How to Move in Winter Tips for Cold Weather Relocations
To Move in winter safely and save money doing it! Winter moving might seem hard, but with the right plan, you can turn cold weather into your biggest moving advantage. Moving in winter costs up to 30% less than summer moves, and you get better availability from moving companies.
Why Moving in Winter Makes Sense
Save Big Money on Your Move
Winter is the best time to save money on moving costs. Moving companies offer discounts during winter months, with rates up to 30% lower than peak summer prices. Here's what costs less in winter:
- Moving company services
- Truck rentals
- Storage units
- Packing supplies
- Hotel stays during long moves
Almost 50% of all household moves happen during summer months, while only 10% happen in winter. This means less competition and better deals for you.
Better Availability and Service
Winter moving gives you more choices. Moving companies have fewer bookings during winter months, making it easier to book your preferred moving date and gain access to the most experienced movers. You won't have to fight for weekend slots or prime moving dates.
Less Traffic and Faster Moves
Winter roads are usually less crowded than summer highways. With fewer movers on the road, your moving company may have more flexibility to choose faster routes, avoiding crowded highways and busy city streets. This means faster delivery times and potentially lower costs.
Planning Your Winter Move
Check the Weather Like Your Life Depends on It
Weather is your biggest concern when moving in winter. Winter weather can be unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly. Start checking forecasts two weeks before your move date.
Watch for:
- Snow storms
- Ice storms
- Extreme cold warnings
- Heavy rain that could freeze
Pro tip: Have a backup plan ready. If there is a large storm coming through on the day you plan to move, you may wish to contact your movers or truck rental company and reschedule.
Book Professional Winter Movers
Not all moving companies are good at winter moves. Look for local movers who know how to handle cold weather challenges. Professional movers like Alliance Relocation Services are experienced in handling the challenges of moving in cold weather.
Ask your movers about:
- Their winter moving experience
- How they protect items from cold
- Their bad weather policies
- What extra equipment they bring
Create Your Winter Moving Timeline
Start planning your winter move at least 8 weeks early. Cold weather makes everything take longer, so give yourself extra time for:
- 8 weeks before: Book your moving company
- 6 weeks before: Start decluttering and packing
- 4 weeks before: Arrange utilities at your new home
- 2 weeks before: Confirm all services and check weather
- 1 week before: Pack your survival kit and prepare your homes
Protecting Your Belongings from Cold Weather
Items That Hate Cold Weather
Cold weather (especially below-freezing temperatures) can be especially harmful to electronics, wooden furniture, musical instruments, and liquid-based products. Here's what needs special care:
Electronics:
- Computers and laptops
- TVs and gaming systems
- Smartphones and tablets
- Home audio equipment
Household Items:
- Wooden furniture
- Plants and flowers
- Liquid cleaners and paint
- Wine and beverages
- Musical instruments
Smart Packing for Cold Weather
Electronics Need Extra Love
Electronics really do not like cold weather. Here's how to protect them:
- Keep them warm: Wait to load electronics until you're about to leave to keep them as safe as possible
- Use original boxes: Original boxes and packaging materials are tailor-made for your devices, offering the best protection
- Add extra padding: Wrap in bubble wrap and use thick blankets
- Transport in your car: Keep valuable electronics with you in a heated vehicle
Wooden Furniture Needs Special Care
Wooden furniture is susceptible to damage in cold conditions, potentially leading to warping or cracking. Follow these steps:
- Wax before moving: Apply wax to your wooden furniture one to two weeks before moving
- Wrap properly: Use moving blankets and plastic wrap
- Avoid direct contact: Don't stack wooden items together
- Allow gradual warming: Let furniture adjust to room temperature slowly
General Cold Weather Packing Tips
Use weather-resistant packing materials and sealable plastic bins to protect your items from snow and moisture. Here's your packing strategy:
Use Better Materials:
- Plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes
- Extra bubble wrap for fragile items
- Waterproof tape for sealing
- Plastic bags for extra protection
Pack Smarter:
- Fill boxes completely to prevent shifting
- Use more padding than usual
- Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room
- Keep important documents in waterproof containers
Winter Moving Day Safety
Clear Your Pathways
Clear the driveway, walkways, and sidewalks around your house from accumulated mud, snow, or formed ice. This is your most important safety step.
What to clear:
- All walkways to your front door
- Driveway and parking areas
- Steps and porches
- Path to your mailbox
How to clear safely:
- Use rock salt or ice melt
- Shovel snow immediately after it falls
- Apply sand for better traction
- Keep salt and sand readily available, along with a shovel to clear driveways
Dress for Success (and Warmth)
Wear layers of warm clothing so you can take off and put on items as you go from house to car and room to room. Your winter moving outfit should include:
Essential clothing:
- Multiple layers you can adjust
- Waterproof boots with good tread
- Warm gloves (bring extras)
- Hat that covers your ears
- Waterproof jacket
Safety gear:
- Traction cleats such as Yaktrax® are a great way to help keep your workers safe
- Non-slip shoe covers
- First aid kit nearby
- Emergency blankets in your car
