Tips for Moving in the Snow

“Listen, the snow is falling over town; Listen, the snow is falling everywhere…”

It’s the perfect scene for a romantic evening by the fireplace – it is definitely NOT the perfect scene for a house move. Hauling heavy items over mountains of snow, navigating slippery surfaces, and tracking slush all over the floors is as dreadful as you imagine it to be – and should better be avoided.

Yet, moving house in the snow is not an uncommon occurrence – whether because of the circumstances or because of the more favorable housing market conditions and lower moving costs in the cold season, many people move in the winter. And moving in the winter often means moving in the snow.

Moving home in the snow is quite a challenge, but it can still go smoothly and efficiently – as long as you take the right precautions and prepare well.

So, if you’ve scheduled a winter move, make sure you take a closer look at the expert tips for moving in the snow below – they will save your day if the world is covered in white at the time of your move.

Plan Ahead – and Plan for Snow

Residential moves are usually scheduled weeks – or even months – in advance. Therefore, when planning your relocation, you can’t possibly know whether it will be snowing on your chosen move date or not. If you’re moving in the winter though, the chances of snow on moving day are very high.

So, to avoid troubles and costly setbacks during your winter move, you need to plan for snowy weather and take relevant precautions:

1) Hire professional moving help

Attempting a self-move in the harsh winter conditions is likely to result in disaster. It will be very difficult and very dangerous to carry your household items over snow, load them on the moving truck while it is snowing, navigate the large moving vehicle down slippery streets, and drive through snowdrifts – you risk damaging your belongings, ruining your floors, compromising your safety, and losing a lot of time, money, and nerves in the process.

See also: The biggest risks of a self-move

Your best bet when moving in the winter is to hire professional movers – they will have the rich experience, expert skill, and specialized equipment to perform your move in a safe and efficient manner even in snowy weather. The pros will ensure the best possible protection to your items against cold and moisture, will know how to deal with weather challenges, and will take the stress out of your move. Besides, it will be easy to find a reputable moving company during the winter months when moving services are not in such a high demand and you will probably be able to get a discount on your off-season move. (See also: Benefits of moving in off-peak season).

Must-read: How to find the best movers for you

2) Check the weather and discuss snow concerns with your movers

Keep your eye on the weather in the time leading up to your move so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly. If snow is forecast for the week of your move, talk to your movers to see what their policy is in case of adverse weather.

Most reputable moving companies have the resources and experience to deal with harsh climatic conditions and will be able to perform your move even in snowy weather. If a severe snowstorm hits your area in the last couple of days before your move though – or on moving day itself – and the roads are blocked, the moving truck won’t be able to reach you or deliver your items to your new home. Besides, the inclement weather will greatly increase the risk of traffic accidents, property damage, and personal injuries. In such cases, moving companies have the right to postpone a move.

So, make sure you contact the movers a week or so before your move to discuss snow concerns with them:

• If they say that the snow is unlikely to cause serious problems and confirm your move, be sure to check with them the day before moving day again to make sure all is as planned;
• If the movers want to postpone, find out what your options are:
  • The movers may still be able to pick up your things, but not deliver them to your final destination – in this case, you can stay at a hotel until the moving truck gets to your new home;
  • The company may not send out a truck if they’re concerned the vehicle will get stuck or stranded in the snow – in this case, you need to speak to your real estate agent or landlord to see if you can stay in your old place a few extra days.

Either way, make sure you have a backup plan in case you need to reschedule your move (see below for details).

Good to remember: Make sure you check the weather well in advance of moving day, monitor it carefully in the week leading up to your move, and continue following it closely right up until the movers arrive. Don’t forget that weather conditions may change within hours and keep the radio on throughout the Big day to ensure that you know the latest updates – if there is a blizzard coming or roads are being closed, etc. It may also be a good idea to check with your local authorities before the movers depart to be sure that the roads are passable.

3) Get the necessary supplies

Stock up on winter supplies – snow shovels, sand or salt, plastic sheeting, tarp, old sheets or blankets, etc. – so you can quickly and adequately respond to weather challenges at the time of your move.

Keep your winter supplies on hand (in case you need to deal with snow on moving day) and make sure you have an extra heater and plenty of hot beverages ready for the Big day, too.

4) Take care of the utilities

Contact your current service providers and schedule the utilities at your old home to be turned off on the day after your move. Make arrangements for the utilities at your new place to be up and running on move-in day (it’s best to have everything turned on the day before to avoid unpleasant surprises – moving in the snow is hard enough, but moving into a cold home with no gas and electricity and no running water will be a truly nightmarish experience in the dead of winter).

