Moving in Edmonton During Winter: The Honest Guide

Edmonton is a city notorious for its hard winters. And when you try to move in Edmonton during winter, you get to experience all the hardships the season has to offer. temperatures can range between -20°C and -35°C and the daylight hours are few and far in between. Meanwhile, the roads are... not the best. But when you gotta move, you gotta move, and our crews are experts no matter what the season is. The trick is planning.

Winter Parking Bans: The Silent Threat

When moving in the winter, there's so many things to focus on that it's easy to forget things like seasonal parking bans and as these can be day-to-day in Edmonton depending on weather, you really need to pay attention. Trucks might not be able to park on the street if a parking ban coincides with your moving day.

There are different phases of bans to keep track of. Phase 1 bans cover major roads with as little as 8 hours' notice. Phase 2 bans affects residential streets and will come with 24 hours' notice. This will be indicated by yellow signage posted in the area. Consult my.edmonton.ca for all details and updates before your move, or by calling 311.

Spring Road Bans (March 1 – June 1)

Just when you thought you were safe from winter road bans, out come the Alberta spring road bans that you need to be careful of while moving between March 1 and June 1. During these bans, there can be weight restrictions on trucks for some secondary highways. This would require finding a new route and would likely add time and cost to your move. Always plan ahead.

Icy Driveways, Steep Lots, and Dangerous Terrain

There's really nowhere in Edmonton to escape the winter, but some areas have it worse than others. The river valley neighbourhoods such as Riverbend, Terwillegar, Riverdale, and parts of Glenora are marked by steep driveways and hills that are something of a nightmare when covered in ice.

What to expect:

Moves are going to take longer in general in winter conditions. Making sure driveways and walkways have been cleared of snow will greatly assist movers. If alleys need to be used for the move, make sure those are cleared too. Spread some road salt if available.

For neighbourhood-specific tips, see our Edmonton neighbourhood moving guide.

Hello Darkness My Old Friend

Daylight hours are extremely limited in December and January. You're looking at about 8 hours. You'll want to book your move to start as early as possible to maximize your time. Working in the daylight makes loading and unloading safer and more efficient. Allow extra time for larger homes.

The Upside: Why Winter Moves Are Actually Worth Considering

We know we haven't really been making winter moves in Edmonton sound desirable but there are actual benefits. Demand is much lower which makes for better pricing and flexible scheduling. As well, it's easier to book condo elevators and you don't have to deal with the rush of student movers, summer movers or festival season.

For a full breakdown of seasonal pricing, see how much moving in Edmonton costs.

Winter Moving Day Preparation Checklist

The Night Before

• Check parking ban status at my.edmonton.ca for both address

• Clear and salt driveway and walkways

• Shovel path from the street/driveway to your front door

• Confirm your gas and electricity are active at the new address (you do not want to arrive to a cold house)

Morning Of

• Check parking ban status again (bans can be declared overnight)

• Turn your heat up at the new place if you have access — the house should be warm when you arrive with furniture

• Keep doors closed as much as possible during loading/unloading to preserve heat

Packing for Cold Weather

• Electronics: Laptops, TVs, and monitors need time to acclimate to room temperature before powering on. Moving them from a -25°C truck into a warm house causes condensation inside the device. Let them sit for 2-3 hours before turning on.

• Plants: Many houseplants will not survive even 10 minutes in an unheated truck at -20°C. Bring them with you in your car.

• Liquids: There's the potential for anything containing liquid to freeze and burst

• First-night box: Pack a clearly labelled box with warm blankets, extra layers, flashlights, phone chargers, toilet paper, snacks, and hot drink supplies. Keep it in your car so you can find it immediately.

What About the Truck?

Professional moving trucks are designed for Canadian winters. Our trucks are:

• Equipped with block heaters for reliable cold starts

• Running winter tires from October through April

• Fitted with floodlights for loading and unloading in the dark

• Stocked with salt, sand, and moving blankets that double as insulation for fragile items

The cargo area is not heated. Your belongings will be at outside temperature during transit. For a local move (30-60 minutes of driving), this is rarely a problem. For a long-distance winter move, discuss cold-sensitive items with your movers in advance.

The Bottom Line

Moving in Edmonton is a challenge but it's possible. That's the honest truth. It's also cheaper, easier to schedule, and avoids all the chaos of peak season. The key is preparation: check parking bans, clear your paths, protect your temperature-sensitive items, and book an early start.

Ready to plan your Edmonton move? Get a free quote from Two Small Men, or explore our full Edmonton moving guide for neighbourhood tips, pricing, and parking bylaws.