Tips for Moving in the Winter

In this post, we share some useful tips for moving in the winter. Now that January is around the corner (by the way, check out of checklist for moving in January), you might be thinking of getting underway with your move to a new home. If that is the case, make sure to read and follow these tips.

Be careful about the chill

Winter moves have a sneaky downside. Doors stay open longer than usual, heat escapes fast, and your home can turn cold before you even notice. What feels like a small draft at first can quickly become uncomfortable, especially when people are standing around and furniture is constantly moving in and out.

Cold air settles fast. Floors get icy and fingers start getting numb. Kids, pets, and anyone not actively lifting boxes will feel it first, so planning ahead makes a real difference. A little preparation keeps the move smoother and avoids unnecessary stress.

Think of warmth as part of your moving supplies, not an afterthought.

Actionable steps to stay warm during a winter move

• Preheat the home before movers arrive and keep the thermostat slightly higher than normal
• Close unused rooms and block them off to help contain heat
• Use draft stoppers, rolled towels, or blankets at door thresholds
• Set up one designated warm room where doors stay closed
• Offer hot drinks like tea or coffee for quick warmups

Family and pet safety tips

• Arrange childcare or pet care away from the house if possible
• If staying home, keep kids and pets in a closed, heated room at all times
• Arrange for extra blankets, sweaters, and pet bedding

If it feels cold to you, it is colder for them.

Quick checklist before movers arrive

Staying warm during a winter move is less about toughness and more about planning. Control the cold early, and the rest of the day feels far more manageable.

Don’t slip – keep walking areas dry

Keeping walking areas dry is one of the simplest ways to keep the move safe and stress free, especially when multiple people are carrying heavy items.

Areas you should keep dry at all times

Indoors

• Entryways and hallways
• Staircases and landings
• Kitchen floors and narrow pass-throughs
• Elevator lobbies and apartment corridors

Outdoors

• Front steps and porches
• Driveways and sidewalks leading to the entrance
• Ramps, walkways, and loading areas
• Garage floors and thresholds

How to keep indoor areas dry

• Lay down heavy-duty mats or old towels at every entrance
• Rotate wet mats regularly and replace them with dry ones
• Keep a mop or absorbent cloth nearby for quick cleanups
• Ask movers and helpers to wipe their shoes when possible
• Focus extra attention on stairs, where slips are most dangerous

How to keep outdoor areas safe and dry

• Shovel snow early and recheck throughout the day
• Apply salt or ice melt before movers arrive and reapply as needed
• Use sand or grit for extra traction on icy surfaces
• Clear slush buildup near doorways and loading zones
• Mark slick areas with cones or buckets if needed

Dry ground keeps the move moving.

Protect your belongings with extra packing

Winter weather is unforgiving. Cold temperatures, moisture, and sudden weather changes can damage items that would be perfectly fine during warmer months. Extra packing is not overkill in winter.

A little added effort helps prevent water damage, cracking, and wear that can happen during loading, transport, and unloading.

How to add protection without overdoing it

• Use plastic wrap or shrink wrap to guard against moisture
• Double box fragile items and pad empty space with paper or towels
• Wrap furniture in moving blankets, then secure with stretch wrap
• Seal boxes tightly with strong tape, especially along seams
• Place electronics and sensitive items in waterproof containers

If it would bother you to replace it, pack it as if winter is working against you.

Keep a close eye on forecasts

Winter weather changes quickly, and moving days are especially sensitive to those shifts. A clear morning can turn into snow, ice, or freezing rain by afternoon.

Knowing what weather is coming allows you to prepare instead of react. It can influence timing, packing choices, travel routes, and even whether to adjust the move itself.

How to use forecasts to your advantage

• Check the forecast daily in the week leading up to your move
• Monitor temperature, wind, and precipitation, not just snowfall
• Look at hourly forecasts the night before and morning of the move
• Set weather alerts on your phone for sudden changes
• Share updates with movers so everyone stays aligned

Hire movers who are experienced with winter moves

Winter moving is a different game. Cold weather, slippery surfaces, and unpredictable conditions demand more than basic moving skills. Hiring movers who understand winter logistics can make the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one.

Why winter moving experience matters

Inexperienced movers often underestimate how much winter slows things down. Rushing on icy steps, mishandling cold-sensitive items, or failing to protect floors can lead to damage and injuries. Moisture tracked inside can ruin flooring. Poorly wrapped furniture can crack or warp in low temperatures.