Related useful read: How to transfer utilities when moving

While it’s of paramount importance to ensure that all utilities have been set-up and are fully functioning at the time of your move, you’re advised to keep the heat turned to low for the first few hours after arriving in your new home as you’ll be taking your items inside and the door will be open the entire time, so it will be impossible to warm up the place – turning the heat up will only result in wasted expense. Besides, lifting and carrying heavy items will make you and everyone else involved in the move warm and may even cause you to sweat.

Likewise, when moving out of your old home, you should turn the heat off – with the movers going in and out, the doors will be perpetually open and there will be no point in cranking the heat up. It is a good idea, however, to keep a small room heated (you can use a space heater), so you and your movers can go there for a break and warm up. (Needless to say, the room where your kids and/or pets stay during the move should also be kept properly heated.)

5) Plan for kids and pets

When moving in snowy weather, you need to take extra care of your children and your pets –not only keep them out of harm’s way, but also make sure they’re warm and comfortable.

If possible, arrange for your young kids and/or animal friends to stay with a relative or a close friend on moving day, so they’re safe and warm and you don’t need to worry about them. If not, hire a sitter to look after your little ones in a secure, well-heated room away from the moving chaos. Take extra precautions to prevent your pet(s) from sneaking out of the house – if they escape and get lost in the freezing cold, the consequences may be grave.

Keep your children’s and your pets’ winter gear easily accessible and don’t forget to pack some extra warm clothing, soft blankets, and other appropriate comfort items for your little ones in your essentials box.

6) Map out your travel route

If you’re driving to your new home, be sure to plan your travel route in advance. Keep in mind that the fastest route may not always be the safest and stick to well maintained, major roads where the risk of getting stranded in the snow will be smaller. Find out the locations of overnight accommodations along your chosen route, so you know where you can stop if the weather gets worse while you’re on the road.

Be sure to check the conditions along your travel route a couple of days before moving day – and right before you depart – to ensure that the roads are passable (or to look for an alternative route in case they’re not). It’s best to contact the local authorities to find out if the highways are open and safe to travel on (each state has a phone number and/or a website that provides regular weather and traffic updates).

It is a good idea to give a friend or a family member who isn’t traveling with you a copy of your travel plan. Make a call-in schedule with that person so they know where you are – and whether you’re safe – at all times.

7) Prepare your car for driving in the snow

Driving in snow is difficult and dangerous, so you need your car to be in top shape for a winter trip to your new home.

Make sure you have your vehicle serviced and winterized before the move:

• Have your car checked well in advance of your move (pay special attention to the battery, coolant system, and brakes), so there is enough time for repairs if any are needed;
• Refill antifreeze and have the oil changed to get the right viscosity for optimal winter performance;
• Get windshield washer fluid specially designed for cold weather;
• Get winter wiper blades that are flexible enough to withstand extremely low temperatures and provide better protection against the buildup of snow and ice;
• Get snow tires that provide enhanced traction on icy roads. Consider putting on chains.

When driving in the snow, allow yourself plenty of time to reach your final destination and be very careful – avoid accelerating too quickly, slamming on the brakes, making sharp turns, and overtaking other vehicles and leave a lot of room between your car and the vehicle in front of you because stopping will take longer on snowy and/or icy roads.

8)  Create a winter survival kit and take it in your car

When moving in the snow, in addition to your moving essentials box, you need to pack a special survival kit, so you’re ready for any issues that could arise on the way to your new home. Your winter moving survival kit should include a snow shovel, an ice scraper, a few jumper cables, a gas can, extra windshield fluid and antifreeze, some de-icing salt (or a bag of sand), emergency flares, a first-aid kit, a tool kit, a spare tire, a tow rope, a flashlight, a few cozy blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks, and some warm clothing (sweaters, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, snow boots, etc.) for all family members, as well as an emergency contact list (you need to have all important phone numbers, including roadside assistance and a number for reports on highway conditions).

It is also a good idea to prepare a few extra, weather-appropriate items that will help you feel comfortable in your new place upon arrival – tea and cocoa, a portable water heater, a small space heater, extra blankets, etc.

Be Flexible and Be Prepared

No matter how carefully you plan your winter move, your plans may go awry – the weather is unpredictable and neither you, nor your movers can’t control it. You need to be ready to respond and adapt to the situation as it unfolds.

1) Anticipate complications and delays

Complications and delays are to be expected when moving house in the snow – a blizzard may occur at the time of your move, the roads may get icy or blocked, etc. In such conditions, it’s better to reschedule your move or delay it a little, rather than risk your possessions and people’s lives.  

