Moving in Fort McMurray between November and March is very different from a summer move. Temperatures often fall well below -20°C, snow and ice cover driveways and steps, and in December there are only about seven hours of daylight. With good planning, a winter move can still go smoothly. This guide covers what to prepare, how to protect your belongings and your home, and what to expect on moving day.
Why winter moves in Fort McMurray need extra planning
Cold weather affects almost every part of a move:
- Extreme cold: Electronics, glass, wood furniture, plants and liquids can be damaged by freezing temperatures.
- Snow and ice: Slippery driveways, stairs and parking lots make carrying heavy items harder and slower.
- Short days: Less daylight means less time to load and unload safely in good light.
- Road conditions: Long-distance moves on Highway 63 can be affected by snow, blowing snow and icy sections.
1. Book your move early
Winter brings fewer people moving, but weather delays can shift schedules. Contact your movers as soon as you know your date, and ask whether a morning start is possible so the crew can make the most of daylight. If your move is long distance, such as Fort McMurray to Edmonton, Calgary or Red Deer, build a little flexibility into your plans in case road conditions change.
2. Clear snow and ice before moving day
- Shovel the driveway, walkways, front steps and the space where the truck will park, at both your old and new home.
- Spread ice melt or sand on steps and paths the night before and again in the morning.
- If you live in an apartment or condo, ask building management to clear the entrance and loading area, and book the elevator if needed.
- Make sure there is enough space on the street for a moving truck, away from snow banks.
3. Protect your floors
Snow, slush and gravel get tracked inside quickly. Lay down floor runners, old blankets or cardboard at entrances and along hallways. Professional movers use floor protection and stair runners to keep your floors clean and dry during loading and unloading.
4. Pack for the cold
- Electronics: Pack TVs, computers and gaming systems in their original boxes or with plenty of padding. After the move, let them warm up to room temperature for a few hours before turning them on, so condensation can dry.
- Fragile items: Glass, dishes and ceramics can crack more easily in the cold. Wrap each item well and fill empty space in boxes.
- Wood and leather furniture: Wrap furniture in moving blankets and stretch wrap to protect it from cold and moisture.
- Liquids: Paint, cleaning products and drinks can freeze and burst. Move them in your own heated vehicle or use them up before the move.
- Plants: Most houseplants cannot survive even short exposure to extreme cold. Wrap them and move them in your car.
5. Keep an essentials box with you
Pack a box you will carry in your own vehicle with warm clothes, gloves, toques, blankets, phone chargers, snacks, water, medications, important documents, basic tools, toilet paper and a flashlight. If there is a delay, you will have everything you need to stay warm and comfortable.
6. Set up utilities in advance
Make sure heat, power and water are on at your new home before moving day. Arriving at a cold house in January makes unloading much harder and can put pipes at risk. Keep the heat on at your old home until the move is finished, especially if you are also booking move-out cleaning.
7. Check the weather and road conditions
Watch the forecast for the week of your move. For long-distance moves, check the 511 Alberta road reports before leaving and plan for extra travel time. If a severe storm or extreme cold warning is in effect, talk to your movers about the safest plan.
8. Prepare your vehicle
If you are driving to your new home, make sure your vehicle is winter-ready: winter tires, a full tank of gas, windshield washer fluid, a working block heater and an emergency kit with a shovel, scraper, booster cables and extra warm clothes.
9. Keep doors closed when you can
Opening doors for hours lets heat escape quickly. Ask your movers to keep doors closed between trips where possible, or close off the rooms you are not using so the rest of the home stays warm.
10. Plan cleaning around the move
Winter moves bring in extra salt, sand and slush. Booking cleaning after the movers leave helps you hand back a clean home to your landlord or buyer and move into a fresh one. Noah offers move-in cleaning, move-out cleaning and carpet steam cleaning in Fort McMurray and nearby areas, and you can book moving and cleaning together with one of our moving and cleaning packages.
Winter moving checklist
- Book movers early and ask for a morning start
- Clear snow and ice at both homes
- Book elevators and loading areas for apartments and condos
- Protect floors at entrances and on stairs
- Pack electronics, glass and furniture for the cold
- Move liquids and plants in your own vehicle
- Pack an essentials box with warm clothes and supplies
- Confirm heat, power and water at your new home
- Check the forecast and 511 Alberta road reports
- Book move-in or move-out cleaning
Moving in Fort McMurray this winter?
Noah Moving & Cleaning brings 16+ years of moving experience to Fort McMurray families and businesses. Our crew wraps furniture, protects floors and plans each move around the weather and your schedule. Long-distance moves across Alberta and Canada are available by prior arrangement.
Call (780) 607-2205 or request your free quote online. You can also learn more about our local moving and long-distance moving services.