Not every move can wait for spring. A job starts in January, a closing date lands in February, or a lease ends the week the snow comes. If you are moving out of a Sewickley house or into a North Hills home this winter, the good news is that a winter move works fine with a little extra planning.
This guide answers common questions about moving in snow and ice around Pittsburgh. It uses the City of Pittsburgh's, Sewickley Borough's and PennDOT's own rules, so you know what is required and what is just good sense.
Can you move in the snow in Pittsburgh?
Yes. Light snow and cold weather do not stop a move. Our residential movers move families Monday through Saturday, and the last job of the day starts by 3pm, which matters in winter when it gets dark early.
What changes in winter is the prep. Clear paths, a plan for where the truck parks, and a backup date if a big storm is forecast make the day go smoothly.
Who has to clear the sidewalk and driveway before moving day?
The person who lives at or owns the property. Pittsburgh City Code 419.03 says every tenant, occupant or property owner with a building fronting a street with a sidewalk must remove snow, sleet and ice from that sidewalk within 24 hours after it falls (City of Pittsburgh notice on removing snow and ice from sidewalks).
Many boroughs have the same rule. Sewickley Borough says snow and ice are to be removed from all sidewalks within 24 hours of falling (Sewickley Borough property maintenance rules). Other towns set their own timing, so check with your municipality if you are moving somewhere new.
The law covers the public sidewalk. For moving day, also clear:
- The driveway, all the way to where the truck will park
- The front walk and porch steps
- Any back or side path the crew might use for large pieces
- Both homes, if you can get access to the new one
Where should I put the shoveled snow?
Not in the street. The City asks residents not to shovel or move snow into the roadway, and to pile it on lawn areas or close to the curb. In heavy snow, the City says parking spaces should be given up to pile snow (City of Pittsburgh Snow & Ice page).
On moving day, keep the curb in front of the house open if you can. A tall snow pile where the truck needs to park means a longer carry for every box and every piece of furniture.
What if my street hasn't been plowed?
Call it in early. The City asks residents to report a street that still needs plowing or salting 24 hours after the snowfall ends, through the City's 311 Response Center. City crews work first on roads to hospitals, schools, and fire and police stations, then business areas, then residential streets and alleys.
That order means a side street or alley can be one of the last cleared after a big storm. If your street is steep or narrow, tell us when you book. Our crews carry things by hand when the truck can't reach the door, but we need to know where the truck can safely stop.
Can a moving truck get stopped on the highway in a storm?
Yes, on the bigger roads. During winter storms, PennDOT and its partners can put tiered restrictions on highways. Under the lowest level, Tier 1, the vehicles not allowed include passenger vehicles such as cars, SUVs and pickups towing trailers, and unloaded or lightly loaded box trucks that meet the definition of a commercial motor vehicle. Higher tiers restrict more vehicles, and Tier 5 closes a road to everything but emergency responders (PennDOT winter event vehicle restrictions).
This matters most if you are driving a rental truck or towing a trailer yourself, or if your move is headed out of state. Check 511PA the night before and the morning of the move for road conditions and restrictions.
Should I reschedule if a big storm is coming?
Talk to us before you decide. A dusting or a cold, clear day is normal moving weather. A forecast for heavy snow, freezing rain or a highway restriction on your route is worth a phone call a day or two ahead.
When you book a winter move, it helps to have a backup date in mind, especially if your lease, closing or utility shutoff can move a day or two. Call (412) 498-5562 and we will talk through the forecast and your options with you.
How do movers protect furniture in snow and slush?
Wrapping matters even more in winter. Our crews wrap furniture before it leaves the room, so pieces travel through the doorway, down wet steps and into the truck already covered. You can help by:
- Packing anything that can't get wet in sealed plastic bins or lined boxes
- Keeping electronics, documents and medications with you in the car
- Labeling boxes that should go straight indoors at the new home
- Asking us how the crew will handle snow and salt at the entry of each home
For more on keeping water away from your things, read our guide on rainy-day packing and moving safely. For wrapping and padding, see our guide to protecting furniture during a move.
What should I do the night before a winter move?
- Check the forecast and 511PA. Call us if heavy snow or ice is coming.
- Clear and salt the sidewalk, driveway, walk and steps at the home you are leaving.
- Save a parking spot close to the door, and keep it free of snow piles.
- Turn on the porch and outdoor lights for an early start or a late finish.
- Keep heat and utilities on at both homes through moving day.
- Pack a warm-up box with gloves, a shovel, salt, towels and a change of socks.
Moving in Sewickley or the North Hills this winter?
Sewickley is close to our home base in Glenshaw, and our crews know its hills and its alleys. Learn more on our Sewickley moving page.
Share your date, both addresses, and what is moving on our quote page, and we will help you plan a winter move that fits the weather.