And even if the snow doesn’t stop your movers, the harsh winter weather will hinder them – they will have to take additional precautions to keep your items and your property safe (which will take extra time), will need to walk more carefully (and, therefore, more slowly) when taking your items out of your home and loading them on the moving truck, will have to drive more carefully (and, thus, more slowly) when transporting your items to your new place, etc. Besides, the days will be shorter and darker – with fewer hours of daylight, the moving process may take an extra day because there will be less time to work.

So, be sure to keep your expectations realistic and plan for delays – bear in mind that your move may take slightly longer than you have originally anticipated and be flexible. If possible, schedule your move for the morning rather than during the afternoon, so the movers can complete the job before it gets dark.

2) Have a backup plan

If worst comes to worst, you may need to reschedule your move due to heavy snowfall and extremely harsh weather. So, make sure you prepare for this scenario and create a backup plan:

• Talk to your chosen movers in advance and have a backup moving day planned in case the weather gets too bad. Reputable moving companies won’t request an extra fee for rescheduling a winter move;
• Discuss the matter with your real estate agent (or the landlords of your current place and your new one) and find out what the protocol is in case a last-minute emergency prevents you from moving – you may be able to stay in your old home a little longer, though there may be an extra fee. In the worst-case scenario you’ll have to stay at a hotel – or with friends, relatives, etc. – until your rescheduled moving day;
• Make sure you have everything necessary (food, medications, toiletries, clothes, bedding, etc.) to get by for a few days if you have to cancel your move or if your movers pick up your items but can’t deliver them to your new place on schedule because of the inclement weather.

Protect Your Items Against Moisture and Cold

Moving in the snow not only presents a number of hazards and uncertainties, but also poses a great risk of damage to your belongings – if they get wet or stay exposed to cold for a long time, your items may get ruined. To keep them safe when moving in snowy weather, you need to provide your belongings with adequate protection against moisture and cold:

• Use quality packing supplies;
• Wrap individual items in thick paper and bubble wrap to insulate them against the cold. Double-pack fragile items (that become extremely brittle in the cold), electronics (that are highly vulnerable to cold and moisture), and other temperature-sensitive items – wrap them in an extra layer of bubble wrap, put them in two boxes (provide additional padding between the boxes), etc.;
• Add plenty of padding (crumpled paper, bubble wrap, old clothes and towels, foam sheets and packing peanuts, etc.) in the boxes for better insulation;
• Pack items vulnerable to water damage (paper items, electronics, artwork, etc.) in plastic containers;
• Seal the packing containers tightly so that snow and cold air cannot get inside;
• Cover cardboard boxes with waterproofing materials – plastic warp, plastic sheeting, or tarpaulin – or put them in large plastic bags;
• Wrap larger household items (furniture, appliances, etc.) in thick moving blankets and cover them with plastic wrap, plastic sheets, or tarp;
• Have your most delicate and most valuable possessions professionally packed, so they have the best possible protection against the elements.

If your items are well insulated (so that the cold won’t affect them) and covered in waterproofing materials (so that the snow won’t get them wet), they will stay safe and sound during your winter move – even if it snows on moving day or if your belongings have to stay in the moving truck for several days in freezing temperatures.

Bonus tip: If you’re relocating very valuable temperature-sensitive items or if you’re moving long distance in the snow, consider requesting a climate-controlled moving truck – it will cost you more, but you’ll be able to custom set the temperature inside the van, so you can rest assured that your items stay at their optimal temperature during the entire relocation process.

Clear the Pathways of Snow and Ice

Snow and ice present a great challenge on moving day – walking on top of snow when carrying heavy boxes and bulky furniture is very difficult and slipping on icy pavement is extremely dangerous. You or your movers may fall and hurt yourselves – and break the items you’re carrying.

So, make sure you clear the driveway, sidewalks, and pathways around your home of snow and ice before the movers arrive – shovel the walkways, remove snow and ice from the steps, and apply a layer of sand or salt to prevent ice from forming underfoot. Clear a wide path between your front door and the parking area and remember to keep the sidewalks free of snow and ice as well. That way, your movers will have sure footing when carrying your items to the moving truck and will be able to finish the job safely and quickly.

Good to remember: Reserve a parking place for the moving truck close to the entrance of your home and away from the plow route (you don’t want a bank of plowed snow between your house and the moving truck or the snowplow blocking the way of the moving truck on moving day – or vice versa). Shovel out the parking space on the morning of moving day or the night before – just keep in mind that weather conditions may change, it may snow overnight, ice may form anew, etc. and be sure to check the parking area first thing in the morning if you’ve cleared it the previous evening. Make sure the loading area is free of snow and ice and there is ample room for the movers to maneuver your larger items around, use dollies, etc.

