Winter moving in Ontario is very doable with the right preparation. Clear and salt every path before the crew arrives, protect floors from snow and slush, keep weather-sensitive items warm and dry, and build extra time into the day for slower roads. Watch the forecast in the days before your move and stay in touch with your movers if a storm is coming. Here's how to protect your belongings and keep your move on schedule.
Is It a Good Idea to Move in Winter?
Winter can be a quieter time of year for moving, which can make it easier to get the date you want. [VERIFY: confirm Starr's seasonal availability before claiming more open dates] The trade-off is weather: snow, ice and cold temperatures add challenges you don't face in July. With good planning, those challenges are easy to manage.
Winter moves aren't harder because of the cold. They're harder when nobody planned for the snow.
Watch the Forecast and Have a Backup Plan
- Check the forecast daily for the week before your move
- Talk with your mover about what happens if a major storm hits
- Know your lease or closing dates and how much flexibility you have
- Keep your landlord, buyer or building manager in the loop
Safety comes first. If roads become dangerous, a short delay is better than a rushed move in poor conditions.
Clear and Salt Every Path
Ice is the biggest risk on a winter moving day, both for the crew and for your furniture. Do this the evening before and again on the morning of the move, at both homes if you can.
- Shovel the driveway, walkways, steps and porch
- Salt or sand all walking surfaces
- Clear a spot for the moving truck to park close to the door
- Make sure outdoor lights work for early starts or late finishes
- Arrange snow clearing at the new home if it's empty
Protect Your Floors
Snow, salt and slush can wreck hardwood and carpet. Ask your mover how they protect floors, and prepare a few things yourself:
- Lay floor runners, cardboard or old blankets in entryways and main paths
- Put mats at every door
- Keep towels handy for wiping down furniture and dollies
- Agree on a single entry and exit route to limit the mess
Protect Weather-Sensitive Belongings
Some items don't like the cold or moisture. Plan to keep these warm and dry.
Electronics
Pack TVs, computers and gaming systems carefully. After the move, let electronics warm up to room temperature before you plug them in, to avoid condensation inside. Our guide on packing fragile items and TVs has step-by-step tips.
Wood furniture and instruments
Wrap wooden furniture and instruments in blankets to cushion them from cold and sudden temperature changes.
Liquids, plants and medication
Liquids can freeze and burst. Move cleaning products, liquid foods and medication in your own heated car. Houseplants are also best kept in a warm vehicle.
Keep the Heat Moving
- Make sure the heat stays on at your old home until the move is done
- Have heat, hydro and water turned on at your new home before moving day
- Keep doors closed between loads to save heat
- Keep a warm drink, hats and gloves handy for everyone helping
Plan for Shorter Days and Slower Roads
Daylight is limited in December and January, and roads can be slow after snowfall. Book an early start, and add extra time to your plans, especially for longer moves such as Toronto to Barrie or Collingwood. For more on moving north, read moving to Barrie and Simcoe County from the GTA.
Condo Moves in Winter
Condo moves have their own winter challenges. Loading docks can be icy, and lobbies get wet quickly. Ask your building whether they put down extra mats on move days, and confirm the elevator booking a few days ahead in case of weather changes.
Your Winter Moving Checklist
- Forecast checked and backup plan agreed with movers
- Paths shovelled and salted at both homes
- Parking spot cleared for the truck
- Floor runners and mats down
- Electronics, liquids and plants packed for the cold
- Heat and utilities on at the new home
- Warm clothing and drinks ready
Whether you're moving across Toronto or out to Newmarket, our crews are ready for winter. See our house moving and Pack & Move services.
Pack Smart for the Cold
Packing for a winter move is mostly the same as any other time of year, with a few changes:
- Use plastic bins for items that must stay dry, like documents and photos
- Bag mattresses and soft furniture to protect them from wet snow
- Keep a box of winter gear (shovels, salt, boots) accessible, not packed away
- Pack an essentials bag with warm layers, chargers and snacks for the day
What to keep in your car
Keep important documents, medication, valuables, and anything liquid or temperature-sensitive with you in your heated vehicle. It's also smart to keep a phone charger, flashlight, ice scraper and blanket in the car in case of delays on the road.
Stay Safe on Moving Day
Let the crew handle the heavy lifting on icy surfaces, keep kids and pets away from busy doorways, and take breaks to warm up. A safe, steady move is better than a fast one.
After the Move
Once everything is in, check your belongings for any moisture, and dry off furniture that got wet. Let electronics warm up before plugging them in. Keep entry mats down for a few days while snow and salt are still being tracked in, and make sure your new home's walkways are cleared and salted for the next morning.
Finally, thank your crew and helpers with something warm. A hot coffee goes a long way on a cold Ontario moving day, and it keeps everyone in good spirits through the last few loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do movers work in the snow?
Professional movers work through most winter weather. In severe storms, safety comes first, so talk with your mover ahead of time about how weather delays are handled.
How do I protect my floors during a winter move?
Use floor runners, cardboard or blankets in main paths, put mats at every door, and agree on a single route in and out.
Can electronics be damaged by cold during a move?
Cold itself is usually not the problem; condensation is. Let electronics warm to room temperature before turning them on.
Is winter a cheaper time to move?
Costs depend on many factors, like home size, distance and access. Ask for a written quote for your specific date.
Moving This Winter?
Let's plan a move that stays safe and on schedule. Request a free quote today.
