Moving during a Northeast Ohio winter takes some extra preparation. Snow, icy walkways, and wet floors can affect how a moving crew gets in and out of your home—and how long the move takes.
At Harrington Moving, our winter preparations focus on safe access, protecting your home and furniture, and communicating when weather could affect your plans. Here’s what homeowners can do to help moving day go smoothly.
Clear the Route Before Your Movers Arrive
If you’re physically able, shovel and salt the paths your movers will use before the crew arrives. Think about the entire route between your door and the moving truck, including steps, sidewalks, and the driveway.
Check access at both homes. A clear walkway at your current house helps with loading, but your crew also needs a usable route when it’s time to unload.
Our crews typically bring a shovel and ice melt. However, clearing snow and treating ice takes time, and that work isn’t included in the moving estimate. Having the route ready helps the crew begin moving your belongings sooner.
If you can’t clear the route yourself, let us know ahead of time so we can discuss the conditions and plan accordingly.
Make Sure the Truck Can Reach Your Home
A snow-covered driveway or an icy approach can create problems before the first piece of furniture leaves your house. Snow can block access, and a moving truck can get stuck if conditions aren’t suitable.
When preparing for your move, consider where the truck will park and how the crew will reach it. Let us know about blocked driveways, snow piles, steep approaches, or other access concerns before moving day.
Advance notice gives us a chance to discuss the situation with you instead of discovering the problem when the truck arrives.
Protect Your Floors and Furniture
Winter moves bring snow and moisture close to your home’s entrances. Protecting those areas matters as the crew makes repeated trips between the house and the truck.
Harrington Moving uses floor protection for hardwood and carpet, including materials that help absorb water and carpet protection where appropriate. We also pad and wrap furniture to help protect it during handling and transport.
Keeping entrances clear gives the crew room to put protection in place and move furniture through safely.
Allow for a Slower Pace in Icy Conditions
Ice changes how movers carry heavy or awkward items. A route that’s easy to navigate in dry weather may require smaller steps and more deliberate handling during winter.
Snow removal, slippery steps, blocked access, and truck positioning can all add time. Clearing the route helps, but the crew still needs to adjust its pace to the conditions.
Safe footing and careful handling come first.
What Happens if Severe Weather Affects Your Move?
We plan to move when it’s safe to drive and work. That decision depends on more than the weather at your scheduled arrival time. Overnight snowfall, current road conditions, the forecast, and whether roads and access areas have been plowed can all affect the plan.
Crew safety is a priority. If conditions could interfere with your move, we’ll communicate with you ahead of time and discuss alternate dates when needed.
Harrington Moving does not charge a rescheduling fee when unsafe weather requires the move to be rescheduled.
If you’re concerned about conditions at either property, contact us before moving day so we can discuss them together.
Planning a Winter Move Around Cleveland?
A clear route, accessible parking, and early communication can make a winter move easier to manage.
Harrington Moving is a veteran-owned, family-owned moving company serving Greater Cleveland and nearby Northeast Ohio communities.
Contact Harrington Moving for a free moving quote and tell us about your move and any winter access concerns.