Can you move in winter? Absolutely. It probably seems like everyone moves during the summer, but plenty of families opt to move in winter instead. The reason? Moving companies tend to charge less during the winter. Plus, moving in winter likely isn’t as complicated as you think. If you’re not sure where to begin, check out our list of special winter moving tips. They’ll help make your winter move as safe, simple, and stress-free as possible.

1) Protect Your Belongings

Certain items, such as dishware, are more likely to break if exposed to quick temperature shifts. If you move a box of items from your warm home into a cold moving van, it might cause them to crack. Thankfully, you can ease this transition by simply double-wrapping your fragile items with blankets. You can also unload sensitive items first to lessen their exposure to the cold.

2) Prepare Your Home

Moving in winter can be dangerous if you don’t take a few preventative measures. There are several things you can do to create a safer environment for you and anyone helping you move. You should shovel enough snow outdoors to create a wide walkway — wide enough for moving furniture. You should also use an deicer of some sort on your steps and sidewalks to prevent slipping. We also recommend laying down old sheets or towels inside your home. With everyone coming in and out throughout the day, the floors can get dirty. Plastic sheeting will save you from having to scrub your floors clean later.

3) Arrange for Extra Travel Time

Unpredictable winter weather and snowplow schedules tend to slow drivers down a bit. So, if you plan on meeting up with movers at your new home, you should leave at least 15 minutes early. It may also help to have a backup route in mind in case your preferred route is temporarily unavailable for weather-related reasons.

4) Frequently Check Weather Reports

You don’t want the weather to catch you by surprise. Take the time to check the weather report weekly leading up to the move, and then daily the week of your move. If the weather conditions change on you, you’ll need to be prepared to get in touch and reschedule, whether that be with friends, family, or a moving company.

5) Find Pets a Place To Stay

Trying to move with pets running around can get stressful, especially in winter. With all the people coming in and out and the heat turned off, it probably won’t be a comfortable environment for your pet either. We recommend leaving your pet with a friend for a few days or paying to have them stay at a heated kennel.

6) Heat (Only) Your Bathroom

As tempting as it may be to blast the furnace during your move, it’s sadly a total waste of money. Moving your belongings out of the house will require the door to be open for most of the day, which will allow all that hot air to escape. Instead, we suggest turning the furnace off and opting for a space heater in your bathroom. If you keep the door closed throughout the day, the bathroom will become a warm and comfortable escape for you and your helpers!

7) Get Utilities Turned On at Your New Home

The last thing you want is to show up at your new home and not have heat or lights. Take care to get all of your utilities turned on at least two days before your move. Otherwise, you may have to delay unpacking and won’t be able to truly settle in.

Hire a REALTOR® Gets Results Year-Round

Now that you know how to move in winter, it’s time to get in touch with a professional REALTOR®. An expert REALTOR® can use their negotiating skills, experience, and market knowledge to help you sell your home and purchase a new one, no matter the season.