Essential Tips for Moving House in The Colder Weather: Stay Safe & Stress-Free

Posted on 29th January 202512th March 2025 by Bellview Transport

Moving house is a significant life event that comes with its fair share of challenges. From organising logistics to packing non-essentials, there’s a lot to consider. When you add winter weather into the situation, things become even more complicated. Unpredictable weather conditions, icy roads, and shorter daylight hours can all create obstacles, making it essential to plan your move carefully.

A successful winter move requires extra preparation, flexibility, and sometimes, professional assistance. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to start and how to navigate a house move during the colder months, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through essential tips to ensure your move is as safe, efficient, and stress-free as possible.

We’ve broken the process into seven key stages, each covering a crucial aspect of the moving journey. By following these steps, you can minimise disruptions, protect your belongings, and make your winter move a smooth experience.

Table of Contents

1. Plan Ahead & Be Weather-Ready

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and failing to prepare for potential disruptions can make your moving day far more stressful than it needs to be. Planning ensures you can tackle obstacles head-on, from sudden snowfalls to icy driveways.

Monitor Weather Forecasts & Have a Backup Plan

Checking the forecast in the days leading up to your move is crucial. Winter weather in the UK can change rapidly, so it’s important to stay informed and be ready to adapt your plans.

• Keep an eye on weather updates from reliable sources.
• If extreme conditions like heavy snowfall or icy roads are expected, have a backup moving date in place.
• Speak to your removals company in advance to confirm their procedures for bad weather. An experienced moving team will have contingency plans in place to manage delays and difficult road conditions.

Allow Extra Time for Delays

Unlike moving in the summer months, where daylight is abundant and roads are clear, winter conditions can slow things down considerably.

Ice and snow can make driving hazardous, leading to congestion and unexpected delays. Factor this into your schedule and give yourself extra time to complete your move.

If you’re moving with a removals company, book an early slot so that you’re not unloading in the dark.

Declutter Before Moving

Moving house is the perfect opportunity to clear out any unwanted belongings. The fewer items you have to transport, the easier your move will be. So, take your time to go through your belongings and separate what you want to keep, donate, sell, or dispose of. It’s better if you can make a checklist of things that fall under each category of keeping, selling and disposing.

If you have large or bulky items you no longer need, Bellview’s house clearance services can help you remove them efficiently, leaving you with fewer things to pack and transport.

2. Prepare Your New Home for Arrival

Moving in winter isn’t just about preparing your current home; you also need to ensure your new property is ready for your arrival. A cold, dark house with no heating or lighting can make settling in unpleasant, so take the necessary steps to prepare your new home before moving day.

Ensure Heating & Utilities Are Set Up

The last thing you want after a long, tiring move is to arrive at a freezing house with no heating, electricity, or running water.

Hence, contact your energy providers ahead of time to confirm that your heating, electricity, and water supply are up and running before you move in. Check radiators and boilers to ensure everything is functioning correctly. If necessary, book a service in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

Clear Driveways & Pathways of Snow and Ice

Safety should always be a priority when moving house, especially in winter. Slippery surfaces can be a major hazard when lifting heavy furniture and carrying boxes.

If possible, visit your new property a day before the move to assess the condition of the driveways and pathways. Furthermore, use salt or grit to reduce the risk of slipping and make it easier for movers to carry heavy items inside.

Secure Assistance for Heavy Lifting & Transport

Moving large furniture, appliances, and boxes can be challenging in normal conditions, but winter weather makes it even more difficult. Snow, ice, and damp conditions can make handling heavy items dangerous, increasing the risk of injury.

Consider hiring professional movers to handle the heavy lifting and transport of bulky items. In such cases, Bellview’s house removals team has the experience and equipment to move your belongings safely, even in winter conditions.

3. Protect Your Belongings from the Cold & Damp

Rain, snow, and freezing temperatures can cause damage to furniture, boxes, and fragile items, making it essential to take extra precautions when packing and transporting your possessions.

Use Waterproof Covers & Sturdy Packing Materials

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and exposure to moisture during transit can lead to damaged furniture and soggy cardboard boxes. Taking the time to pack your belongings properly can make all the difference.

