Winter moving is slower and costs more, but it's doable if you plan for ice, shorter days, and higher demand for movers
A winter move takes longer than a summer one. Ice and snow slow the truck, loading takes more time because the ground is slippery and your driveway may not be passable, and movers charge premium rates because fewer people move in winter and they have fewer working hours per day. You'll also face real risks: frozen pipes at an empty house, burst water lines during the move, and the physical danger of loading a truck in freezing conditions. The trade-off is that you'll have less competition for movers and rental trucks, and you may find better prices on the house itself if you're buying.
The key is to start planning at least six weeks before your move date, find your moving truck or movers early, and prepare both your old and new homes for cold weather. Winter moves are not impossible—they just require different decisions than a summer move.
Key Takeaways
- Book your moving truck or hire movers at least six weeks in advance, because winter availability is tighter and you need time to confirm dates before weather makes roads unsafe.
- Drain water lines at your old house before you leave, and ask the new owner or landlord to do the same at the property you're moving into, to prevent burst pipes.
- Clear snow and ice from driveways, walkways, and the truck loading area the day before the move, and have salt or sand on hand for the morning of the move.
- Pack a separate box of essentials—medications, phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes—that stays with you in your car, not on the truck.
- Expect the move to take 20 to 40 percent longer than it would in summer, and budget extra time for the movers to work safely.
Book movers or a truck six weeks ahead, not two weeks
Winter is the slowest season for moving, which sounds like it would make trucks and movers straightforward to find. It doesn't. The opposite happens: fewer movers operate in winter, and the ones who do fill their schedules faster because they have fewer days they can work. A snowstorm can wipe out three days of bookings. If you wait until four weeks before your move, you may find that the truck rental company has no trucks available on your preferred date, or that movers are booked solid.
Call moving companies or check truck rental sites at least six weeks out. This gives you time to lock in a date, confirm it in writing, and still have a backup plan if the company cancels due to weather. Ask the mover or rental company what their weather cancellation policy is—whether they'll reschedule you for free, charge a fee, or refund your deposit. Get the answer in writing.
Winter rates are often lower than summer rates because demand is down, but availability is the real constraint. A mover who charges $1,200 in July might charge $900 in January, but only if you book them in November. Waiting costs you more in the end because you'll either pay a premium for last-minute availability or you'll have to move on a date that doesn't work for you.
Drain water lines at both houses to prevent frozen or burst pipes
An empty house in freezing weather is a pipe problem waiting to happen. Water left in lines freezes, expands, and cracks the pipe. If you're moving out of a house you own, you need to drain the water system before you leave. If you're renting, contact your landlord or property manager and tell them you're moving on a specific date—they should handle it, but confirm they will.
To drain a house you own, turn off the main water valve (usually near the water meter or where the line enters the house), open all the faucets inside and outside, and flush all toilets. Leave the faucets open. If you have a water heater, turn it off. If you have a sump pump, leave it running. If you have a septic system, do not drain it—call your septic company for winter-specific instructions.
At the house you're moving into, do the same thing before you move in, or ask the seller or previous tenant to do it before they leave. If you're buying and closing in winter, make this part of your closing checklist. If you're renting, ask the landlord in writing whether the house has been winterized and when. Do not assume it has been.
Clear ice and snow from driveways and loading areas the day before
Movers cannot safely load a truck from a driveway covered in ice or deep snow. They also cannot park the truck safely. You need to clear the driveway and the area around your front door at least the day before the move, and again the morning of the move if it snows overnight.
Use a shovel or snow blower to clear the driveway and walkway. Spread salt, sand, or kitty litter on the cleared area to prevent ice from forming overnight. Do the same at the new house—clear the driveway and the area where the truck will park. If you're moving into a rental or a house you haven't closed on yet, contact the landlord or seller and ask them to clear the driveway. If they won't, you may need to hire a snow removal service yourself the morning of the move.
