Moving in winter has its upsides. Moving companies may have more open dates, and you get settled in before the busier spring season. It also comes with challenges like short days, cold temperatures and sometimes ice or rain. A bit of extra planning goes a long way.
Plan around the weather
Book movers or a rental truck early and ask about their policies for bad weather. Build a little flexibility into your schedule in case you need to shift by a day. Watch the forecast in the week before your move and have a backup plan for rain or snow.
Daylight is limited in winter, so start early. Loading and unloading in the dark is harder and less safe.
Prepare both homes
- Arrange to have utilities on at the new home before moving day, especially heat and electricity.
- Keep utilities on at the old home until you have fully moved out.
- Clear driveways, walkways and steps at both locations, and have salt or sand on hand if ice is possible.
- Lay down floor protection, such as drop cloths, cardboard or rugs, at entryways to keep out mud and slush.
- Reserve a parking spot for the truck if needed, and check whether your new area requires any permit for that.
Protect your belongings
Some items do not like the cold. Electronics, houseplants, liquids, paint and certain musical instruments can be damaged by freezing temperatures or by sudden temperature changes. Move these in your own heated car when possible. Let electronics come back to room temperature before plugging them in.
Wrap furniture to protect it from moisture, and use plastic bins rather than cardboard for items that would be ruined if they got wet.
Keep people and pets safe
Dress in layers and wear shoes with good traction. Keep a warm space indoors where helpers can take breaks, along with hot drinks and snacks. For pets, consider arranging care with a friend or a boarding facility for the day, or set them up in a quiet, closed room away from open doors.
Pack an essentials box
Pack a box or bag that travels with you and contains what you will need the first night: bedding, towels, toiletries, medications, phone chargers, a few tools, flashlights, snacks, paper towels and important documents. In winter, add extra blankets, a space heater if appropriate and a change of warm clothes.
Once you are in, check that the heating system is working well and set the thermostat to a comfortable level. Find the main water shutoff and the electrical panel. Walk the outside of the home to make sure gutters and downspouts are clear and walkways are safe.
Remember to update your address with the U.S. Postal Service at USPS.com and with banks, employers and other accounts. If you are planning a purchase and a move, reach us through our contact page.
Going Deeper: A Week-by-Week Winter Moving Timeline
Breaking the move into weeks keeps it manageable, especially when short days and unpredictable weather add extra variables.
Four to six weeks before moving day
- Book movers or a truck, and ask how they handle weather delays.
- Start decluttering. Donate, sell, or discard what you do not want to move.
- Collect boxes, plastic bins, tape, and moisture-resistant wrapping.
- Make a list of every account that needs an address change.
Two to three weeks before
- Schedule utility transfers for both homes, including internet service.
- Arrange childcare or pet care for moving day if needed.
- Pack items you will not need until spring, such as patio furniture and garden tools.
- Confirm the closing date and key handoff time with us.
The final week
- Pack room by room and label boxes with both contents and destination room.
- Check the forecast daily and confirm timing with your movers.
- Gather salt or sand, extra towels, and floor protection.
- Set aside your essentials box and important documents to travel with you.
Moving day
- Start early to make the most of daylight.
- Keep a clear, safe path from the door to the truck at both homes.
- Do a last walk-through of the old home, checking closets, cabinets, and the attic.
- Set the thermostat at the old home to a level that prevents frozen pipes if it will sit empty for a while.
Winter Moving in North Georgia
Winters around Cartersville and Bartow County are generally mild compared with northern states, but they can still bring cold snaps, freezing rain, and the occasional icy morning. A few local considerations help:
- Red clay and mud: Winter rain can turn bare yards into mud. Lay down extra floor protection and consider a temporary path of boards or mats from the truck to the door.
- Hilly driveways: Steep driveways can be tricky for large trucks when wet or icy. Ask movers whether they need to park on the street and carry items farther.
- Black ice: Bridges and shaded roads can freeze before other surfaces. If temperatures dip overnight, consider starting a little later in the morning once roads warm up.
- Pipes: If the new home was vacant, check for leaks under sinks and at the water heater soon after you arrive.
Common Winter Moving Mistakes
- Turning off utilities too soon. Keep heat and power on at the old home until you are completely out.
- Packing essentials on the truck. Medications, chargers, and important papers belong in your car.
- Leaving electronics in a cold vehicle overnight. Bring sensitive items indoors and let them warm up before use.
- Skipping breaks. Cold weather can be tiring. Plan warm breaks for yourself and your helpers.
- Forgetting the first-night setup. Make beds first so you have a warm place to rest when the day ends.
Questions Readers Ask
Is winter a less expensive time to move?
Many people find that moving companies have more availability in winter. Pricing varies by company, so request quotes from more than one.
What should I do if bad weather hits on moving day?
Safety comes first. Talk with your movers and, if needed, reschedule. Having a flexible plan and good communication makes a delay much easier to manage.
How do I keep floors clean at the new home?
Lay drop cloths or cardboard over the main path from the door through each room, and set out a few old towels by the entry. Ask helpers to wipe their feet each trip. It takes a few minutes to set up and saves hours of cleaning.
Should I move plants in winter?
Houseplants can be sensitive to cold. Wrap them loosely and move them in a heated car as the last load. Get them inside quickly.
