Moving in Winter in Wisconsin: Tips for a Smooth Winter Move
One of the many great things about Wisconsin is that we truly have four seasons – four BEAUTIFUL seasons! And that means if you're moving to (or within) Wisconsin, there is a 25% chance you'll be moving during the three months of meteorological winter – December, January, or February. And these months happen to be GREAT for moving!
When Is the Easiest Time to Book a Moving Truck?
According to Moving.com, the busiest months for moving are generally between Memorial Day and Labor Day. That means winter is typically a less busy time for the moving industry, giving you greater flexibility when booking a moving truck or professional movers.
When Is the Cheapest Time to Rent a Moving Truck?
Moving truck rental prices generally go down during the winter because demand drops significantly between October and April, according to Penske Truck Rental. While prices vary based on location, availability and moving date, winter may offer an opportunity to save compared with the peak summer moving season.
Are There Advantages to a Winter Move for Working People?
Yes! Winter can be one of the more convenient times to move in Wisconsin. If you move during the winter, you may be able to take advantage of paid holiday vacation days or a slower period at work. The holidays are often followed by quieter weeks when schedules lighten up and regularly scheduled obligations are on hiatus.
Another advantage? Moving companies and rental trucks are generally less busy during the winter months than during the peak summer moving season. That can make it easier to find a moving date that works with your schedule and may give you more flexibility when planning your move.
Pro Tip: Pack a First-Night Box
Pack a box or bag with the things you'll need first, such as your sheets and pillows, coffee pot, pajamas, toothbrush and other toiletries, as well as a change of clothes for day two. Keep this box somewhere easy to find so you don't have to dig through dozens of moving boxes at the end of a long day.
Admittedly, winter moves can bring unique (un-summer-like!) challenges. For example, that old four-letter word: S-N-O-W!
7 Tips for Moving in Winter in Wisconsin
- Be flexible with your schedule. Be ready to adjust your moving schedule if unexpected winter weather causes delays. Check the forecast regularly as your moving day approaches.
- Shovel and salt walkways. Make sure the pathway from your current home to your moving truck has been shoveled and salted to help prevent slips and falls.
- Dress in layers. Wisconsin winter temperatures can make moving tricky. Dress in layers so you're warm when you start out but can remove a layer once you've worked up a sweat.
- Wear gloves with a good grip. Special box-handling or work gloves can help you get a better grip on moving boxes while protecting your hands from cold temperatures.
- Keep important phone numbers handy. Be prepared with a list of phone numbers you may need if something goes wrong, such as if your moving truck breaks down or you're unable to meet someone at your new home at the agreed-upon time.
- Plan for an earlier sunset. Remember that it gets dark much earlier in the winter. If your move will extend into the evening, make sure you have a plan for unloading safely in the dark.
- Keep drinks and snacks nearby. Have water and protein-rich snacks ready so you don't become "hangry" or dehydrated. Yes, even in winter!
Winter Moving Day Checklist
Use this checklist to help make your Wisconsin winter move safer and less stressful.
- Check the weather forecast.
- Confirm your moving truck or movers.
- Shovel and salt walkways.
- Keep boots and winter clothing accessible.
- Pack gloves that provide good grip.
- Protect floors from snow and salt.
- Keep towels available for wet floors.
- Charge your phone.
- Keep important phone numbers handy.
- Pack snacks and water.
- Plan for an earlier sunset.
- Keep first-night essentials separate.
- Confirm access to your new home.
What Should I Do Upon Arriving at My New Home?
Before you start unpacking the moving truck, make sure your path to your new home is clear of snow and ice. If you're moving into a Wimmer Community, this chore will have already been completed for you before your arrival!
What Should I Unpack First in My New Home?
Remember that pro tip we suggested earlier? Now is the time to use it! Make your bed as soon as it is set up – or ask a good friend to do it – so you don't wind up sleeping on top of your mattress because you're too exhausted to face it later.
Set your toiletries in the bathroom and put your coffee pot and coffee supplies in the kitchen. You will thank yourself later!
After unpacking the things you'll need your first night in your new home, it's usually best to unpack the essentials you used most recently in your previous place. Marking boxes with notes such as "UNPACK FIRST" or "KITCHEN ESSENTIALS" helps distinguish the boxes you need from all the similar-looking boxes involved in moving an entire household.
How Can I Eat Healthier During My Move?
All it takes to avoid a fast-food coma during your move is a little planning. Before moving day, fill a backpack or large tote bag with protein bars, nuts, cheese and meat cubes. When you need a pick-me-up, your snacks will be within reach.
On the morning of your first full day in your new home, start your slow cooker with an easy winter meal like chicken thighs and salsa or pork roast with barbecue sauce. By dinnertime, you'll have an easy, comforting meal ready to enjoy – and potentially some amazing sandwiches for the days ahead!
Winter Moving FAQs
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Is winter a good time to move? | Yes. Winter typically has lower demand for moving services than summer. |
| Are moving trucks cheaper in winter? | Rental prices may be lower when demand is lower, although rates vary by location and date. |
| Is it easier to book movers? | Often, yes. Winter is generally less busy than the peak summer moving season. |
| What is the biggest challenge? | Wisconsin winter weather, especially snow, ice and cold temperatures. |
| What should I do before moving day? | Clear and salt walkways, monitor the forecast and have a backup plan for weather delays. |
| What should I unpack first? | Bedding, toiletries, medications, clothes, coffee, food and other first-night essentials. |
Ready for Your Winter Move?
Moving during a Wisconsin winter may require a little extra preparation, but it can also come with some great advantages – including less competition for moving services, potentially lower truck rental rates and more flexibility when scheduling your move.
With a little planning, the right winter gear and a good backup plan for snow and ice, you can make your winter move go smoothly and settle into your new home comfortably.
Moving Into a Wimmer Community This Winter
One advantage of choosing an apartment community during the winter months is having a team
ready to help make your move easier. At Wimmer Communities, our property teams prepare our
communities for Wisconsin winters by maintaining walkways, common areas and parking areas so
your arrival is as smooth as possible — even when temperatures drop.
Whether you’re moving into your first apartment, relocating to a new neighborhood, or
downsizing into a more convenient home, our communities offer features designed to make
every season more comfortable. From convenient locations and modern amenities to options
like garage parking at select communities, Wimmer Communities helps make your winter move
a little easier.
Looking for a Winter-Friendly Apartment?
Wisconsin winters make certain apartment features especially valuable. Private garages,
underground parking, convenient building entrances and well-maintained walkways can make a
big difference when snow and freezing temperatures arrive.
When choosing your next apartment home, consider the features that will make winter living
more comfortable — including parking options, storage space, community amenities and a
location that keeps you close to the places you visit most.
Explore Wimmer Communities apartments throughout southeastern Wisconsin
and find a home that fits your lifestyle in every season.
Find Your New Wisconsin Apartment Home
Looking for an apartment that makes every season more enjoyable? Wimmer Communities offers
apartment homes throughout southeastern Wisconsin with convenient locations, thoughtful
amenities and features that make coming home easier — even during Wisconsin winters.