Moving in Edmonton between November and March is very doable. It just needs more planning than a July move. Cold snaps, snow and short daylight all change how moving day goes. This guide covers what our crews at The Squad Movers see every winter and how to get your move done safely and on time.
Book Your Winter Move Early in the Day
Around the December solstice, Edmonton gets just over seven hours of daylight. Starting early means most of the loading and driving happens in daylight, when walkways are easier to see and roads are less icy. If you can, choose a morning start and a mid-month weekday, when crews and elevators are easier to book.
Get the House Ready the Night Before
- Clear a path. Shovel the driveway, sidewalk, front steps and back entrance, then put down ice melt or sand.
- Leave parking space. Move vehicles so the truck can park as close to the door as possible. Snowbanks on narrow streets can make this harder, so plan ahead.
- Protect your floors. Snow and salt get tracked in fast. Put down mats or old rugs at each door. Our crew also uses floor runners.
- Keep the heat on. Make sure utilities stay on at the old home until you leave, and are connected at the new home before you arrive.
Pack for the Cold
Extreme cold can crack or damage some items. A few extra steps help:
- Wrap electronics, TVs and computers in blankets or original boxes, and let them warm up to room temperature for a few hours before turning them on.
- Pack liquids, paints and cleaning products separately, or take them in your own car so they don’t freeze and leak.
- Move houseplants in your heated vehicle. Even a short time in a cold truck can kill them.
- Use extra padding for glass, ceramics and wood furniture, which can become more brittle in deep cold.
Plan the Drive Around the Weather
Check the forecast a few days ahead and again the night before. For moves to St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove or Leduc, Anthony Henday Drive usually gets cleared quickly, but side streets in new neighbourhoods can stay snowy. For long-distance moves to Calgary or Fort McMurray, we watch highway conditions and will talk to you about timing if a storm is coming.
Condo and Apartment Moves in Winter
Book your elevator and loading area early, and ask your building whether the loading door can be propped open for short stretches. Lobbies and hallways get wet fast, so building managers appreciate floor protection. See our apartment and condo moving checklist for more.
Dress for the Day and Plan Warm-Up Breaks
Wear layers and warm gloves with good grip, and plan a short break so everyone can warm up. Keep water or a hot drink nearby. Starting early also helps, since daylight is short in winter.
Turn On Heat, Power and Water at Your New Place
Make sure heat, power and water are switched on at your new home before moving day, so you are not carrying boxes into a freezing space. This also protects pipes and keeps floors from getting slippery with melted snow.
Keep an Essentials Bag in Your Car
- Warm clothes, gloves and boots for everyone
- Phone chargers, medications and important documents
- Snacks, water and a thermos of something hot
- Toilet paper, a kettle and basic tools for the first night
What Winter Moves Cost
Your price depends on the size of your home, distance and any extras like packing, not the season. As a general guide, apartment moves typically range from $350–$500 and house moves from $450–$1,000. There’s never an extra charge for stairs or elevators, and furniture disassembly and reassembly is included. For more detail, read How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers in Edmonton?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you move in Edmonton in winter?
Yes. Movers work year-round in Edmonton. Winter moves take a little more preparation: clear snow and ice from walkways, protect floors, and keep fragile items warm during the drive.
Is it cheaper to move in winter in Edmonton?
Winter is usually a quieter season than summer, so it is often easier to get the date and time you want. Ask for a quote for a mid-month weekday for the most flexibility.
What should I do if it snows on moving day?
Shovel and salt walkways, the driveway and any stairs early in the morning, and leave space for the truck to park close to the door. Your crew will lay down floor protection inside.
Which items should not go in a cold moving truck?
Keep plants, electronics you use daily, medications, important documents and anything that can freeze, like liquids and some cleaning products, in your own heated car.
Planning a winter move? The Squad Movers has 100+ five-star Google reviews (4.9 average). Call 825-333-3325 or request a free quote.
Moving as a student? Read our student moving guide for Edmonton for ways to keep a winter move cheap.