MOVING in a Saskatchewan Winter
10 Tips to Make It Painless
Moving is stressful enough without sub-zero temperatures, icy driveways, and the risk of your furnace giving out mid-move. If you’re relocating in Saskatchewan between November and March, a little extra planning goes a long way. Here’s how to make it happen without frostbite, delays, or damaged belongings.
1. Book Your Movers Early — and Confirm Twice
Winter storms can cause last-minute cancellations or rescheduling. Book a few weeks ahead if you can, and call to reconfirm 24–48 hours before moving day so you’re not caught off guard by a schedule change.
2. Check the Forecast — and Have a Backup Day
Saskatchewan winter weather can turn quickly. Keep an eye on Environment Canada’s forecast in the days leading up to your move, and if possible, build in a flexible backup date in case of a storm warning.
3. Clear and Salt Walkways Before Movers Arrive
Icy steps and driveways are a liability for movers and a fast way to damage furniture (or an ankle). Shovel and salt your entryways, driveway, and any path to the moving truck the night before and again the morning of.
4. Protect Your Floors from Snow, Salt, and Slush
Boots tracking in snow and road salt all day can leave a mess — or worse, damage flooring. Lay down old towels, cardboard, or moving blankets along high-traffic paths in both your old and new place.
5. Warm Up the New Place in Advance
If you can, get the heat running in your new home a day or two before move-in. Pipes and appliances that have been sitting in the cold can take time to warm back up, and you don’t want to be unpacking boxes in a 5°C living room.
6. Watch for Cold-Sensitive Items
Some belongings don’t handle deep cold well: – Electronics (TVs, computers) can suffer from condensation when moved from cold to warm – Liquids (cleaning supplies, paint, some cosmetics) can freeze and crack containers – Musical instruments and vinyl records are especially vulnerable to temperature swings Let electronics sit at room temperature for a few hours before turning them on, and pack liquids in a way that they travel in a heated vehicle cabin if temperatures are extreme.
7. Dress Movers and Yourself for the Cold — But Practically
Bulky winter coats make lifting and carrying awkward. Layer up with moving-friendly gear: thermal base layers, a warm but slim jacket, insulated gloves you can still grip boxes with, and good winter boots with solid tread.
8. Keep the Truck Running (or Insulated)
A moving truck that sits too long in the cold can make the ramp icy and ratchet straps stiff and hard to use. If possible, keep the truck’s cab warm and periodically check ramps and door tracks for ice buildup.
9. Pack an Emergency Winter Kit for Moving Day
Keep this in your car or truck cab just in case: – Extra blankets – Ice scraper and snow brush – Sand or kitty litter for traction – Phone charger – Snacks and a thermos of something hot If a storm rolls in or you’re stuck waiting on the road, you’ll be glad you have it.
10. Choose Sturdy, Weather-Resistant Packing Materials
Cardboard boxes can get soft and weak if they’re exposed to snow or slush, even briefly. Where you can, use plastic totes for anything that will be sitting outside or in an unheated garage/truck for a while, and make sure boxes are taped well on the bottom, not just the top. Bottom line: Winter moves in Saskatchewan are absolutely doable — they just take a bit more prep. Plan for the weather, protect your belongings from temperature swings, and give yourself extra time for everything to take a little longer than it would in July.