat it like any other set of channels if you see what I mean. I like to watch the local news and see what people are talking about...

Never mind ikea, hit up the local kijiji for furniture, then resell it there once more settled.

Places like dollar stores and giant tiger and the like can be treasure troves for some of the basic essentials too.

depending on how fussy you are, try Freecycle Calgary- people give away lots of furniture, kitchenwear etc for free - you have to sign up to a daily (or more frequent) email but if you want to save money its great (everything has to be free to be posted on there

good luck with the move

I love how TV, Cable, and Internet are items needed in order to survive these days

Thanks for all the info so far. Furniture etc is always needed. We are debating shipping some but if we can pick up some that will get us through then that is even better.


Any and all advice will be taken regarding our move. Corners to cut etc...

Keep it coming people.... Brilliant advice