Moving in an Edmonton winter is very doable. We move people right through December, January and February. It just takes a bit more planning: snow and ice at the door, short days, and a few things that don't like the cold. Here's what we tell customers who are moving between November and March.
Book smart and keep a backup day
- Winter is quieter than summer, so dates are usually easier to get, but month-end weekends still fill up.
- Watch the forecast the week before. On a deep-freeze day everything takes a little longer: trucks, doors, and people in heavy jackets.
- Ask about flexibility. Find out what happens if a big storm hits and you need to shift a day.
Clear the path at both ends
The single most useful thing you can do is make the route from the door to the truck safe.
- Shovel and salt the driveway, walkway, steps and front landing the night before and again in the morning.
- Ask the new owner, landlord or building to do the same at the other end, or bring a shovel and ice melt with you.
- Clear a spot for the truck as close to the door as you can, including any windrow at the end of the driveway.
- Turn on outside lights. Late afternoon gets dark fast.
Protect the floors
Snow and slush come in on every boot. Lay floor runners, flattened cardboard or old towels from the front door along the main path, and put a big mat at each entrance. Most movers bring floor protection, so ask, but an extra layer at the door never hurts.
Things that don't like the cold
- Electronics. TVs, computers and game consoles should ride in a heated car if possible. If they've been in the cold, let them warm up to room temperature for a few hours before plugging them in, so condensation can dry.
- Plants. Wrap them in paper or a bag and move them in your car. A few minutes at minus twenty can kill a houseplant.
- Anything liquid. Paint, cleaning products, wine and canned drinks can freeze and burst. Move them in your vehicle.
- Musical instruments and anything with fine wood or glue joints: keep them wrapped, and let them warm up slowly before you open the case.
- Pets. Keep them warm and out of the way in one closed room, or with a friend for the day.
Plan around short days
In December the sun sets around 4:15–4:30 PM in Edmonton. Start early, so the longest carrying happens in daylight, and have flashlights or work lights ready for the truck if you finish loading after dark.
Pro tip: Make sure the heat and power are on at the new place before moving day. Moving into a cold, dark house in January is miserable, and pipes and floors don't like it either.
Keep the doors (mostly) closed
You'll be in and out all day, so the house will lose heat. Close off rooms you've finished, prop the main door only while something is going through, and turn the thermostat to a normal temperature rather than cranking it up.
Wrap furniture for snow
Snow melts into upholstery and wood. Wrap mattresses, sofas and fabric chairs in plastic, and pad wood furniture with blankets. Wipe anything that gets wet as soon as it's inside.
Dress for the job
- Layers you can take off, because carrying boxes warms you up fast.
- Boots with real grip. Not slippers, not dress shoes.
- Gloves with a good grip for carrying.
- A thermos of something hot. Your helpers (and your movers) will thank you.
If you're driving a rental truck
Give yourself extra time, extra stopping distance and extra patience in parking lots. Check the weather and road conditions before any highway drive, and keep the fuel tank from running low. See our guide on renting a moving truck for the full pickup checklist.
We move people all winter, with floor protection, plastic wrap and padding included. Get a free quote for your winter move.
Quick answers
Is it a bad idea to move in winter in Edmonton?
Not at all. Winter dates are often easier to book. You just need clear, salted paths, floor protection and a plan for short days and cold-sensitive items.
Can electronics be damaged by the cold during a move?
A short time in the cold usually won't hurt them. The bigger risk is condensation, so let electronics warm up to room temperature for a few hours before you plug them in.
What if there's a snowstorm on moving day?
Call your mover early. Safety comes first, and a good mover will talk through delaying the start or moving the date.
