Moving to Como Park in winter can feel like a high‑stakes puzzle. Snow, ice, and short daylight hours add layers to an already busy move. If you plan well, you can reduce risk, avoid fines or towing, and make move‑in day smooth and safe. In this guide, you’ll learn how winter weather shapes logistics, what city rules affect moving trucks and sidewalks, and the exact steps to prepare. Let’s dive in.
Como Park winter basics
From November through March, expect regular cold, recurring snowfall, and freeze–thaw cycles that create packed and icy surfaces on streets, sidewalks, and driveways. Sub‑zero nights can occur during cold snaps, which affects both safety and timing. December and January have limited daylight, so aim for moves during daylight hours when possible. Plan around the weather and you will protect your timeline and your belongings.
Snow emergencies and parking rules
Saint Paul declares snow emergencies when plowing and snow removal need to be prioritized. During a declared event, parking restrictions are enforced on designated streets, and vehicles can be ticketed or towed if parked in violation. This directly affects where a moving truck can stage and how long it can stay curbside.
To avoid disruptions, plan your move for a non‑emergency period and check for snow‑emergency alerts in the days before your move. If an emergency is declared, delay the move or secure off‑street or alternate legal parking until plowing is complete and restrictions lift.
Reserve curb space with permits
If you expect to load or unload from the street, look into temporary curbspace or loading‑zone permits. Many cities, including Saint Paul, allow short‑term permits that reserve on‑street space for moving trucks. Applications often require lead time (commonly 48 to 72 hours in many places) and may involve a fee and posting temporary no‑parking signs.
Contact Saint Paul Parking Enforcement or Public Works to confirm the process for your block, application windows, and any placement rules for signage. Apply early, especially if a storm is forecast, since availability may tighten around weather events.
Sidewalk clearing and safe access
Cities typically require adjacent property owners or occupants to clear sidewalks within a set timeframe after snowfall. If the property you are moving into has a sidewalk, make sure it is cleared and safe before movers arrive. Uncleared sidewalks slow loading, create trip hazards, and can add costs or delays to your move.
Confirm the exact sidewalk clearance timeframe and width requirement with the City of Saint Paul. Build that into your plan so dollies, crew members, and any appliance deliveries have a direct, safe route to the entry.
Plows, side streets, and truck access
Municipal plowing prioritizes major routes first. Residential side streets are often plowed later, which can leave narrowed lanes, packed snow, or windrows at corners and curbs. Large moving trucks may struggle to turn around, pass opposing traffic, or stage near the home.
Scout your block in advance for tight corners, overhead wires or branches, and any steep driveways that could be slippery. If access looks tight, consider a smaller truck, a shuttle system from a nearby legal parking area, or multiple short hauls. Planning this ahead reduces on‑site changes and keeps your crew moving.
Smart scheduling and crew selection
Schedule your move for mid‑day when temperatures are higher and visibility is better. Mid‑week move days can be less congested on residential streets. Book movers who have winter experience and ask what winter gear they bring (shovels, salt or sand, waterproof covers, traction devices, and insulated blankets). Confirm their contingency plans if a snow emergency is called or if a truck cannot reach the driveway.
Keep watching the forecast 3 to 7 days out. If a significant storm is likely, consider rescheduling to protect your timeline and reduce risk.
Safe loading and home prep
Create a clear, dry path before the first box leaves the truck. Apply salt or grit on sidewalks, steps, and the driveway. Place plywood or heavy rubber mats over icy patches to give dollies traction and protect surfaces. Inside, protect floors with runners, cardboard, or ram board at the entry and along the main route.
Use furniture sliders and lifting straps to reduce the number of trips outside and limit time spent in the cold. If your block is busy, position cones or use a crew member to manage foot and vehicle flow around the staging area. Ensure any exterior doors used for appliances or utilities are accessible.
Utilities and heat readiness
Verify that electric, gas, water, and internet accounts are active on move‑in day. In the Twin Cities region, providers commonly include Xcel Energy (electric and gas in many areas) and Saint Paul Regional Water Services for municipal water, but you should confirm the correct providers for your specific Como Park address.
