If you’ve ever tackled a move during an Ottawa winter, you know it’s not for the faint of heart. The snow piles high, steps turn slick, and even a short walk to the truck feels like a trek across the tundra. While you can’t control the weather, you can control how prepared you are.
With the right moving equipment and supplies, your winter move doesn’t have to be a test of endurance—it can be safe, efficient, and even (dare we say) surprisingly smooth.
At Valley Packaging, we’ve helped countless Ottawa residents and businesses take on cold-weather moves. Here’s how to prepare, with the supplies and equipment that make all the difference.
Master the Elements: Safety Starts on the Ground
Ottawa’s sidewalks and driveways can turn into skating rinks overnight. One slip can derail your entire moving day, or worse. Preparation starts before you move a single box.
Clear and Protect Your Path
Think of it as creating a “safe lane” for your move. Every step that’s dry and slip-free keeps your boxes, floors, and back muscles in better shape.
Shovels and Ice Melt: Keep your porch, walkways, steps, and driveways clear to prevent slips and falls. Before you do anything, apply salt or ice melt so surfaces stay safe if temperatures happen to drop.
Floor Runners: Protect your floors from salt, slush, and other grit. Heavy-duty floor runners are your best defense against stains, water damage and scratched hardwood. Look for runners with non-slip backing so they stay put while you work.
Pro Tip: Use outdoor mats at every entrance to trap moisture and debris before it gets tracked through your home. Some people figure they’ll just deal with the mess later—but that approach can turn into a bigger headache once salt, slush, and sand have already done their damage. A good mat setup keeps your floors safer and cleaner.
Protect Your Belongings from Cold and Moisture
Freezing temperatures and melting snow don’t mix well with cardboard or electronics. Choosing the right packing materials makes all the difference.
Keep Boxes Dry and Strong
Ordinary cardboard can quickly lose its shape when it gets exposed to wet or cold conditions. Valley Packaging’s double-walled moving boxes are ideal for winter weather. They’re made to handle much more weight than typical boxes, and resist moisture.
Wrap Your Items
- Plastic Stretch Wrap: Seals out snow, ice, and salt while keeping drawers and furniture secure.
- Moving Blankets and Pads: Along with preventing scratches, they provide extra protection for delicate items like electronics, wood furniture, and artwork.
- Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper: Layer around fragile items to cushion and insulate them from cold, wet weather.
Pro Tip: Label boxes with a marker that won’t smear if it gets damp. Load fragile or temperature-sensitive items last so they’re unloaded first.
The Equipment That Makes the Move
When the truck ramp is icy and the ground is uneven, the right moving equipment is your best ally.
Appliance Dollies and Hand Trucks
Navigating slopes or uneven ground becomes much easier with a dolly. It reduces strain and gives you more control on slippery surfaces. Valley Packaging rents commercial-grade dollies and hand trucks to individuals and moving companies across Ottawa.
Shoulder Straps and Lifting Harnesses
Stay balanced and lift safely, even on slick ground. A harness shifts the weight from your lower back to your legs, reducing strain and helping you keep more solid footing.
Tie-Downs and Secure Straps
Ottawa’s winter roads can be unpredictable. Secure your load before hitting the road. The right tie-downs prevent damage when braking or cornering on icy streets.
Need Moving Equipment Fast?
Valley Packaging offers flexible rentals by the day, week, or month, so you only pay for what you need. From dollies and straps to floor runners and blankets, we have everything to keep your move safe and on schedule.
Quick Winter Moving Checklist
Before the truck rolls out, make sure you’ve got the essentials:
- Shovel and Ice Melt
- Floor Runners or Plastic Sheeting
- Heavy-Duty Boxes
- Plastic Stretch Wrap
- Moving Blankets and Pads
- Dolly or Hand Truck
- Gloves with Grip
- Tie-Down Straps
Bonus Tip: Keep one “Day One” box with essentials like a kettle, phone charger, and an extra pair of dry socks! You’ll thank yourself later.
A Safe and Stress-Free Move
Moving during an Ottawa winter takes planning, patience, and the right equipment. But, you don’t have to tackle it alone. At Valley Packaging, we have the gear and guidance to make your move a smooth one.
Our team understands the challenges of moving in Eastern Ontario weather, and we’re ready to help you move safely and efficiently.
Visit our Ottawa location or browse our online store to rent or buy equipment for a smooth, stress-free move.