• Use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for items that are particularly vulnerable to damp, such as books, clothes, and important documents.
• Wrap furniture in waterproof covers or heavy-duty plastic sheets to protect against rain or snowfall while loading and unloading.

Take Extra Care with Fragile Items

Cold temperatures can make certain materials more brittle, increasing the risk of breakage. Glass, ceramics, and electronics are particularly vulnerable, so extra care is needed when packing these items.

Avoid exposing electronics to extreme cold for prolonged periods. If necessary, transport them in a climate-controlled vehicle or keep them inside for as long as possible before loading.

Consider Temporary Storage if Needed

If there is a delay between moving out of your old home and moving into your new one, temporary storage can be a practical solution to keep your belongings safe. Storage can also be helpful if you need to stagger your move, allowing you to settle in gradually without being overwhelmed by boxes.

Bellview’s storage solutions provide a reliable and secure option if you need temporary housing for your items.

4. Dress for the Weather & Keep Essentials Handy

Moving house is physically demanding, and winter conditions can make it even more challenging. Cold temperatures, wet conditions, and icy surfaces can make lifting and carrying boxes harder, so dress appropriately and have the right essentials on hand. Wear a waterproof outer layer to protect against rain or snow.

Also, consider gloves with good grip, that will help you handle boxes and furniture safely while keeping your hands warm. Avoid bulky gloves that make it difficult to grip properly.

Pack an Essentials Box for Easy Access

Once you arrive at your new home, you won’t want to be searching through dozens of boxes for necessities. Consider packing a selection of hot drinks and snacks to keep your energy levels up during the move.

Moreover, include a first-aid kit in case of minor injuries like cuts or bruises. Also, keep change of clothes and toiletries within reach, so you don’t need to unpack everything straight away.

5. Work with Professional Movers for a Smooth Transition

Moving house in winter can be far more challenging than in other seasons, so hiring professionals can help make the process safer and more efficient. An experienced removals team will be prepared for winter weather conditions and will ensure that your move runs as smoothly as possible.

Choose an Experienced Winter Removal Service

Not all removals companies have experience handling winter moves, so it’s important to choose a team that knows how to navigate seasonal challenges.

• At Bellview Transport we have the experience dealing with winter relocations that can ensure that your move is handled professionally, regardless of the weather.
• Check what measures the company has in place for handling unpredictable weather, such as alternative moving dates or additional protective materials for your belongings.
• Make sure the removals company is fully insured, so you have peace of mind in case of unexpected delays or damage.

6. Take Extra Care When Lifting with Slippery Roads

Taking precautions before you start loading and unloading will help keep you and your belongings safe.

One of the biggest hazards when moving in winter is slipping on icy or wet surfaces. Whether you’re carrying heavy furniture or just moving boxes, it’s essential to make sure that pathways and entrances are safe to walk on.

• Use grit or sand on driveways, walkways, and any outdoor areas where you’ll be carrying items. This will improve traction and reduce the risk of slipping.
• If your new home has stairs leading to the entrance, ensure they are completely clear of ice and snow before carrying anything inside.
• Place non-slip mats at entrances to prevent people from tracking in water and making indoor floors slippery.

7. Don’t Forget Post-Move Essentials

Once you’ve moved into your new home, there are a few important administrative tasks to take care of. You can start by updating your address and sorting out local services, as it can help ensure a smooth transition and prevent any missed bills or disruptions.

Update Your Address & Set Up Mail Redirection

Forgetting to update your address can lead to missed bills, lost parcels, and important documents ending up at your old property. Take some time to notify key organisations of your new details.

Moving this winter? Get in touch with Bellview Transport today!

Moving house in winter comes with additional challenges, but with the right preparation, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. By planning, protecting your belongings, dressing appropriately, and working with professionals, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a successful move.

If you’re looking for expert assistance with your winter house move, Bellview Transport is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals can handle everything from house removals and clearance to secure storage solutions, ensuring that your move is efficient, safe, and hassle-free. Contact Bellview Transport at 01865 774 993 today to explore how we can assist with your moving and storage requirements.