The night before the move, check the weather forecast. If snow is predicted for the morning of the move, set an alarm and clear the driveway before the movers arrive. A two-hour delay because of snow can add $400 to $800 to your moving bill if you're paying hourly labor.
Pack a separate box of essentials that stays in your car
In winter, you cannot count on the moving truck arriving on the same day you leave your old house. A snowstorm can delay the truck by a day or two. You need a box or bag that stays with you in your car and contains everything you need to get through the first night and the next morning: medications, phone chargers, toiletries, a change of clothes, underwear, socks, a warm jacket, a blanket, snacks, and any documents you need (lease, closing papers, insurance cards).
If you have children or pets, pack extra clothes and any comfort items they need. If you're moving to a house without heat or utilities turned on yet, pack a battery-powered lantern or flashlight, extra blankets, and a thermos of hot water or coffee. Do not rely on the truck to deliver these things on time.
Protect furniture and boxes from moisture and salt damage
Winter moving means wet conditions. Snow melts on the truck bed, salt from the road sprays onto the truck, and moisture condenses inside the truck as it moves between cold and warm spaces. Cardboard boxes absorb moisture and fall apart. Wooden furniture can warp or develop mold. Fabric can stain.
Wrap furniture in plastic sheeting or moving blankets, not just in plastic wrap. Plastic wrap traps moisture; blankets allow air to circulate. Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for items that are sensitive to moisture—electronics, books, documents, linens. If you must use cardboard, line the inside of the box with plastic bags before packing it.
When the truck arrives at the new house, unload boxes and furniture as quickly as possible and move them inside. Do not leave boxes sitting on the driveway or porch overnight, even if it's not snowing—the temperature drop and morning dew will damage them.
Budget extra time and money for a winter move
A winter move takes 20 to 40 percent longer than the same move in summer. If a summer move of a two-bedroom house takes eight hours, a winter move might take ten to eleven hours. This is because movers move more slowly on ice, they have to be more careful with footing, and they take breaks to warm up. If you're paying hourly, this adds up.
Ask the moving company for an estimate based on winter conditions, not summer conditions. Tell them the date of your move, the weather forecast if you know it, and the condition of the driveway and loading areas. A reputable mover will factor in winter slowdown. If they quote you the same price as a summer move, ask them how they account for weather delays.
Budget for unexpected costs: a snow removal service if the driveway isn't clear, a hotel night if the truck is delayed, extra meals because you can't cook, or a plumber if a pipe freezes. Set aside 15 to 20 percent more than your summer moving estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if it snows the day of my move?
Clear the driveway and loading area before the movers arrive. If the snow is heavy and ongoing, contact the moving company when ready and ask whether they can still work safely. Most movers will proceed unless conditions are dangerous (ice storms, whiteout conditions). If they delay, ask about rescheduling and whether you'll be charged a fee.
Can I move if the roads are icy?
Moving trucks can drive on icy roads, but it's slower and riskier. The truck will take longer to reach your new house, and the movers may refuse to work if conditions are too dangerous. If you have a choice of dates, pick one with better weather. If you don't, confirm with the mover that they're willing to proceed and ask about their safety protocols.
How do I keep my pipes from freezing if I'm moving out before winter ends?
Drain the water system completely before you leave (turn off the main valve, open all faucets, flush toilets). If you're selling or renting out the house, make sure the new owner or tenant knows to winterize it. If you're leaving it empty for more than a few days, consider hiring a property manager or asking a neighbor to check on it.
Should I move in winter if I'm buying a house?
Winter closings can work, but you need to confirm that utilities will be turned on before you arrive, that the house has been winterized, and that the driveway is clear. Ask your real estate agent to add these items to your closing checklist. Winter home prices are often lower, which can offset the higher moving costs.
What if the moving truck breaks down in winter?
Ask the moving company what their backup plan is before you hire them. Reputable movers have a second truck on standby or a contract with another company to cover breakdowns. Get this in writing. If a breakdown happens, the mover should cover the cost of rescheduling or transferring your belongings to another truck at no extra charge to you.