Winter Move Blueprint: From Snow-Cleared Walkways to Elevator Bookings

Moving in the winter can feel a little intimidating; snow, ice, and freezing winds don't exactly scream "fun moving day." However, the truth is that winter can actually be one of the best times to move if you plan carefully.

Rental prices are usually a bit lower, movers have more availability, and you won't be sweating through your shirt while hauling boxes up to the fifth floor. The key is to stay ahead of the game and prep for the unique challenges that Boston winters bring: snow-packed sidewalks, narrow streets, and making sure that the elevator is ready and waiting for you.

Here's your step-by-step blueprint for pulling off a smooth, stress-free move, even when the weather outside is far from sunny.

Start Planning Early (Like, Really Early)

Winter may be a slower season for moving companies, but that doesn't mean you can wing it at the last minute. If you're moving into or out of a Boston apartment or high-rise, there are usually a few hoops to jump through, elevator reservations, building notices, and city parking permits. Locking in your move date early gives you time to handle all of this without panicking.

As soon as you know you're moving, call your landlord or building manager. Ask what's required for a winter move: do they need a certificate of insurance from your movers? Do they restrict move-in times to weekdays? Is there a freight elevator you can book (and if so, how far in advance)? Some buildings require at least 48 hours' notice, others a week or more, and those elevator time slots can fill up quickly. Trust us, nothing kills moving day momentum like finding out you have to wait three hours for an elevator.

While you're at it, reserve parking for the truck. Boston's narrow streets make parking a nightmare even on a sunny day, and the last thing you want is to circle the block in a snowstorm with a fully loaded moving truck. The city lets you apply for driving permits so you can block off a spot near your building. Do it at least a week in advance.

Pack Like a Pro (and for the Weather)

Packing is one of those things everyone swears they'll start early, but most of us end up cramming it into the last 48 hours. In winter, that's a recipe for misery. The fewer trips you have to make outside while it's snowing, the better.

Invest in good packing materials; winter moisture can turn cheap cardboard boxes into mush. Plastic bins are your best friend for valuables and anything that really can't get wet. Double-wrap furniture with moving blankets and plastic covers to keep snow and salt off. Electronics and fragile items should be wrapped with extra care; bubble wrap, towels, whatever it takes to keep them warm and cushioned.

Don't forget a "first night" box. Think of it like a sleepover kit for grown-ups: warm clothes, chargers, toiletries, snacks, and maybe even your coffee maker. You'll thank yourself when you're too tired (or too snowed in) to unpack everything.

And one last tip: protect your floors on both ends. Put down towels, cardboard, or floor runners so you're not tracking slush all over your new apartment or risking your security deposit.

Make the Building Move-Ready

Apartment and high-rise moves have a little extra choreography, and winter adds a few more steps. Once you've booked the elevator, ask your building if they'll put it on "service mode" for your move so you're not sharing it with neighbours every five minutes. Some buildings also require you to put padding on the elevator walls or lay protective mats in the lobby.

Snow is the other big factor. If you're responsible for clearing the walkway at your current place, get it done before the movers arrive. A clear, salted path makes everything safer and faster. At your new apartment, check with the building staff to be sure the entryway and sidewalks are ready; nothing slows down a move like having to shovel before you unload.

Professional Movers or DIY?

You might be tempted to save money with a DIY move, but winter has a way of making everything harder. Professional movers not only have the gear (dollies, floor protection, plastic wrap) but also know how to handle icy stairs and tight hallways. And because winter is their slower season, you might get a better rate than in the summer rush.

If you do decide to move yourself, plan extra time for driving slowly on slippery roads, and double-check that your rental truck has winter tires or chains if you're going far. Either way, make sure you have insurance coverage; winter moves come with more risk for dings, slips, and bumps.

Settle In and Get Cozy

When the last box is off the truck, you'll want to collapse, but take a few minutes to get set up. Turn the heat up, lay down rugs or towels to catch melting snow, and unpack that "first night" box. Run the hot water for a minute in each sink and shower to make sure pipes aren't frozen.

Once the essentials are taken care of, order some hot takeout, grab a blanket, and enjoy your first night in your new place. Moving in winter can be exhausting, but there's nothing like sitting in your warm apartment watching the snow fall outside, knowing all your stuff is safely inside with you.

 

Published 9/16/25