Winter may not be the most popular moving season, but it can be one of the most rewarding. While snow or rain can make moving a little trickier, with the right preparation, you can still make a smooth, comfortable transition – and even enjoy some advantages along the way.
Moving in the winter has advantages. It is usually cheaper than moving during the busy, warmer season because there is less competition for moving companies, and you also have more flexibility. The cooler temperatures mean you’re less likely to overheat or break a sweat, which can be a benefit for those who don’t like excessive heat.
While there are pros and cons to moving in cold weather, sometimes you may have no choice but to do so. In this guide, we will provide a complete list of tips for moving effectively in cold weather.
Timing is key
Ensure you plan ahead
Planning ahead is key for moving in the cold to ensure that you don’t miss anything that can complicate your move later on. First, look at storm history and maybe avoid moving during those times, and make sure you give yourself enough time to complete the move in case something unexpected happens.
Choose the right time
Choosing the right time can help you save money and avoid unexpected delays. Morning moves are better because if there is a delay due to the weather, you will have more time to finish the move that day.
Weekdays and the middle of the month are generally cheaper. The ends and beginnings of the month are more expensive because more people are moving. Colder months, like January, are usually cheaper, and some moving companies may even be closed, so be sure to check ahead.
Try not to move around the holidays; it can disturb the peace, make a busy time stressful, and your home won’t be ready for hosting. If you are hosting, it might in fact be a recipe for disaster.
However, if you are someone who does not celebrate during the holidays, moving during this period may be advantageous because you will have more time on your hands. However, check the opening and closing hours of moving truck rentals and moving companies, because some of them close during this period.
Ask your movers: what happens during a storm?
Usually, if a delay is caused by the weather, movers will rebook the client at the soonest available time. They typically don’t offer compensation for such delays, since it’s out of their control. The lack of compensation can be a bit disappointing, but unfortunately, that’s the risk of moving during the winter. However, don’t worry about your landlord, typically they are very lenient and understanding when a tenant cannot leave the apartment at the chosen date due to the weather.
What moving method is best for you?
Depending on your budget and physical capabilities, you’ll need to choose the moving method that is best for you. Moving with a truck is cheaper, but you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting and driving yourself. Moving with a moving container is more expensive than renting a truck but cheaper than hiring a moving company, you’ll still need to fill the container yourself. You’ll spend a bit more using a moving company directly or a moving services marketplace, but they’ll handle everything and give you peace of mind during your winter move.
To ensure you pick the right moving method, check out the chart below.
| Pros of moving during the winter | Cons of moving during the winter | |
| Moving truck | More truck availability. | You may be driving in a storm or on uneasy road conditions.You may be filling the truck during a storm or in slippery conditions. |
| Moving container | You can take your time to fill it the next day if there’s a storm or bad conditions. More container availability. | There may be delays when transporting your container to the new location. |
| Moving company | It’s a safer and easier option because you won’t have to do any of the driving or heavy lifting. The professionals will do it for you. | Your move may have to be postponed in case of bad weather. |
Prepare your car (checklist)
Whether you choose to only move with your car or not, you will without a doubt be using it during the move. Here’s a checklist to prepare it properly:
- Have your car serviced just in case, to make sure everything is safe, especially if it’s a long-distance move.
- Have winter tires, or all-season at the least, and book an appointment beforehand.
- Make sure your vehicle is packed properly: antifreeze, blankets, portable charger, jumper cables, emergency kit, water bottle, have a shovel and a window scraper.
- Check for road closures on the way.
- Keep fragile items in the car that might be damaged by the cold, but only put them in your car at the last minute or keep them in your car in your heated garage.
How to pack properly
Start early (packing timeline)
Packing in advance for any move and especially a cold weather or winter move is crucial to ensure that everything goes smoothly on moving day. Here’s a packing timeline to follow to help you de-stress when packing:
- 6-3 months before moving: Start decluttering your items slowly by donating or selling the things you don’t need in your new home.
- 3-1 month(s) before moving: Gather your moving supplies like boxes and tape and more and start packing your home in stages. Start with the items you use the least, for example, decorative items or items in the garage basement and attic and then move on to items you use the most.
- 1 month – 1 week before the move: Take pictures of your valuable items and start packing them along with the rest of your items that you use the least until you reach the items you use the most.