Don’t forget that you’ll need a clear parking space for the moving truck and a clear path for unloading your belongings at your new home as well. If you won’t have enough time to remove the snow and ice before the movers arrive, pay someone in your new area to do the job for you.

BONUS TIP for moving locally in snowy weather: Visit your new place the day before moving day, turn on the heat (so that the house is not icy cold on move-in day), remove snow from the walkways, and salt or sand the area to make sure the driveway and pathways will be clear of snow and ice the next day. (See also: Tips for moving across town)

Ensure Safe Loading

When moving house in snowy weather, in addition to protecting your items from moisture and cold and shoveling the walkways, you need to take some appropriate “loading precautions” as well.

Here is how to load a moving truck in the snow:

• Pull up the moving truck as close as possible to shorten the distance you and your movers will have to walk in the snow and limit the time your items will be exposed to the inclement weather;
• Set up a temporary cover over the pathway from your front door to the moving truck – use a popup tent or hang a tarp over the path. This way, no snow will fall on the walkway (so your movers will be able to walk safely) or on your items while they’re taken into the moving van (so they won’t sustain water damage). Just make sure that the material you use to make the cover can withstand the weight of the snow or place it at an angle so the snow can slide off;
• Try not to set your items on the snowy ground – carry them straight to the moving van. If you or your movers need to set anything down, be sure to put a tarp on the ground first;
• Cover the truck floor with tarps, drop cloths, or old blankets – they will provide a dry surface for your items, acting as a barrier between them and the slush tracked into the vehicle, and will offer additional insulation against the cold;
• Remove snow from your items as soon as they’re loaded on the moving truck – wipe away the snow with old towels or clean rags and remove the outermost coverings from your items and boxes.

See also: How to load a moving truck the right way

Protect the Floors

On the Big day, movers will be going in and out of your home, tracking snow, mud, and salt (or sand) inside. All that slush and dirt will be difficult to clean and may even ruin your carpet or hardwood floors. Not to mention that the floors and stairs in your house will become wet and slippery and, therefore, dangerous to walk on. 

To reduce the risk of accidents and keep the inside of your home clean and protected during your move, you’re advised to:

• Line the entryway with old rugs and towels – they will catch the mud and salt/sand from yours and your movers’ boots so it doesn’t get tracked inside;
• Lay down tarps, plastic sheets, large pieces of cardboard, or other adequate coverings on the floors to protect them from water damage and increase traction;
• Use the “assembly line” approach – have two movers stay inside and hand off boxes and items to the people on the outside. Switch the inside and outside crews every once in a while, so everyone gets a chance to warm up (ask the movers who’ve been working outside to clean and dry their boots before entering the house);
• Have a small cleaning kit (with a mop and towels) on hand in case snow and salt get tracked inside – removing the slush quickly will help prevent slippage and water damage to the floors.

Use the same floor-protecting strategies when unloading your items and taking them in your new home, as well.

Related: How to protect floors when moving

Dress Appropriately

Dressing properly when moving in the snow will ensure your personal safety and help you prevent hypothermia, frostbite, and other health issues.

Moving in the winter is tricky because it’s cold, but you can easily work up a sweat with all the packing, heavy-lifting, hauling, and stress involved in the relocation process. Besides, you’ll be constantly going from warm indoor temperatures to sub-zero outdoor temperatures and vice versa.

So, the best solution in a winter-moving scenario is to dress in layers that will provide you with the warmth you need, but will allow you to shed some clothing in case you get hot. Start with a T-shirt, put a warm, long-sleeved shirt over it, then – a cardigan or a sweater. Top it all with a winter coat or jacket. Don’t forget your hat, scarf, and gloves either.

Also, make sure you set aside your toughest and most comfortable winter boots for moving day – you need sturdy, waterproof boots with spikes and non-skid soles that will provide support and traction and will keep your feet dry and warm.

Bonus tip: Have some extra pairs of gloves and hats available in case yours (or your movers’) get soaked quickly.

Prepare Hot Beverages for Everyone

There is nothing better than a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee on a snowy day. Especially so when it is a snowy moving day.

So, when moving in the snow, make sure you have plenty of hot drinks available and offer them to everyone involved in the move – the hot liquids will not only ward off dehydration and help keep people warm, but will also lift everyone’s spirits and sustain their energy.

If you cannot keep a crockpot heating in the kitchen (because you’ve already packed your kitchenware and/or you’re moving your kitchen appliances), be sure to prepare hot beverages in advance and store them in thermoses so they stay warm throughout the day.

One final piece of advice – do not rush things, take frequent breaks to warm up, and make safety your top priority. Only then will you be able to ensure the happy ending of your big relocation adventure – and moving in the snow is quite an adventure.