Moving in the Winter? Here Are Five Tips for Staying Safe
Moving in the Winter comes with its own set of challenges for many parts of the country, but with proper planning, it can be manageable — and even stress-free. From navigating icy roads to protecting your belongings from the elements, these five essential tips will help ensure your winter move goes smoothly.
1. Winter Weather: Expect the Unexpected
Preparation is key when tackling a winter move. Weather can be unpredictable, but starting early in the day and maintaining flexibility can help you stay ahead.
- Monitor the Weather – Check the forecast daily leading up to moving day. If conditions are unsafe, don’t hesitate to reschedule — it’s better to delay than risk icy roads.
- Dress for the Cold – Layer up with warm, waterproof clothing and don’t forget gloves, a hat and boots with good traction. Keep spare socks and hand warmers close in case conditions are harsher than expected.
- Prepare Walkways – Shovel and salt driveways, sidewalks and entryways at both your old and new homes to prevent slips and falls for everyone involved.
2. Pack and Protect Your Belongings
Cold temperatures and wet conditions can damage your belongings if they’re not properly packed. Take these precautions to keep your items safe.
- Use Waterproof Covers – Protect furniture and boxes from snow and moisture with plastic covers or tarps.
- Wrap Fragile Items – Use blankets, bubble wrap or thermal covers to shield temperature-sensitive items like electronics and glassware.
- Secure Everything – Inside the truck, use tie-down straps or bungee cords to prevent items from shifting during transit. Double-check that everything is stable before hitting the road.
- Keep Towels Handy – Old towels are a simple yet essential tool for managing winter moves. Use them to wipe down wet surfaces, protect flooring from tracked-in snow or give fragile items some extra padding.
- Protection From Cold – Some items are particularly vulnerable during winter moves. Take extra precautions to protect these belongings from freezing temperatures:
- Houseplants: Moving plants from one location to another can be stressful for them. But there are some things you can do to help. During the colder months, place them in a bag, double bagging them for extra insulation if it's extremely cold or windy. Use paper as an additional insulator if needed, as it provides better protection than plastic. For shorter trips, keep plants in the warmest part of the vehicle, away from drafts or direct contact with cold surfaces.
- Electronics: Laptops, TVs and other sensitive devices can be damaged by extreme cold. Wrap them in blankets or padded covers for insulation.
- Liquids: Cleaning products, beverages or toiletries can freeze in low temperatures. Transport these in insulated coolers if possible to prevent freezing. And be sure to use this packing hack to avoid leaks and spills during your move.
- Delicate furniture finishes: Wooden furniture or antiques can crack or warp due to temperature changes. Wrap them with blankets and secure them with stretch wrap to provide an additional barrier.
3. Drive Safely in the Snow
Navigating snowy roads in your vehicle or rental truck requires extra awareness and patience.
- Drive Slowly – Reduce your speed and increase following distance to allow for longer stopping times.
- Make Cautious Maneuvers – Avoid sharp turns or sudden braking to prevent skidding.
- Stay Updated – Use GPS with live traffic updates to avoid hazardous routes. Let someone know your planned route and check in periodically.
For more detailed tips on driving safely in snowy conditions, check out our Winter Driving Guide.
4. Prepare Your Vehicle
If you’re driving a personal vehicle in addition to a rental truck, it needs to be ready to handle the challenges of snowy roads. A little preparation here can go a long way toward keeping you safe and on track.
- Inspect the Tires – Make sure your tires have adequate tread and proper inflation. Snow tires or chains may be necessary in some areas.
- Check Fluids and Wipers – Top off antifreeze and windshield washer fluid rated for cold temperatures. Confirm that wipers, defrosters and heaters are working properly.
- Pack an Emergency Kit – Keep these essentials within reach in case of roadside delays or emergencies:
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Non-perishable snacks and water
- Jumper cables
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
- A portable phone charger
5. Get the Right Help
Moving during winter isn’t something you want to tackle alone. Having extra help, whether from professional movers or close friends, can make a big difference.
- Hire Professional Movers – Movers with experience in winter conditions can handle the heavy lifting while navigating slippery paths and icy roads safely.
- Coordinate With Helpers – If you’re tackling the move yourself, make sure anyone helping is aware of the challenges and dressed for the weather. Having coffee or hot chocolate at the ready for your friends and family is a great way to keep spirits high.
A Smooth, Secure Move Awaits
Moving in the snow may sound daunting, but with the right preparation, tools and teamwork, you can make the most of your move and conquer the cold. By taking the time to plan, prepare your vehicle, pack properly and drive safely, you’ll be settling into your new home before you know it.
Here’s to a safe, smooth move — and the fresh start that awaits.