Moving in bad weather in Ontario usually goes ahead. Cold, light snow and slush slow a crew down, but they don’t stop a move. G Force postpones only for severe conditions, such as a snowstorm, and when we postpone, your deposit moves to the new date. If you’re the one who wants to reschedule because of a storm, you can keep the same deposit too, even with short notice.

Below is how those decisions work, what changes for long-distance and storage moves, and what you pay for when snow slows things down.

Will movers still come if it snows?

In most cases, yes. Ontario crews work through winter, and a few centimetres of snow or a cold morning is a normal moving day from November to March.

What changes is pace. Crews carry furniture more carefully on icy steps and wrap pieces against wet snow. Expect a winter move to take a bit longer than the same move in dry weather.

For what you can do at home to keep things moving, such as clearing paths, protecting floors and planning around early sunsets, see our guide to moving in winter in Ontario.

Moving in bad weather: when does a move get postponed?

We postpone a move when the weather makes it unsafe to drive a loaded truck or carry heavy items, which in practice means a snowstorm or similarly severe conditions. Light snow, cold temperatures or a wet day aren’t reasons to cancel.

The decision comes down to safety for the crew, for you and for your belongings. A sofa carried down an ice-covered staircase or a truck on a highway in whiteout conditions isn’t worth the risk to anyone.

Who decides to reschedule a move because of weather?

Either side can raise it.

  • If we postpone: we contact you, and your deposit moves to the rescheduled date. You don’t pay a new deposit.
  • If you want to postpone because of a storm: send us your request in writing by email or through your booking contact. You can use the same deposit for the new date.

Either way, talk to us as early as you can. The sooner we know, the more dates we can offer.

Will you lose your deposit if you reschedule because of the weather?

No. For weather-related changes, your deposit carries over to the new date, whether we postpone or you do.

Our standard rule for other reschedules is different. Under our cancellation and rescheduling policy, a reschedule request made at least 48 hours before your start time moves your deposit at no penalty. With less notice, the deposit is forfeited and a new one is needed. A cancellation, as opposed to a reschedule, doesn’t return the deposit.

So if a storm is coming, ask to reschedule rather than cancel.

How to plan a backup date

A little planning makes a weather reschedule much easier:

  • Pick a backup date when you book. Ask which nearby days are open so you’re not starting from scratch.
  • Check the forecast at five days and again at 48 hours. If a storm is forecast, call us early.
  • Tell your landlord, building and buyer or seller. If your move date changes, your elevator booking, key handover and lease end date may need to move too.
  • Check your elevator booking rules. Some condos may charge to change a booking or need a few days’ notice.
  • Keep utilities on at the old place for a day or two past your moving date in case it slips.

Do you pay for extra time when snow slows the move?

Yes. Local moves are billed hourly on actual time, in half-hour increments. If snow means the crew needs longer to load safely, that time is part of the move. Your crew and truck are still working, and fuel and labour cost the same whatever the weather.

You can keep that extra time down. Shovel and salt the driveway, walkway and steps at both addresses, get the truck a clear parking spot close to the door, and have everything packed before the crew arrives.

Long-distance move weather delays: what to expect

Weather affects long-distance moves differently. Within Ontario, a move such as Toronto to Ottawa usually takes about a day. A move from Ontario to Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Nova Scotia, or Newfoundland and Labrador covers more highway, and storms anywhere on the route can slow the truck.

For our long-distance moving service, you get a confirmed delivery window before loading starts. Cross-province deliveries typically take 3 to 6 days depending on route and volume. A delivery window is an estimate, not a guaranteed date, and our terms and conditions explain how delays are handled.

If you’re worried about a storm on the route, contact us for an update. A few steps help on your side:

  • Arrange to arrive at the new home before the truck, with heat on and the driveway cleared.
  • Pack a bag with a few days of clothes, medication and documents in your own car.
  • Avoid booking movers, cleaners or installers at the destination for the exact delivery day.

What if a storm leaves you between homes?

Sometimes a weather delay leaves you out of your old home before you can get into the new one. Short-term storage solutions cover the gap. We load, store and deliver under one contract, for a few days or several months, and your belongings stay wrapped in a dry facility until you’re ready.

Book a winter move with a backup plan

The best protection against bad weather is a mover who tells you plainly what happens if a storm hits. If you’re planning a move this winter, request a free moving quote and ask us about backup dates when we call.