Winter-experienced crews plan for these issues. They move deliberately. They bring the right materials. They know how to adjust pacing without sacrificing safety.

How to choose the right winter movers

• Ask directly about experience with winter moves
• Confirm they use floor protection, runners, and weather-safe wrapping
• Check reviews for mentions of snow, ice, or cold-weather moves
• Make sure they are insured and prepared for delays
• Look for clear communication and realistic timing expectations

If they downplay winter risks, that’s your sign to keep looking.

And if you’re wondering where to start, Dumbo Moving is a solid option to consider. We operate year-round, understand winter conditions firsthand, and know how to move efficiently without cutting corners when the weather works against you.

Make sure your new home has all the utilities up and running

Moving into a cold home with no heat, power, or water can turn a long day into a miserable one. Having everything active before you arrive makes the transition safer and far more comfortable.

Utilities to confirm before moving day

• Heat: Keeps the space livable and protects pipes from freezing
• Electricity: Powers lighting, appliances, and basic safety throughout the home
• Water: Needed for drinking, cleaning, and bathroom access after a long day
• Gas: Often tied to heating, cooking, and hot water systems
• Internet and phone service: Helps with communication, work needs, and emergencies

Cold weather leaves little room for delays. Utilities should be ready before the first box comes inside.

Keep an emergency kit with you at all times

Winter moves are unpredictable. Weather shifts, delays happen, and small problems can escalate quickly when it’s cold outside. Having an emergency kit within reach keeps minor issues from becoming major disruptions and helps you stay comfortable no matter how the day unfolds.

What to include in your emergency kit

• Warm gloves and hat: Prevent numb hands and heat loss during outdoor stretches
• Extra layers or thermal wear: Easy to add when temperatures drop unexpectedly
• Water bottles: Hydration matters even in cold weather
• Non-perishable snacks: Keeps energy levels steady during long hours
• Phone charger or power bank: Ensures you can communicate if plans change
• Basic first aid supplies: Helpful for small cuts, blisters, or aches
• Flashlight: Useful if daylight fades early or power is limited
• Paper towels or wipes: Quick cleanup for spills, snow, or slush

Keep this kit with you, not packed in a box.

A small bag of essentials gives you peace of mind and helps you handle whatever winter moving day throws your way.

Have your car checked and prepared

Winter driving adds another layer of risk to moving day. Cold temperatures, icy roads, and heavy loads put extra strain on your vehicle. Making sure your car is winter-ready helps prevent delays, breakdowns, and unnecessary stress.

What to check before moving day

• Tires: Proper tread and pressure improve traction on snow and ice
• Battery: Cold weather drains weak batteries faster than expected
• Brakes: Reliable stopping power is critical on slippery roads
• Fluids: Antifreeze, oil, and windshield washer fluid should be topped off
• Lights: Headlights and brake lights improve visibility in poor conditions
• Wipers: Clear visibility matters when snow or slush kicks up

Winter exposes problems you might otherwise ignore.

A quick inspection before moving day keeps your car dependable and helps everything stay on schedule.

Take your time on the roads

Winter roads demand patience. Snow, ice, and reduced visibility turn short drives into careful journeys, especially on moving days when stress levels are already high. Rushing increases risk, and arriving safely matters more than arriving quickly.

Extra caution gives you more control. It also gives you space to react when conditions change unexpectedly.

How to stay safe while driving

• Leave earlier than planned to avoid feeling pressured by time
• Increase following distance to allow for longer stopping times
• Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on slippery roads
• Stick to main roads that are more likely to be plowed and salted
• Watch for black ice, especially on bridges and shaded areas
• Pull over if conditions worsen rather than pushing through

Conclusion

A winter move comes with extra challenges, but none of them are unmanageable with the right preparation. Cold temperatures, slippery surfaces, and unpredictable weather simply demand a bit more attention and planning.

From keeping your home warm and walkways dry to packing carefully, hiring experienced movers, and preparing your car, small decisions add up to a safer and smoother moving day. Staying flexible, checking forecasts, and keeping essentials close help. You stay in control when conditions change.

Winter may not be the easiest season to move, but it can be a successful one. With the right steps in place, you protect your belongings, your schedule, and the people involved, and that makes all the difference.