Aug 09, 2026

When Is the Best Time to Move in Canada?

Choosing the right season, month, day of the week, and even time of day can have a significant impact on the success of your move. Careful planning is essential to avoid unexpected issues and ensure your belongings are transported safely and on schedule. At PlusOne Moving, we're ready to share some insider tips for a successful relocation. Want to know what to pay attention to when preparing for this important event? Read on.

How Does the Season Affect Moving Costs?

Many Canadians prefer to move during the warmer months, which significantly increases demand for moving services. Summer is the busiest season for movers, and as demand rises, so do prices. Moving companies must allocate more resources to serve every client during this peak period.

Winter moves are generally less expensive, but they can take longer to complete. Snow, ice, and other adverse weather conditions often slow down truck travel. Loading and unloading can also be more challenging, especially if pathways and entrances are slippery.

Both options have their advantages. Summer moves are usually faster and more comfortable, while winter moves are often more affordable. When choosing the best season for your relocation, consider your priorities and budget.

Summer: Peak Moving Season

June, July, and August are the busiest months for moving in Canada. School holidays, vacation time, and real estate activity make summer the preferred season for many families.

However, even this seemingly ideal option has drawbacks. Finding rental housing may be more difficult due to increased demand, and hot weather can make moving day physically exhausting.

December, January, and February: The Low Season

For those looking to save money on moving services, winter is often the best time to relocate. During these months, moving companies typically experience lower demand, and moving costs may be considerably lower.

It is important to remember that preparing belongings for transportation in cold weather requires additional care. Sensitive items such as electronics and appliances need proper protection from extreme temperature changes, which can cause condensation to form inside the equipment and potentially lead to damage.

The Most Comfortable Seasons for Relocation

Spring and fall often provide the ideal balance between affordability and convenience. During these seasons, demand for moving services is lower than in summer, while temperatures remain comfortable for physically demanding tasks such as loading and unloading, as well as long-distance travel.

Although rain is common in spring and fall, it generally causes fewer transportation challenges than icy winter roads.

Special Considerations for Winter Moves

Winter moves are often the most affordable, but they come with unique challenges:

Shorter Daylight Hours

If you are moving from a large apartment or house, it is best to schedule loading activities early in the day, preferably in the morning. Natural daylight makes moving safer and easier than working with headlamps or portable lighting.

Building Access

Snow removal is important to ensure the truck can park as close as possible to the entrance. If you are moving from an apartment building or condominium, make sure there is adequate parking available in advance.

Protecting Your Home and Belongings

To prevent movers from tracking snow, slush, or dirt indoors, place protective plastic sheets or old rugs on the floor. Avoid leaving cardboard boxes outside for extended periods, as they can absorb moisture and become damaged. If boxes must be moved outdoors before loading, wrap them in plastic sheeting.

Weather Conditions

When selecting a moving date, check long-range weather forecasts whenever possible. Try to schedule your move during periods without major snowstorms, heavy rainfall, or extreme cold. Severe weather can affect every stage of the moving process, from loading to transportation and unloading.

Logistics Planning

Route planning becomes especially important during winter. Some roads may be closed due to snow clearing operations, making alternate routes necessary. The PlusOne Moving team always plans transportation routes based on weather conditions, traffic patterns, and other factors to minimize delays.

With proper preparation, a winter move can be an excellent and cost-effective choice. To eliminate most of the challenges associated with relocation, contact our team. We provide complete moving services, from planning and packing to loading, transportation, and unloading at your new home.

When Should You Book Movers?

The ideal booking timeline depends on the season.

During the summer peak moving season, it is best to contact a moving company at least one month before your moving date. In winter, two weeks' notice is usually sufficient.

Avoid leaving arrangements until the last minute. While it is possible to organize a move within 24 hours, rush bookings often result in additional charges.

If you require extra services such as storage rental or junk removal, inform the moving company as early as possible. Early planning and clear communication help prevent confusion and unnecessary stress.

How to Choose the Best Moving Day

Many people prefer moving on weekends because they do not need to take time off work and can pack and unpack at a more relaxed pace.

However, if you plan to move on a Saturday or Sunday, book movers as soon as your moving date is confirmed. Weekend appointments are generally more popular than mid-week bookings.

The best days to move are usually Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. During the workweek, there is typically less competition for elevators and parking spaces because most residents are at work.

Consider notifying your employer in advance and taking a few days off to help you settle comfortably into your new home.

Whenever possible, avoid moving at the end of the month / Moving Day rush. Many leases expire during this period, which increases demand for moving services. The ideal moving window is generally between the 4th and 24th of the month, when prices tend to be more reasonable and scheduling is easier.

Why Is It Better to Hire Professionals?

By working with a reliable moving company, you can eliminate most of the stress associated with relocation. PlusOne Moving can provide comprehensive assistance, including:

  • planning transportation logistics;
  • supplying packing materials or professionally packing your belongings;
  • disassembling furniture and reassembling it at your new home;
  • careful loading and unloading services;
  • properly equipped moving trucks for relocations of any size.

Our fleet includes 20-ft, 24-ft, 26-ft, and 28-ft trucks, allowing us to handle moves ranging from small apartments to large family homes.

If you have already chosen your new home and would like to relocate with minimal effort, give us a call. PlusOne Moving will do everything possible to make your move smooth, safe, and stress-free. With our experienced team by your side, your relocation will be simple, efficient, and worry-free.

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