- 1 week – 1 day before the move: Start emptying your fridge, scan and pack important documents, take pictures of your complex electronic connections before packing them, double-check that your boxes are labelled correctly, and pack an essentials bag for items you will need during the day of the move.
Protect your items from the cold
Just like excessive heat can damage items and make them melt, the cold can also damage your items and make them malfunction or break. Plastic bins and waterproof containers are very effective when packing your items in the cold because they will protect them from liquid that can damage your cardboard boxes and therefore damage your items. To ensure a worry-free move, consider protecting the following items when moving in cold weather:
- Electronics and delicate items: Electronics can malfunction if they stay in cold weather for too long without proper protection. Always double wrap them in thick blankets, towels, or padded covers.
- Houseplants: Moving these in the winter can cause stress and may lead them to die. Double bag them with paper too, and keep them away from cold surfaces in the vehicle.
- Liquids: Don’t pack liquids that can freeze, expand, and burst your bottles, which could ruin all your items. Transfer them into leak-proof containers, wrap them in plastic bags, or put them in your car.
- Documents: Keep your important documents and paperwork in plastic.
Moving day survival guide
Dress properly
If you’re moving in the cold weather, you will likely be cold at first, but the more you move, the warmer you will be so ensure that you dress in layers that you can easily take off and remove in case you’re in this situation. Don’t forget to wear a warm coat, wool socks, and use hand warmers if needed.
Pack an essentials bag
To avoid digging into your boxes in the cold temperatures, pack an essentials bag with everything you will need. This could include: tissues for leaky noses, snacks, cards, extra socks, blankets, warm clothing, toiletries, medications, a portable phone charger, water, and hot water, tea, or coffee in an insulated mug.
Have a backup plan
Moving in cold weather can cause unexpected delays, for example during winter storms. Your moving company may have to reschedule, or you might not be able to book the moving truck you originally reserved. Have a backup plan by checking other companies in advance so you know who to call if yours doesn’t work out. You could also have a friend with a truck as a backup, and ask if they’d be okay helping in case of an emergency.
Indoor and outdoor home preparation
Outside of the home
To avoid you, the movers, or your friends helping you from slipping or sliding and hurting themselves during the move, it’s important to prepare the outside of your home as much as possible. The first step is to ensure the entryway and driveway are free from clutter to avoid bumping into things. Use a de-icer or anti-icer on your driveway, steps, entryway, and sidewalks, basically anywhere you or the movers have to step to get to the truck.
Shovel the pathway for you or your movers, and salt the pathway, stairs, and anywhere you or they will be moving through a few days leading up to the move and on the day of the move as well.
If it’s a big move and you’re having lots of people over to help you or movers, consider making a little outdoor hut or tent to take a short rest from the cold. You can set up a thermos with warm coffee or hot chocolate, along with cups, water, and non-alcoholic apple cider.
If the move stretches into the late afternoon and it’s dark, ensure the areas are properly lit.
Inside of the home
Just like outside, make sure all hallways, pathways, and entryways are cleared of clutter to ensure no one slips and falls. Turn off the heat because people will be going in and out all day, so there isn’t much point in keeping it on. Your system will also be overworking unless you keep just one room heated with the door closed, where you can go to warm up.
Also, protect your floors indoors. Movers and you will likely not be taking off your boots if it’s wet outside, which can make your house wet and create a slipping hazard. Lay down tarps, rugs, or plastic sheeting that won’t move.
Most importantly, keep a mop and towels handy to wipe down the floors as they get wet.
Conclusion
To conclude, moving during the winter isn’t for everyone, but with the right preparation it can be successful. For a successful move in the cold weather, ensure you always allow extra time, plan in advance, check that the heating works in your new place, keep your pets in the house until you’re ready to leave (don’t leave them in the cold car outside) and prepare your tip of the movers in advance so you don’t have to drive around in the cold and snow.
Remember also to load heavier items first to distribute the weight evenly across the truck and drive slowly and safely! Best of luck with your cold weather move!
Written in Collaboration with MovingWaldo
MovingWaldo is a trusted moving services marketplace that simplifies and secures the moving process for individuals and families. Their advanced technology lets you compare moving estimates in real time and securely book thoroughly vetted movers entirely online. Their platform provides a safe, stress-free moving experience that saves you both time and money.