How to Survive a Winter Move in Minnesota

Minnesota winters are no joke — with heavy snow, icy roads, and frigid temperatures that can plunge well below zero, moving during the colder months can be a serious challenge. But with the right planning and preparation, a winter move in the North Star State is entirely manageable — and even beneficial in some ways (hello, lower moving rates!).

Whether you're relocating across town or making a long-distance move, this guide will walk you through how to survive a winter move in Minnesota without slipping on the ice — figuratively or literally.

Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible

Winter weather in Minnesota is famously unpredictable. One day it’s 35°F and slushy; the next, you’re digging your car out of a foot of snow. That’s why flexibility is key.

● Watch the extended forecast starting a week before your move.

● Have a backup date in mind in case a snowstorm rolls in.

● Communicate regularly with your moving company.

● Allow for extra time on moving day — snow and ice slow everything down.

If you're moving from somewhere nearby, like Living in Brooklyn Park MN to Duluth or Rochester, it's especially important to plan around major traffic corridors that are prone to winter delays.

Hire Professional Movers with Winter Experience

Not all movers are prepared for a cold-climate move — especially during peak winter months like December through February. Make sure to choose moving companies in Minneapolis MN that have experience with cold-weather logistics.

Ask potential movers

● Do you provide winter moving supplies (mats, tarps, blankets)?

● How do you protect floors from snow and salt?

● What’s your weather policy for delays or rescheduling?

● Do your trucks handle icy roads and steep driveways?

Hiring experienced winter movers will make your relocation far smoother. They’ll know how to navigate slippery sidewalks, protect your belongings from cold and moisture, and keep your timeline on track — even if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.

Prep Your Home (Both Old and New)

Before moving day, you’ll want to prepare both locations to minimize cold exposure and damage.

Here’s a checklist for prepping both homes

● Shovel all walkways and driveways — safety first!

● Salt icy areas to prevent slips

● Lay down cardboard or plastic runners to protect floors

● Keep a space heater in one room where movers can warm up

● Open up the garage or create a temporary "loading zone" to minimize heat loss

If you're transitioning from an apartment to a house — or relocating from Brooklyn Park to a more rural area — you may want to rent a storage container in advance or do a partial move-in to avoid bringing everything in at once during bad weather.

Dress for Function, Not Fashion

Moving in winter means spending a lot of time outdoors — loading and unloading trucks, walking back and forth between houses, and keeping an eye on your belongings. Dress in layers, and don’t worry about how you look.

Winter move gear essentials

● Waterproof snow boots with good traction

● Touchscreen gloves (to still use your phone)

● Insulated, windproof jacket

● Hat and scarf (your mom was right)

● Moisture-wicking base layers

Have extra dry clothes on hand in case you get wet — and bring thermoses of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for you (and your movers — they’ll appreciate it!).

Protect Your Belongings from Cold and Moisture

Did you know that extreme cold can damage some of your belongings? Electronics, wood furniture, musical instruments, and even some household plants can suffer in freezing temps.

Tips for protecting your items

● Use thick blankets or thermal moving pads on sensitive items

● Keep electronics in insulated boxes and move them in your heated vehicle

● Don’t pack liquids like cleaning supplies or toiletries in the truck — they could freeze and burst

● Avoid cardboard boxes on wet or slushy sidewalks — they can weaken quickly

If you’re downsizing, this is also a great time to declutter and donate — fewer boxes mean less risk of cold damage and easier moving logistics.

Make Utilities and Heat a Priority

Few things are worse than arriving at your new home only to find that the heat hasn’t been turned on. Confirm all utility services — electricity, gas, water, and internet — are set up at least a day before your move-in date.

Tips to stay warm and safe

● Turn on the heat 12–24 hours before you arrive

● Make sure pathways to your home’s furnace, water heater, and circuit breaker are clear

● Plug in a space heater or two in central rooms for extra comfort

● Test all thermostats to ensure consistent heating

If you're moving to a newly built home or an older property in cities like Duluth or Bemidji, be sure the pipes are insulated — frozen pipes can burst and cause major damage within hours.

Keep Safety First

Winter moves increase the risk of slips, vehicle accidents, and frostbite. Taking extra precautions can prevent injuries and delays.

Keep these safety tips in mind

● Ensure all helpers wear proper footwear with grip

● Take frequent breaks to warm up inside

● Use dollies or carts instead of carrying heavy loads on slippery surfaces

● Keep rock salt and sand nearby in case you need to re-treat walkways

● Never overload moving trucks — icy roads require extra control

If you’re working with moving companies Minneapolis MN residents trust, ask them about their safety procedures and insurance coverage. Reliable movers will always prioritize both your safety and theirs.

Conclusion

While it may sound daunting at first, a winter move in Minnesota isn’t impossible — in fact, it can be a smart and even cost-effective time to relocate. Fewer people move in winter, which often means lower rates, more flexible scheduling, and greater availability with professional movers.

Whether you're moving across town or heading up north, the key is planning ahead, dressing properly, prepping your spaces, and relying on experienced help.

If you're living in Brooklyn Park MN and planning a move this winter — whether to another Twin Cities suburb or a scenic spot on the North Shore — remember to book early and work with the most reliable moving companies Minneapolis MN has to offer. Their local experience and winter savvy can make all the difference.

So layer up, grab that hot cocoa, and let your Minnesota move begin — snow and all.