Moving is stressful enough on a sunny day. Add cold, rain, slush, or snow to the mix and it can feel downright impossible. The good news? With a little planning (and a few pro-level winter moving tips), you can get from old home to new home without soaking your stuff or your sanity.
Below are five practical ways to make moving in bad weather safer, smoother, and far less miserable.
1. Make a plan for kids and pets (before moving day)
When you’re moving in winter weather, you’ll want to work quickly, keep doors open as little as possible, and watch your footing on wet or icy surfaces. Little ones and pets—who are excited, curious, and constantly underfoot—can slow things down and make the process less safe for everyone.
Before moving day:
- Ask a trusted friend or family member if the kids can hang out at their house.
- Consider hiring a babysitter for a full or half day so you can focus on the move.
- Arrange boarding or daycare for pets, or ask someone they know to pet-sit.
Knowing your kids and pets are warm, safe, and entertained will help you move faster and with less worry.
2. Watch the forecast like a pro
When you’re moving in winter, the weather isn’t just background noise—it’s your co-pilot.
Download a reliable weather app and turn on notifications for your route and both addresses. Many local news stations offer weather apps that send road condition updates and severe weather alerts specific to your area. You can also:
- Use a road-trip or route-planning tool that overlays weather forecasts.
- Check your state’s Department of Transportation website for road conditions and closures.
- Build a backup plan if the forecast suddenly shifts (for example, delaying the move by a few hours or adjusting your route).
Staying on top of the forecast can help you decide when to load, when to drive, and whether you need extra time or gear (like de-icer or chains in colder climates).
3. Pack a “bad weather essentials” box first
After trudging through wet, muddy, or slushy conditions, the last thing you’ll want to do is dig through a pile of boxes trying to find clean socks or toilet paper.
Before you pack anything else, fill one clearly labeled box or plastic bin with your moving-day essentials, such as:
- Old towels and rags for wiping wet floors and shoes
- Snow/ice removal tools (if applicable): shovel, ice scraper, walkway de-icer
- A change of clothes for every family member (including dry shoes or boots)
- Snacks and easy-to-grab drinks
- Pet food, bowls, leashes, and any medications
- Several large bottles of drinking water
- Daily medications and basic first-aid supplies
- Bathroom basics: shower curtain, towels, shampoo, soap, toilet paper
- Coffee maker (plus filters, mugs, and coffee)
- Chargers for phones and tablets
- Activities to keep kids busy (tablet, coloring supplies, small toys)
Place this box in the trunk of your car, not in the moving truck. That way, you’ll have everything you need even if the truck is delayed.
4. Protect your electronics from cold and condensation
Electronics and extreme temperature changes are not a great combination. As pros often warn, when electronics go from cold air to a warm, humid house too quickly, condensation can develop inside the components, which may lead to water damage or short-circuiting if powered on too soon.
To help protect your devices when moving in winter:
- Insulate each item. Wrap electronics like TVs, computers, gaming systems, and speakers first in bubble wrap, then in a soft blanket.
- Use sturdy, padded boxes. Place each item in a well-padded box and fill empty spaces so they don’t shift.
- Seal and insulate the boxes. Once packed, seal the box and, if possible, wrap the outside in a moving blanket or additional bubble wrap for extra insulation.
- Let them warm up before use. Once you arrive, bring electronics into the new home, leave them in their boxes or wrapping, and allow them to come up to room temperature before plugging them in.
A little extra care here can save you a lot of money and frustration later.
5. Be extra careful with appliances
When you finally get into the new place, it’s tempting to hook up the washer and dryer immediately—especially if everything is damp from the move. But in cold weather, patience matters.
Most appliance manufacturers recommend:
- Letting the washing machine sit for at least 12 hours after a cold-weather move. This allows any water in the unit to thaw completely so ice doesn’t damage hoses, seals, or internal parts when you run the first cycle.
- Allowing the dryer to warm to room temperature before use so the igniter and heating element aren’t stressed by sudden temperature changes.
The same “slow and steady” rule applies to other appliances and electronics as well. Give them time to adjust to indoor temperatures before turning them on.
Final thoughts: Moving in winter doesn’t have to be miserable
Moving in wet, muddy, or freezing conditions will never be anyone’s idea of fun—but it doesn’t have to be chaos, either. Plan care for kids and pets, keep a close eye on the forecast, pack a smart essentials box, and take extra precautions with electronics and appliances.
And if your schedule and budget allow, hiring experienced professional movers is still one of the best winter moving tips of all. They’ve seen every kind of weather and know exactly how to keep your belongings (and your floors) safe.
Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, our team is here to guide you through every part of the process. Reach out to Jennifer Yoingco, REALTOR®, and her team, The Houston Suburb Group. They’ll help you get ready to EXPERIENCE LIVING IN HOUSTON TEXAS!
FAQs
FAQ 1: Is it a bad idea to move in winter?
Moving in winter isn’t ideal, but it’s often unavoidable. As long as you prepare for bad weather, protect your belongings, and build extra time into your schedule, a winter move can be safe and manageable.
FAQ 2: How do I protect my floors when it’s wet or snowy outside?
Lay down old towels, rugs, or cardboard along main walkways, especially near doors. Ask movers or helpers to wipe their shoes and try to keep one entrance as the main traffic path to limit mess.
FAQ 3: How long should I wait before plugging in electronics after a cold move?
To reduce the risk of condensation-related damage, many pros recommend letting electronics sit at room temperature for several hours before plugging them in. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific device.
FAQ 4: Can I run my washing machine right after a winter move?
It’s safer to wait at least 12 hours before using a washer that’s been in freezing or near-freezing temperatures. This gives any residual water in the unit time to thaw completely and helps avoid damage.
FAQ 5: What should go in my winter moving essentials box?
Include towels, extra clothes, snacks, water, pet supplies, basic bathroom items, medications, phone chargers, and activities for kids. Keep this box in your car so it’s accessible even if the moving truck is delayed.
Download our FREEBIES here!
The Ultimate Home Buyer’s Guide
The Ultimate Home Seller’s Guide
Find us on YouTube!
#jenniferyoingcorealtor #jenniferyoingco #JenniferYoingcoTexas #houstonsuburb #houstonsuburbs #houstonsuburbgroup #texasrelocationexperts #HoustonRelocationExpert #HoustonRelocationSpecialist #NurseRelocationExpert #NurseRelocationSpecialist #newhomeconstruction #thehighlands #ravennahomes #ravennahomesforsale #ravennahomesrealtor #ravennahomesrealestateagent #springtexas #tomballtexas #livinginhoustontexas #livinginhouston #thewoodlandstexas #conroetexas #montgomerytexas #cypresstexas #newcaneytexas #portertexas #katytexas #pearlandtexas #richmondtexas #fulsheartexas #sugarlandtexas #houstontexas #magnoliatexas #hockleytexas #pinehursttexas #jerseyvillagetexas #humbletexas
