Ottawa’s wildly varied weather can make moving during the winter season a challenge. Inclement weather can make the downsizing or moving process even more stressful.
However, there are some benefits to moving when the city is under a blanket of snow and salt, and it’s totally possible to make a winter move a success with careful planning and preparation.
Here are some of the pros and cons of moving in Ottawa during the winter season:
Weather
Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? Winter in Ottawa almost always means snow, which can cause delays to moving day. You’ll want to monitor the forecast to make sure you’re organized in advance.
If it calls for snow, you may need to shovel or salt your driveway and front entry path and stairs so that the truck and team can move safely and efficiently (it’s much slower for your moving team to carry items and roll moving dollies through snow). Additionally if there is a fresh snowfall or ice, you’re all but guaranteed that traffic will be more congested.
You’ll also want to make sure that your moving company brings floor protection to protect against the salt and snow, as they cannot remove their boots indoors for safety reasons.
Pro tip: Darling Solutions will roll out the red carpet for you – well, almost. We keep red floor runners stocked on our moving trucks. It’s the thought that counts, right?
Availability
One benefit of moving in the winter is that your preferred date is probably available (unless it’s the first or last day of the month, as those always book up quickly).
It may also be more cost-efficient to move in the winter, as many companies have a reduced hourly rate during their slower season. Business won’t pick up again until February, and it starts to boom in April/ May right through to November.
More support (and stress) available
Winter brings with it many seasonal celebrations and holidays. You may find that your family and friends are more available to help. On the flipside, holidays can be stressful even when you aren’t moving – some people find the stress of moving over the holidays is just too much to reasonably manage.
Final Thoughts
While winter is not the season of choice for many people due to the weather and conditions, it’s still possible to have a great moving experience! There is less competition to book a moving date, so you will probably be able to move on your preferred date. Plus, moving in wintertime means you’ll get to fully enjoy spring in your new home!
Your winter move will be a success as long as you keep a weather eye on the forecast, and take extra precautions when moving in the winter, as snow and ice can easily cause slips and falls.
Do you want support with your winter move? Contact our office today to chat with our team about your goals and timeline.
