Moving home is a major task at any time of year, but doing it in the heart of winter presents a few extra hurdles. Shorter days, unpredictable weather, and icy paths can turn what should be an exciting move into a stressful challenge. With the right preparation, though, you can keep things running smoothly, protect your belongings, and stay warm and safe throughout the process.
Here’s a practical guide to planning a winter move with confidence — and making sure everything arrives dry, intact, and right on schedule.
1. Plan Ahead to Beat the Weather
When you’re moving during winter, preparation is everything. Bad weather can cause unexpected delays, so try to build flexibility into your schedule. Keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to your move and allow extra time for loading and travel.
If snow or frost is likely, speak to your removal company early about backup plans. Professional movers are used to adapting when the weather turns, but clear communication helps avoid last-minute stress. It’s also wise to book your moving date as far in advance as possible, especially if you’re relocating close to Christmas or New Year when demand can spike.
A reputable company like Crutch Bros will work closely with you to plan around the conditions, making sure the right vehicle, equipment, and packing materials are ready for whatever the forecast brings.
2. Keep Pathways and Driveways Clear
Safety should come first on moving day — for you, your family, and anyone helping with the move. Snow, ice, or wet leaves can make paths and steps dangerously slippery, so take time to clear and grit the main access routes around your home before the movers arrive.
If the weather’s frosty, spread rock salt or sand on driveways and garden paths to reduce the risk of slips. Clearing these routes also makes it easier for movers to manoeuvre bulky items safely and speeds up the loading process.
Professionals are trained to handle heavy loads even in difficult conditions, but they’ll appreciate a well-prepared space that keeps everyone safe and the job efficient.
3. Protect Your Belongings from Damp and Cold
Cold, damp air can be harsh on furniture, electronics, and soft furnishings. Moisture and condensation can easily form inside vehicles when warm indoor air meets the chilly outdoors. To prevent this, use high-quality packing materials that provide both insulation and waterproof protection.
Plastic sheeting, bubble wrap, and heavy-duty covers are ideal for shielding wooden furniture and upholstery from moisture. For electronics, allow them to reach room temperature before plugging them back in after the move to avoid condensation damage.
Most removal companies supply protective blankets and covers as part of their service, but it’s worth double-checking in advance. Crutch Bros, for example, uses specialised materials and padding to ensure every item is kept safe from damp, dust, and cold throughout the journey.
4. Maintain Warmth and Comfort on the Day
Moving day can be long and physically demanding, so comfort counts. Keep the heating on in both your old and new properties if possible, especially if there are children or older family members involved. It might seem like an unnecessary cost, but a warm home makes a big difference to morale — and helps protect items like plants or musical instruments from freezing temperatures.
Prepare a “winter essentials box” to keep handy during the move. Include things like gloves, hats, blankets, hot drinks, and a kettle for tea or coffee breaks. You might also want to pack a torch, de-icer, and phone chargers, as daylight disappears quickly in winter and you could be unpacking in the dark.
The small details make a big difference in maintaining energy and focus during what can be a long, chilly day.
5. Manage Limited Daylight Hours
In the UK, daylight can fade as early as 4 pm during the winter months, which doesn’t leave much time for loading and unloading. To make the most of the light, start early — ideally as soon as movers are permitted to arrive. Make sure both properties have outdoor lighting in working order, or set up temporary lights if needed to illuminate paths, steps, and driveways.
Efficient time management is key. Prioritise loading larger furniture and fragile items first, so if darkness falls, only boxes and lighter pieces are left to handle. Professional movers are experts in working quickly and safely, keeping to daylight where possible and using well-lit areas to complete the job properly.
6. Protect Floors and Entrances
Muddy boots, melting snow, and dripping boxes can quickly turn your home into a slippery mess. Before moving begins, lay old towels, blankets, or protective plastic sheeting near entrances and in high-traffic areas.
You can also use cardboard runners to create temporary walkways over carpets or wooden floors. This helps avoid damage and reduces the cleanup afterwards. Movers will usually take steps to protect your floors, but setting things up in advance ensures the process stays tidy and efficient.
If your new home has light-coloured flooring, keep a few extra rags and cleaning cloths on hand — it’s almost impossible to avoid every muddy footprint in mid-winter.
7. Keep Vehicles and Access Routes Ready
If you’re using your own car or van for part of the move, make sure it’s winter-ready. Check tyre pressure, oil, coolant, and screen wash levels, and keep an ice scraper and de-icer within reach. It’s also a good idea to fill up the tank the night before to avoid detours on moving morning.
Let your removal company know if access roads are narrow, steep, or prone to ice — they’ll plan accordingly and may use smaller vehicles or special equipment to handle tricky conditions. A company with local experience, such as Crutch Bros, will already be familiar with how to navigate difficult routes safely.
8. Keep an Eye on Utilities and Essentials
During a winter move, you’ll want electricity, water, and heating working from the moment you arrive. Confirm with your utility suppliers that accounts are active at the new address, and test the boiler and lights as soon as you get the keys.
If there’s any delay with the heating, portable electric heaters or fan units can provide temporary warmth while you unpack. Make sure pets are comfortable too — set up a warm, quiet space for them away from the commotion.
9. Use Professional Support for Peace of Mind
Handling a move on your own in winter can be stressful, especially with the risk of slippery paths, cold hands, and time pressure. Hiring a reliable removals team takes a lot of that strain away. Professionals have the right vehicles, lifting gear, and experience to complete the job safely and efficiently — whatever the weather decides to do.
Crutch Bros has been helping homeowners and businesses move for decades, operating year-round across Kent and beyond. Their team knows how to handle winter moves with care and precision, ensuring your belongings stay protected and your move stays on track from start to finish.
Final Thoughts – Move Confidently This Winter
A winter move doesn’t have to be daunting. With good planning, proper protection, and support from an experienced removal company, you can settle into your new home comfortably, even when temperatures drop.
Remember to plan early, keep safety in mind, and prepare for the cold with smart packing and the right supplies. By taking a few extra precautions, you’ll avoid the typical pitfalls of winter moving and enjoy a smooth, stress-free transition — no matter what the weather brings.
If you’re planning a move this season, choose a removal service that combines reliability with care. Crutch Bros is ready to help make your winter relocation safe, efficient, and worry-free.
