Top 10 Things to Know Before Moving in Minnesota Winters

Moving to a new home is stressful at the best of times, but when your move happens during a Minnesota winter, things can get downright challenging. Between the snow, ice, subzero temperatures, and early nightfall, moving in winter here is not just a task, it is an event.

Whether you are relocating within the Twin Cities or coming from out of state, planning your move carefully can make all the difference. Here is your ultimate guide to surviving and thriving during a Minnesota winter move.

1. Timing Is Everything

Winter in Minnesota is not just cold. It is brutally cold. January temperatures regularly dip below 0°F with wind chills that can feel unbearable.

If possible, schedule your move during midday hours when the sun is highest and temperatures are slightly warmer. Avoid early mornings or late evenings since roads can be icier and visibility drops fast after 4 PM.

2. Hire Experienced Local Movers

Winter moves are not the time for DIY truck rentals or relying on friends with pickups. You need experienced professionals who understand what it means to navigate icy roads and frozen driveways.

Both Frogtown Movers and Affinity Moving are well-known in Minnesota for handling cold-weather moves with care. They know how to protect furniture, move safely in icy conditions, and adjust when winter creates unexpected challenges.

Do not just look for a cheap quote. Look for experience with winter-specific logistics.

3. Prep the Pathways (Shovel, Salt, Repeat)

Before your movers arrive, make sure your sidewalks, driveways, and stairs are shoveled and salted. A clear path is not just about courtesy. It is about safety. One slip could mean a broken item or worse, an injury.

Keep extra rock salt on hand and check the weather forecast the night before to anticipate snow or ice buildup.

4. Protect Your Floors

Between melting snow, ice chunks, and slush-covered boots, your floors are at risk.

Use plastic sheeting, cardboard runners, or old rugs to create a protective path from the front door to high-traffic areas. Most experienced movers like those at Affinity Moving will bring floor protection, but it never hurts to have backup.

5. Dress in Layers

Moving day is all about movement. One minute you are sweating from lifting boxes, and the next you are freezing outside.

The key is to dress in breathable layers. Think base thermal, mid-weight fleece, and a waterproof shell. Keep gloves, a hat, and dry socks on standby.

6. Watch Out for Winter Delays

Snowstorms, road closures, and black ice are not just possibilities. They are very likely during Minnesota winters.

Give yourself buffer time around your move date. If you are working with professional movers like Frogtown Movers or Affinity Moving, they will likely be flexible and keep you updated on conditions. That is another reason why local experience matters.

7. Keep Essentials in Your Car

Do not pack your toiletries, medications, phone chargers, or a change of warm clothes in the moving truck. Winter moves can experience delays, and you do not want to be stranded without the basics.

Also, keep a blanket, snow scraper, and emergency kit in your vehicle just in case.

8. Avoid Packing Liquids and Electronics Last Minute

Extreme cold can damage sensitive items. Electronics, glassware, and liquids like cleaning supplies or toiletries can freeze or break if left unprotected.

Either pack these items inside your vehicle or use insulated packing materials. Let your movers know which boxes are temperature-sensitive so they can load them last and unload them first.

9. Turn Utilities On Early

Imagine showing up to your new home and realizing the heat is not working. That is a terrible way to start.

Make sure gas, electric, and water are turned on at least one to two days before move-in. This not only makes moving day more comfortable but also ensures that pipes do not freeze if temperatures dip overnight.

10. Be Kind to Your Movers

Moving in winter is hard. Moving in Minnesota winter is even harder.

Offer your movers a warm drink, provide easy access to a bathroom, and consider tipping for great service. A little appreciation goes a long way, especially when people are working in freezing conditions.

Why Moving in Winter Can Be Worth It

Despite the challenges, winter moves in Minnesota are not all bad.

Lower rates. Many moving companies offer discounts in the off-season

More availability. Scheduling is easier in the winter months

No heat exhaustion. Sweating through a summer move is not fun either

When you work with professionals like Frogtown Movers or Affinity Moving, you gain peace of mind knowing they have handled many winter relocations successfully and safely.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota winters are intense, but with the right preparation, your winter move does not have to be a nightmare. From clearing snow and protecting your belongings to working with experienced movers like Frogtown Movers and Affinity Moving, you can take control of your move and start your new chapter smoothly.

So grab your thermal gloves, put on your boots, and get ready to move smart during Minnesota’s coldest months.