Turn on the heat before the crew arrives to protect people and property. Heated interiors help prevent frozen pipes and keep furniture, electronics, and finishes within safe temperature ranges. If you are managing a gap between closing and move‑in, ensure the thermostat is set to a safe level and that someone checks the property if temperatures fall.
Immediate post‑move setup
Winter moves do not end when the truck leaves. Take these steps right away:
- Protect plumbing during extreme cold by letting faucets run slowly to keep water moving and by insulating any exposed pipes if present. Verify that the heating system is functioning properly.
- Clear large icicles or roof overhangs near entrances where the crew or deliveries pass.
- Stock ice‑melt and sand to keep walkways safe. If you travel often, line up a snow‑removal service for ongoing maintenance.
- Confirm trash and recycling pickup schedules and any winter adjustments so boxes and packing materials can be handled promptly.
- Make sure mail and parcel paths are clear, and consider a designated safe drop location if the porch or walk becomes icy.
Timeline and checklist
Use this sample schedule to stay ahead of weather and city rules.
2–4 weeks before
- Check Saint Paul’s snow‑emergency policy and sign up for alerts. Avoid scheduling your move during declared emergencies.
- Reserve movers with winter experience. Ask about their winter equipment, staffing, and contingency plans for restricted truck access.
- Apply for temporary parking or loading‑zone permits to reserve curb space. Confirm lead times, fees, and any required signage.
- Verify utility turn‑on dates with providers and set the heat to be active on move‑in day.
3–7 days before
- Monitor forecasts. If a significant storm is likely, consider rescheduling or arranging a backup date.
- Arrange sidewalk, stoop, and driveway clearing for move day (DIY or hire a snow‑removal service).
- Prepare a winter moving kit: shovels, ice melt, sand, headlamps or flashlights, extra gloves, insulated blankets for furniture, and plastic covers to keep boxes dry.
Move day
- Clear a safe path and apply salt or grit before the crew arrives. Place plywood or rubber mats over any ice‑prone spots.
- Protect interior floors and set up a staging area inside the entry.
- Confirm local snow‑emergency status one more time and keep communication open with your crew.
After move
- Document any damage and follow up promptly with the mover’s insurance if needed.
- Continue sidewalk clearing as required by the city and set a plan for future snow events.
Insurance, liability, and safety
Winter raises the risk of slips, falls, and surface damage. Verify your moving company’s credentials and insurance coverage. Ask how they handle inaccessible driveways, delayed plowing, or blocked streets. Take pre‑ and post‑move photos of entry areas, exterior steps, sidewalks, and interior flooring. A little documentation goes a long way if you need to file a claim.
Work with a local advisor
A smart winter move is about timing, permits, and preparation. If you want help matching your closing date to ideal plow windows, organizing a legal curbside plan, or deciding whether to shuttle from a side street, you do not have to guess. With relocation support and buyer representation focused on the Minneapolis–St. Paul market, you get local insight and a practical plan that reduces friction.
Ready to make your Como Park winter move feel easy? Schedule a Consultation with Unknown Company.
FAQs
What is a Saint Paul snow emergency and how does it affect moving?
- During a declared snow emergency, parking is restricted on designated streets, and moving trucks may not be able to stage curbside; avoid moving during these periods or arrange legal off‑street options.
Do I need a permit to reserve curb space for a moving truck in Como Park?
- Saint Paul offers temporary curb or loading permits in many situations; contact Parking Enforcement or Public Works early, since applications often require lead time and signage.
How soon must sidewalks be cleared after snowfall when moving in Saint Paul?
- Cities typically require clearing within 24 to 48 hours; confirm Saint Paul’s current timeframe and width requirements, then clear walkways before your movers arrive.
What time of day is best for a winter move in Como Park?
- Mid‑day is best due to better light and warmer temperatures; mid‑week moves also tend to face less street congestion.
Which utilities should be on before winter move‑in day in Saint Paul?
- Ensure electric, gas, water, and internet are active, with heat on to protect people and plumbing; confirm the correct providers for your Como Park address.
