January: A Flexible Month to Move in Montreal
If scheduling flexibility is your top priority, January is a strong month. It's the quietest period for moving demand in Montreal, which means the widest availability of time slots and crew sizes.
Up & Out keeps the same package rates year-round, but January can make logistics easier because there is less competition for movers, elevators, parking windows, and preferred start times.
Handling Extreme Cold During a January Move
Let's be honest: January in Montreal is brutal. Average highs hover around -5°C to -10°C, and with wind chill, it can feel like -30°C or colder. This isn't just uncomfortable — it's genuinely dangerous for both people and belongings if you're not prepared.
Start your car and the moving truck 15-20 minutes before loading begins so the cab is warm for the drive. Keep the truck door closed as much as possible between loads to retain some heat inside. If the move takes multiple trips, your belongings could spend hours in freezing conditions, so prioritize heat-sensitive items in the first load.
Watch for frostbite warning signs: numbness in fingers and toes, white or grey patches on skin, and a tingling or burning sensation. Keep hand warmers in your pockets and take warming breaks every 45-60 minutes. No piece of furniture is worth a trip to the hospital.
January Moving Logistics in Montreal
Snow removal is your biggest logistical challenge. Check both addresses for snow piles blocking driveways, fire hydrants near parking spots (trucks can't park there), and icy stairs. If a snowstorm hit recently, you may need to shovel a path and salt the walkways the day before your move.
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Contact your borough or city to check the snow removal schedule. If a snow removal operation is planned for your street on moving day, your truck could get towed. This is a uniquely Montreal problem — the city removes millions of tonnes of snow each winter, and the trucks and plows wait for no one.
January Move Preparation Checklist
Confirm your move date with the moving company 48 hours in advance and discuss weather contingency plans. Have salt, sand, and shovels ready at both locations. Wrap all electronics, instruments, and liquids with extra insulation. Drain garden hoses and outdoor equipment that could freeze and crack. Most importantly, keep your sense of humor — you're moving in the coldest month of the year, and that deserves a badge of honor.
One final tip: turn on the heat at your new place at least 24 hours before move-in. Walking into a freezing cold apartment with a truck full of furniture is miserable. If you don't have access yet, ask your landlord to set the thermostat to at least 15°C before you arrive.
