Moving in January isn’t anybody’s first choice. But leases end, houses close and jobs start when they start, so plenty of Omaha families move in the middle of winter. The good news: a winter move goes fine with a little extra planning. Here are the winter moving tips our crews wish every customer knew.
What an Omaha Winter Looks Like
Based on NOAA’s 1991 to 2020 climate normals for Omaha’s Eppley Airfield:
| Month | Normal snowfall |
|---|---|
| December | 5.8 inches |
| January | 7.2 inches |
| February | 7.8 inches |
| March | 3.0 inches |
Add the smaller amounts that fall in October, November and April, and that’s about 27 inches over a normal season. January’s average high is about 34°F, and the average low is about 15°F. In other words: plan for cold, plan for ice and keep a close eye on the forecast.
Why Winter Can Be a Smart Time to Move
Summer is the busy season for Omaha movers. Winter is outside that rush, so you’ll often have more dates and times to choose from. If your timeline is flexible, an off-season move can be easier to schedule than a Saturday in June.
Watch the Forecast and Have a Backup Plan
- Check the forecast a week out, then again the day before. The National Weather Service in Omaha/Valley issues the official local forecasts and winter weather warnings.
- Pick a backup date with your landlord, your closing agent or your new building, just in case.
- Ask your mover what happens if the weather turns. Policies vary from company to company, and it matters if you have to be out of your old place that day.
Here’s how it works at Easy As Pie Moving Co.: we move in all kinds of weather and come prepared with tarps, plastic wrap and padding. We only reschedule if conditions are truly unsafe, and if that happens, we’ll call you and pick a new date together.
Clear a Safe Path at Both Homes
Ice is the big one. Your crew will be carrying couches and dressers down your front steps, so make that path as safe as you can.
- Shovel and salt the night before and again in the morning. That includes the driveway, sidewalk, front steps, porch and the path to the garage.
- Know the city rule. Omaha’s municipal code requires property owners and occupants to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours after the city declares that snow removal on major streets is complete, as KMTV reported.
- Save a spot for the truck. Clear enough curb or driveway space for the truck to park close to the door. A shorter carry is safer and faster.
- Ask your apartment manager when the lot and walkways get plowed, and whether they can clear a path near your building’s entrance.
- Don’t forget the new place. If you’re moving into an empty home, ask the seller, landlord or a neighbor to clear the walk, or swing by first and do it yourself.
Protect Your Floors
Snow, salt and slush get tracked in fast when the front door is open all day.
- Put a heavy mat or old rug inside each entrance.
- Lay down cardboard, old sheets or floor runners along the main walking paths, especially on hardwood and light carpet.
- Keep a few old towels by the door to wipe up puddles before anyone slips.
- Keep a broom by the door for the steps.
Our crews pad your furniture and wrap pieces in plastic to keep out snow and moisture. For floors, pick up floor protection film from Home Depot or Lowe’s before moving day, and our crews can use moving pads to protect walls and doors.
Keep the Heat and Utilities On at Both Homes
Don’t shut off the heat at your old place on moving day. The front door will be open for hours, and an empty house can get cold fast.
- Old home: Keep the heat and power on until you hand over the keys. If the house will sit empty, the American Red Cross recommends leaving the heat set no lower than 55°F to help prevent frozen pipes.
- New home: Have the heat, lights and water on before moving day. In Omaha, that usually means OPPD for electric and M.U.D. for gas and water.
- Turn the thermostat down a little during the move, not off. You’ll lose some heat through the open door, but you won’t come back to frozen pipes.
Protect Electronics, Plants and Anything That Can Freeze
Moving truck cargo areas generally aren’t heated, so think about what doesn’t like the cold:
- Electronics: Pack TVs, computers and game consoles in their original boxes or wrap them in blankets. At the new home, give them a few hours to come up to room temperature before plugging them in. Moving from cold to warm can cause condensation inside.
- Houseplants: Freezing temperatures can damage them quickly. Wrap them loosely and move them in your heated car.
- Liquids: Paint, cleaning products and canned drinks can freeze and burst. Move them in your car or use them up first.
- Medications, documents and valuables ride with you anyway.
- Pets: Keep them warm, safe and out of the way. Our moving with pets guide has tips.
Want help packing the fragile stuff? Our packing services cover anything from one room to the whole house, with no minimum.
Plan Around Short Days
In December, the sun sets around 5 p.m. in Omaha and doesn’t come up until about 7:30 to 7:50 a.m., according to sunrise-sunset.org. That doesn’t leave much daylight.
- Start early so the heavy lifting happens while it’s light out.
- Turn on porch, garage and outdoor lights at both homes, and replace burned-out bulbs before moving day.
- Keep a flashlight or headlamp handy for the last trips to the truck.
- Unpack the essentials box first so you can find lamps, chargers and bedding without hunting.
Our moving checklist has a full essentials box list.
Dress for It
- Wear boots with good traction, not sneakers. You’ll be in and out all day.
- Layer up so you can peel off a coat when you’re working inside.
- Keep kids busy and warm, ideally with a sitter or at a friend’s house.
- Have something warm to drink for everyone, crew included. It goes a long way on a cold day.
Moving Long Distance in Winter?
Leaving Omaha in January? Build some flexibility into your travel plans, check road conditions on Nebraska 511 before you leave and pack an emergency kit for the car. Our guide to long distance moving from Nebraska covers delivery windows, valuation and your rights on an interstate move.
Winter Moving FAQs
Do movers work in the snow?
Many do. Easy As Pie moves in all kinds of weather and brings tarps, plastic wrap and padding to protect your things. If conditions are truly unsafe, we’ll call you to pick a new date together.
Is it cheaper to move in winter?
Winter is outside the busy summer season, so you’ll often have more flexibility on dates. Your cost still depends on how much you’re moving, the crew size and how long the move takes.
How do I protect my floors when moving in the snow?
Put mats at every entrance, cover main paths with cardboard or runners, and keep towels by the door. Shovel and salt outside to cut down on what gets tracked in.
Should I turn off the heat when I move out in winter?
No. Keep it on until you hand over the keys. If the home will sit empty, the Red Cross recommends leaving the heat set no lower than 55°F to help prevent frozen pipes.
Moving This Winter? We’ve Got You
Easy As Pie Moving Co. moves Omaha families all year, snow or shine. Our local movers call when they’re on the way, walk every room with you and pad and strap every load. Your moving agreement, with every rate spelled out, arrives when you book.
Request your free estimate or call us at (402) 200-4661.
