Moving Day on a Hillside Street: Practical Tips
Quick answer: Moving on a hillside street like many on East Hill goes smoother if you scout the driveway and street ahead of time, plan where the truck will park safely, move early in the day, prepare for ice in winter, and set up your utilities with BC Hydro, FortisBC and the City of Vernon before you arrive.
East Hill rises directly east of downtown Vernon, and many of its streets, lanes and driveways have a real slope. That's part of the charm: views, mature trees and character homes. It also means moving day needs a little more planning than on flat ground. Here's a practical checklist.
Two weeks before: scout the site
- Walk the street. How steep is the driveway? Is there room for a truck to park safely on the street or in the lane?
- Measure access. Check the width of the driveway, gates, stairs and front door. Older homes often have narrower doorways and tighter stair turns.
- Count the steps. Many East Hill homes have exterior stairs from the street. Tell your movers, since it affects time and cost.
- Check for overhead obstacles like low tree branches or wires that a tall truck might hit.
- Ask about placing a container or bin. If you're thinking of putting a storage container or bin on the street, check first with the City of Vernon.
One week before: set up services
- Electricity: in the City of Vernon, electricity is provided by BC Hydro. Set up your account for your move-in date.
- Natural gas: provided by FortisBC, if the home has gas service.
- Water, sewer and garbage: these City services are billed through the City of Vernon. Contact the City's utility billing department, or use the City's online address change form.
- Internet and phone: book installation early, since appointments can fill up.
- Home insurance: make sure it starts on your possession date.
- Mail: set up forwarding with Canada Post.
Moving day: working with the slope
- Start early. Morning moves avoid the worst summer heat and give you daylight if things run long.
- Chock the wheels of any rented truck or trailer parked on a slope, and turn the front wheels toward the curb.
- Use the right equipment: a dolly with good brakes or straps, furniture sliders and moving blankets. Carrying heavy items downhill is harder than it looks.
- Keep sidewalks clear for neighbours and pedestrians.
- Keep kids and pets safe and out of the way while heavy items move.
- Hydrate. Okanagan summer days are hot, and hillside moves are a workout.
Winter moves on East Hill
If you're moving between November and March, plan for snow and ice:
- The City clears high-traffic roads first, then residential roads, then lanes and cul-de-sacs. A side street or lane may not be plowed right away after a snowfall.
- Bring your own sand or ice melt. Residents are responsible for sanding their own driveways and walkways.
- Once you own the home, you're responsible for clearing the sidewalk next to it within 24 hours of a snowfall.
- Book movers whose trucks have winter-rated tires, and have a backup date in mind.
After the move: settling in
- Find your collection day. Vernon collects garbage every second week and organics weekly. Use the collection map on vernon.ca and have carts at the curb by 7 a.m.
- Recycle boxes. Cardboard and packaging can go through the Recycle BC program. The Recycle BC app shows what goes curbside and what goes to a depot.
- Big items: larger loads can go to the Greater Vernon Diversion and Disposal Facility.
- Sign up for emergency alerts through Alertable, the system the City of Vernon uses.
- Meet the neighbours. A quick hello on moving weekend goes a long way.
If you have kids, you'll need proof of your new address to register at your catchment school. School District 22's School Locator tool will tell you which school serves your new address.
Still deciding where to move?
Our East Hill guide describes the neighbourhood, and our buying in East Hill page covers what to look for in a home, including slopes and driveways. For street-by-street insight, meet Tim Jones, a fellow agent we feature as our local East Hill expert. To see what's available now, browse the live MLS® search for East Hill homes for sale.
General information only. Confirm service details with the City of Vernon and your utility providers.
FAQ
Who provides electricity and gas on East Hill in Vernon?
In the City of Vernon, electricity is provided by BC Hydro and natural gas by FortisBC. Water, sewer and garbage are City services.
Can I park a moving truck on an East Hill street?
Often, yes, but park safely, keep sidewalks clear, and check with the City of Vernon before placing a container or bin on the street.
What if I'm moving in winter?
Plan for ice, bring your own sand, have a backup date, and remember that lanes and cul-de-sacs are plowed after main and residential roads.
Planning a move to East Hill? Call or text Sean at 778-363-0542, or call the Sarah AI info hotline any time at 604-227-4810.
Featured photo: stock image from Unsplash, for illustration.
