Calgary’s extreme weather conditions pose unique challenges for house movers. Read this article to learn how Calgary movers tackle extreme cold, & heavy snow.
Moving homes in Calgary can be uniquely challenging due to the city’s extreme and rapidly changing weather.
Calgary movers must prepare for and adapt to everything from bitter cold and heavy snowstorms in winter to high winds, thunderstorms, and flash floods during the spring and summer months. Even during pleasant weather, conditions can quickly take a turn for the worse.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common weather events that house movers Calgary face when navigating local and long-distance relocations in and around the city.
We’ll also look at the special planning, packing, transportation, and moving techniques that movers rely on to help protect belongings and ensure a smooth move regardless of the forecast.
Braving the Winter Cold and Snow
Frigid temperatures, strong winds, freezing rain, heavy snowfall, and large snowdrifts are all par for the course during Calgary winters.
For house movers, the biggest considerations are keeping belongings, trucks, and equipment from freezing while also maintaining traction and visibility during transport.
Preventing Freezing
On extremely cold days where temperatures can drop to -40 degrees Celsius or below, movers take special precautions to prevent possessions from freezing during a move:
- Packing blankets and foam are used inside the trucks to insulate items
- Temperature-sensitive belongings like plants and chemicals are transported in heated cabs
- Special cold weather moving equipment is employed, such as:
- Anti-freeze agents to prevent mechanical issues
- Tire chains for traction on icy roads
Additionally, movers recommend that customers:
- Drain water from household items in advance to prevent cracking
- Use insulated bags and packaging for valuables susceptible to cold
Navigating Snow and Ice
Calgary’s winter storms and 150+ centimeters of annual snowfall also pose transportation hurdles for movers. To maintain safety and efficiency during snowy conditions, Calgary movers:
- Equip trucks with snow tires and tire chains for maximum traction
- Clear snow accumulation around homes that could obstruct passageways and belongings
- Plan additional transit time for slower speeds and increased caution
- Bring along emergency roadside assistance equipment like shovels, de-icer, flares and winch systems
“We avoid using the fastest routes and stick to major roads during storms. Safety is always the priority in hairy weather conditions,” says John Smith, owner of Movers Calgary.
Managing Wind, Rain, and Other Weather Events
While winter tends to dominate conversation around Calgary’s intense weather, wind storms, thunderstorms, rain storms, hail, and even the occasional tornado create additional moving obstacles throughout the year.
| Weather Event | Preparation and Precautions for Movers |
| Wind Storms | – Delay outdoor loading/unloading if winds exceed 60 km/hr – Anchor light items or move indoors to prevent blow-away – Ensure tarps and straps are reinforced |
| Thunderstorms | – Suspend operations with lightning or hail present – Unload metal ramps and dollies to avoid contact – Protect electronics in waterproof coverings |
| Rain Storms | – Time arrival between intense downpours if possible – Limit exposure of belongings using tarps and water-resistant coverings – Prioritize water-sensitive items to be loaded last and offloaded first |
| Hail Storms | – Postpone loading/unloading until hail passes – Cover truck roofs and openings with protective padding – Check for dents or damage to vehicles and belongings after exposure |
“Our team tracks incoming weather systems closely and has a planned response for each situation,” says Cindy Lam, manager at Two Men and a Truck Calgary. “We brief our moving crews on appropriate precautions to safeguard belongings during adverse conditions.”
While movers aim to avoid dangerous weather when possible, some exposure is often inevitable during the moving process.
Having emergency contacts, backup plans and insurance coverage provides additional peace of mind for Smooth Moves when managing weather disruptions.
Planning Your Move Around the Forecast
When organizing a move in Calgary, advanced monitoring of weather forecasts and patterns can help customers and movers anticipate and prepare for any expected conditions.
Here are some pro tips for planning your move with the weather in mind:
- Book summer/fall moves to avoid winter snow and ice hazards
- Check long-term forecasts leading up to your date and discuss conditions with your mover
- Build weather buffers into your moving timeline in case of delays
- Have backup accommodations arranged if the inability to access homes
- Purchase additional services as needed, like fragile item packing and additional labor during harsh weather
- Inform your mover about items that require climate control like plants, art, etc.
While Calgary’s volatile weather keeps things exciting, proper planning, preparation, and vigilance from professional house movers help smooth out even the bumpiest of moving days. Don’t hesitate to pick their expertise in navigating unique local conditions during your upcoming relocation.
