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Key takeaways
- If it snows on move day, check with your moving company that it is open and trucks are running; the post says there is no hard rule, and if the trucks and crew can operate safely most reputable movers will not put off the move.
- If roads are closed or too hazardous, the move may need to be postponed and rescheduled, and snow may keep the truck from parking close, in which case the mover may use a smaller shuttle truck.
- Plan for delays: winter has less daylight, and snow and ice slow traffic and the crew's pace in and out of the house.
- Shovel snow and put down ice melt on sidewalks, the driveway and any path the crew will use before the movers arrive.
- Make sure utilities are on at both the old and new homes so you have light and heat at both ends and your pipes do not freeze.
1. Check With Your Moving Company to Make Sure They Are Open and Trucks Are Running
If there are roads that are shut down or too hazardous, they may need to postpone the move and reschedule. There's no hard rule on when a moving company will or won't be able to make it on Move Day, because it will mostly depend on safety. However, if the trucks and crew are capable of operating safely, most reputable moving companies won't put off the move day. That said, sometimes the truck that was planning on doing your move might not be able to successfully park in your driveway or as near as would normally be possible because of the snow. If that is the case, the moving company may require the use of a "shuttle", or a smaller truck used to shuttle belongings from the house to the main moving van. It's not always the case, but in some snowy situations it might be required. Your mover will be able to help you know if this will be the case.
2. Plan For Delays
Even if it's not snowing, winter has less daylight hours (it's easier to move people when the sun is out!) and that can cause some delays. When it snows though, the cold and ice can cause a few extra delays such as traffic and slow speeds generally. This means that both the driving times will be longer, but also the speed at which the moving team can bring furniture and boxes in and out of your house. If it's icy, everyone needs to slow down to stay safe. Try to remain flexible and keep expectations realistic as the moving crew works to load your belongings into the truck.
3. Make Sure the Area Is Clear of Snow and Ice
To help keep the moving team moving as quickly as is safely possible, Denver Operations Manager Daniel Frederickson says
The most important factor when moving in the snow is to make sure the high traffic area is clear of snow and ice. If possible, shovel the snow and put down ice melt before the movers arrive.
Keeping that area clear will help minimize delays during loading and unloading. Clearing the sidewalks, driveway and any other path the crew might need to use to park or carry out your belongings will result in a more safe and efficient process.
4. Check Your Utilities
Make sure the utilities are on at both the new and old house to make sure you have light and heat at both ends of the move. It will keep your home comfortable but more important it will keep your pipes from freezing. Good moving crews will try and keep doors shut as much as possible, but remember - the more they have to open and close doors, the longer it takes to move you and on a cold day, its in everyone's best interest to complete the job quickly and safely.
Over all, snow and ice can delay the moving process and also cause a safety issue to yourself and the moving crew, but moving in the winter months doesn’t need to be any more stressful than the summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my movers still come if it snows?
The post says it depends on safety. If the trucks and crew can operate safely most reputable movers will not put off the move, but they may need to postpone if roads are closed or too hazardous. Ask your mover about its weather plan.
What is a shuttle and why might it be needed in snow?
A shuttle is a smaller truck used to carry belongings between the house and the main moving van. The post says snow can keep the main truck from parking close, and your mover can tell you if one will be needed.
How should I prepare my property for a snowy move?
Shovel and put down ice melt on sidewalks, the driveway and any path the crew will use before the movers arrive. The post says a clear path minimizes delays and is safer.
Why should utilities stay on?
So there is light and heat at both homes during the move, and so pipes do not freeze. The post also notes crews try to keep doors shut, since opening them repeatedly slows the job in the cold.
Should I expect delays in the snow?
Yes. The post says shorter winter daylight, traffic and icy conditions can slow driving and the crew's pace, so stay flexible and keep expectations realistic.
Ready to find out what your move should cost? Get Pricing or call 888-260-5717.
