Moving During a Montreal Heatwave: Safety & Hydration Tips

The Dangers of Moving During a Montreal Heatwave

Montreal heatwaves are no joke. When the temperature hits 33°C and the humidity pushes the humidex to 40°C or higher, the city becomes an oven — and moving heavy furniture in those conditions is genuinely dangerous. Heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and severe dehydration can strike faster than most people realize, especially during intense physical labor.

Every summer, Montreal experiences multiple heatwave periods, typically in July and August. These often coincide with peak moving season, putting movers and their clients at serious risk. In 2018, a prolonged heatwave in Montreal was linked to dozens of deaths — a stark reminder that extreme heat is a health emergency, not just an inconvenience.

Heat Safety Protocols for Moving Day

If you must move during a heatwave, start as early as humanly possible. A 6 or 7 AM start lets you do the heaviest work during the coolest part of the day. By noon, temperatures will be at their peak, and any outdoor physical activity becomes significantly more dangerous.

Hydration is your first line of defense. Drink water constantly — before you feel thirsty, because thirst is actually a late indicator of dehydration. Aim for at least one glass of water every 15-20 minutes during active moving. Supplement with electrolyte drinks (Gatorade, Pedialyte, or coconut water) to replace the sodium and potassium lost through sweat.

Watch for warning signs of heat-related illness: excessive sweating followed by no sweating at all, dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and headache. If anyone — you, a friend, or a mover — shows these symptoms, stop immediately, move to a cool area, apply cold water or ice packs, and call 911 if symptoms are severe.

Protecting Belongings in Extreme Heat

The inside of a moving truck sitting in the sun can reach 50°C or higher — hot enough to damage electronics, melt candles and cosmetics, warp vinyl records, and kill houseplants within minutes. Anything heat-sensitive should travel in your air-conditioned car.

Keep the truck parked in shade whenever possible. If no shade is available, keep the truck doors closed between loading to retain whatever cool air is inside. Avoid leaving the truck loaded and idle for extended periods — the longer items sit in the heat, the greater the risk of damage.

When to Postpone a Heatwave Move

Know your limits. If Environment Canada issues an extreme heat warning with humidex values above 40°C, seriously consider postponing. Most reputable moving companies in Montreal will reschedule at no charge during extreme heat advisories — their crews' safety is at stake too.

If postponing isn't possible, consider splitting the move into two days: morning sessions only, from 7 AM to noon, with the afternoons reserved for rest and recovery. This approach is safer and often more efficient than pushing through a dangerous afternoon when everyone is exhausted and moving slowly. Your safety — and the safety of the moving crew — is always worth more than sticking to the original schedule.