7 Tips for Moving During Winter in Minnesota (2026 Edition)

Moving in Minnesota during the winter might feel intimidating. Snow, ice, narrow streets and cold temperatures add challenges you don’t have to think about in warmer months. But winter moves are common in the Twin Cities. As of 2026, College Muscle Movers has been moving all year round for almost 20 years and we know from experience that with the right preparation, winter moves of any size can go smoothly.

These tips for anyone planning a local move in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or the surrounding area during winter. Whether you’re moving from an apartment or a house, our tips will help you understand what to expect and what really matters when the weather is cold.

1. Hiring Movers Matters Even More in Winter

In our opinion, hiring professional movers is especially worth it in winter. Of course a moving company would say that, you might be thinking, but it’s true.

Moving your belongings without getting hurt or damaging anything can be difficult and time consuming if you aren’t experienced. Add in cold temperatures, ice, and snow and it gets even riskier.

Plus, friends and family are probably less willing to help haul your furniture through snow and ice.

Professional movers are prepared for winter conditions, bring the right equipment, and know how to work safely and efficiently in cold weather. Experienced crews also understand when conditions are safe to proceed, and when it’s better to pause or adjust plans.

While movers can be expensive, you can often take advantage of lower seasonal rates during the winter months.

Our Muscle Movers will show up to complete your move even in a snowstorm.

3. Make a Plan for Parking the Truck

Parking is especially important in winter. The closer the truck can park to your door, the faster and safer the move will be.

Our Muscle Movers are experienced at parking on busy streets, driveways and loading docks, but we rely on our customers to reserve those spaces at their moving locations as needed.

Depending on where you live, this may mean:

• Reserving street parking through the city
• Booking your apartment’s loading dock
• Clearing snow from your driveway

Click here to find information on how to reserve parking spaces in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Remember to double-check the size truck you will be using — at College Muscle Movers we have both 26′ and 16′ trucks available.

4.  Clear the Walkways in Advance

Whoever is moving your belongings will need clear and safe pathways to get items from your home to the truck. Our Muscle Movers bring shovels and salt with them if needed, but if we need to spend time clearing paths, that can slow things down and add to your overall costs.

Before moving day:

• Shovel sidewalks, driveways, and entryways
• Salt walkways to prevent slipping
• Make sure entrances at both locations are accessible

Keeping your belongings and the movers safe is always the top priority, so this is an important step you won’t want to skip.

When moving during winter, it’s extra important to make sure your items are properly packed and protected.

6.  Protect Your Floors from Salt and Snow

Winter moves almost always mean more snow, water, and salt coming inside.

Floor runners can help, but they aren’t perfect and can’t always be used safely on stairs. Asking movers to remove shoes every trip can slow things down significantly.

Some options that work well:

• Using runners in main entry areas
• Having towels or mats near doors
• Staging items closer to exits saves time and minimizes the amount of walking inside

In some cases, crews can work with a mix of movers inside (shoes off) and movers outside handling loading, depending on crew size and layout.

7.  Don’t Forget About Your Own Comfort

While a lot of your planning will go towards prepping your home and belongings for the movers, don’t forget to about yourself.

Your doors might be propped open and you might need to spend some time outside. Have plenty of layers handy to stay warm. We recommend keeping a personal bag with you throughout the move with your essentials – phone, wallet, keys, medications, etc.

A thermos filled with hot coffee or tea and some protein-rich snacks will help keep you fueled for the duration of the move, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Moving in Minnesota

Do movers still work in the snow?

At College Muscle Movers, our crews work in snow and cold conditions unless it becomes physically unsafe.

Is winter cheaper for moving?

Often, yes. Winter is typically off-peak season, which can mean lower hourly rates and better availability.

What happens if it snows on moving day?

Moves usually continue as planned if conditions are safe. Clear access and flexibility help a lot.

How cold is too cold to move?

There isn’t a single temperature cutoff. Decisions are based on safety, wind, ice, and working conditions.

Do I need to shovel my driveway and walkways?

Yes. Crews may bring shovels and salt, but customer preparation helps keep the move efficient and affordable.