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.
