While most people choose the warmer months of spring and fall to pack up their lives, there is a growing group of savvy Nebraskans who know that winter is the “secret season” for a stress free move. Yes, the wind might be biting and the snow might be piling up, but the benefits—like lower rates from moving companies and wide-open availability—make it a strategy worth considering.
At Rocket Rolloff, we’ve seen countless neighbors successfully navigate a mid-winter transition. Whether you are moving across town or planning a long-distance move to Illinois, the key to success isn’t just about bravery; it’s about a solid moving checklist and superior preparation.
The most popular time of year to move is the summer, but that peak season comes with inflated prices and limited options. When you choose a winter date, you are entering a buyer’s market for relocation services.
Cost Savings: Many moving companies offer significant discounts during the off-season to keep their crews busy.
Flexible Scheduling: Instead of fighting for a Saturday in June, you’ll likely have your pick of any move date in January or February.
Faster Service: With fewer clients on the books, moving crews can often provide more personalized attention, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.
One of the best ways to ensure a stress free move is to take less with you. Before you start wrapping, take a hard look at your inventory. Winter is the perfect time to donate or sell items you haven’t used in a year. Not only does this reduce the number of boxes you have to haul through the snow, but it also lowers your overall moving costs.
If your “toss” pile becomes a mountain of old furniture and basement junk, renting a bin can help you clear the slate quickly. You can explore our services to find a container that fits your pre-move cleanout needs.
Cold weather presents unique challenges for fragile items. Materials like glass, ceramic, and even certain plastics can become brittle when the temperature drops below freezing.
Insulation is Key: Use plenty of bubble wrap and thick moving blankets to provide a thermal buffer for glassware and electronics.
Protect Your Tech: Sensitive electronics (like TVs and computers) should be packed in their original boxes if possible. If you’re moving these yourself, keep them in the heated cab of your car rather than the back of a cold truck.
Waterproofing: Snow and slush are inevitable. Line your boxes with plastic or use sealable bins to ensure your belongings stay dry from the driveway to the truck.
On moving day, the logistics change significantly. In Nebraska, a sudden ice storm can turn a simple haul into a hazardous task.
Clear the Path: Before the truck arrives, shovel and salt all walkways, driveways, and entry points. This prevents slips and falls, especially when your team is carrying heavy furniture.
Protect the Floors: Lay down old rugs or flattened cardboard to protect your carpets and hardwood from tracked-in snow and salt.
Check the Utilities: There is nothing worse than settling into your new home only to realize the furnace isn’t on. Confirm that the heat and water are running at the new location at least 24 hours before you arrive.
During the chaos of the move, keep your important documents (passports, birth certificates, and closing papers) in a dedicated “Go-Bag” that stays with you at all times. This bag should also include a few winter essentials:
An ice scraper and a small shovel.
Extra gloves and hand warmers.
A basic first aid kit.
Phone chargers and a portable power bank.
Once the boxes are inside, the work isn’t quite over. If you’ve moved fragile items that were exposed to the cold, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before unpacking or plugging them in. This prevents “temperature shock” and condensation from damaging internal components.
At Rocket Rolloff, we understand that planning your move involves a lot of moving parts. We’ve built our reputation on helping Lincoln residents manage the “big stuff.” If you’re curious about how we help simplify the moving process for local families, you can see how it works when it comes to our delivery and pickup timelines.
Winter moves might require a few extra layers of clothing and a bit more salt on the driveway, but they offer a level of control and affordability that summer moves simply can’t match. By choosing to start early and following a methodical plan, you can turn a potentially icy situation into a seamless transition.
Ready to make your move? Let’s get that old junk out of the way first so you can start fresh in your new space. Give us a call, and let’s make 2026 the year of your most organized move yet!
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