What Happens If It Snows on My Evanston Moving Day?

What Happens If It Snows on My Evanston Moving Day?

Last updated: October 2026

After 2 inches of snow, Evanston bans parking on snow routes from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. After 4 inches or more, a snow emergency bans parking from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on side streets, on the even-numbered side on even dates and the odd side on odd dates. Check the Snow Hotline at 847-864-SNOW before a winter move.

Snow in Evanston comes off the lake, and it can come fast. Very fast. Most of the time, a little snow just means shoveling and salting. But a big storm can change where a moving truck is allowed to park, and that's worth knowing before moving day.

The two snow rules

Snow routes, after 2 inches. Parking is banned on snow routes from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. This matters most if a truck stays overnight or a move starts very early.

Snow emergency, after 4 inches or more. Parking is banned from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on side streets. On even dates, the even-numbered side is off limits. On odd dates, the odd side is. This one matters during the day, when the move is happening, because the side of the street the truck can use may flip from one date to the next if the move runs across two days.

Fines apply, and vehicles can be towed. Don't risk it.

What it means for your move

If a snow emergency is on, the side of the street the truck can use depends on the date. We'll look at your address and plan where the truck goes. If you have a driveway or alley access, that may be the simplest option.

Checking before the move

Call the Snow Hotline at 847-864-SNOW the day before and the morning of a winter move. If a storm is coming, call us and we'll talk through the plan.

Getting the building ready

Shovel the walks. The path from the door to the truck should be clear.

Salt the steps. Ice is the biggest risk for a crew carrying heavy things.

Lay down mats. Snow and slush come in on boots.

Floors, door frames, and stairs get protected on every move, at no charge.

Reserved curb space

If you reserved curb space with Evanston's moving vehicle permit, snow rules can still affect the street. Read do I need a moving truck permit in Evanston.

Walk-ups in winter

Snowy, icy entrances make walk-up moves slower. Clear the steps and the courtyard path before the crew arrives. Read do you move vintage walk-up apartments in Evanston.

Other North Shore towns

Snow rules vary by town. Wilmette can declare a parking ban on all public streets after a snowfall. Northbrook police can activate a street parking ban during a snowstorm. Glenview bans overnight parking from 2 to 6 a.m. between December 1 and March 31. Read what happens if it snows on my Wilmette moving day.

Moving to or from Chicago?

Chicago has its own winter overnight parking ban on main streets. Read moving into Chicago from another state.

Pricing

Winter moves are hourly, with a 2-hour minimum. Our pricing doesn't change with the season. Read our winter moving tips.

Winter moves are covered on our Evanston movers page, alongside our moving services.

Call (773) 275-4100 or email info@wcmoving.com, and tell us your date.