In Chicago, “moving season” isn’t just about summer. Real life happens in January and February, too. However, moving in winter in Chicago presents a unique set of challenges: sub-zero temperatures, sidewalk salt that can eat through hardwood finishes, and moisture that can ruin antique upholstery.
At Chicago Moving, we don’t just “move” your items; we shield them from the elements. Here is how our 2026 Winter Protocol ensures your new home stays as pristine as the day you signed the lease.
1. The “Clean Zone” Strategy: Floor Protection
The biggest threat during a winter move isn’t the cold—it’s the slush. Traditional salt and de-icing chemicals are abrasive and can leave permanent white stains on wood and carpet.
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Neoprene Floor Runners: Unlike thin plastic or cardboard, we use heavy-duty neoprene runners. These create a waterproof, non-slip path from your front door to every room in the house.
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Boot Covers (Booties): Our crew utilizes high-traction boot covers when moving between the “transition zone” and your living areas to ensure no salt crystals ever touch your flooring.
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Masonite Sheets: For high-traffic areas or heavy furniture, we lay down Masonite boards to distribute weight and prevent indentations on soft-winter wood or luxury vinyl.
2. Furniture Shielding: Beyond the Moving Blanket
Low temperatures can make certain materials brittle. Our 2026 protection suite includes:
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Double-Layer Shrink Wrap: We apply a layer of industrial shrink wrap over our moving blankets. This creates a moisture-proof seal that prevents melting snow or freezing rain from seeping into the fabric of your sofas or the grain of your tables.
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Climate-Stabilized Trucks: Moving sensitive items like pianos, oil paintings, or electronics? Our specialized moving fleet utilizes insulated cargo areas to prevent rapid temperature shifts that cause wood to warp or screens to crack.
3. Real-Time Winter Logistics
A Chicago winter move requires more than just muscle; it requires a tactical plan.
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Pre-Move Salt Service: We recommend clearing and salting your driveway and walkways 24 hours before we arrive. If you can’t, let us know—our teams are equipped to assist with basic path clearing to ensure a safe loading environment.
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The “Warm Room” Loading Sequence: We prioritize loading smaller items first, keeping the large furniture (which requires the door to be open longest) for a single, efficient burst. This helps maintain the internal temperature of your home.
Pro Tip: If you’re moving into a managed building, check our guide to Chicago high-rise moves to ensure your loading dock is cleared of snow before the truck arrives.
4. Winter Moving Checklist for Homeowners
5. FAQs: Moving in the Chicago Cold
Will you cancel my move if it snows? We are Chicagoans! We rarely cancel for snow. Unless there is a city-wide “Travel Ban” or extreme blizzard conditions that make driving unsafe, our professional packing and moving teams will be there.
How do you protect my carpets from road salt? We use adhesive carpet film and reusable runners that are specifically designed to trap moisture and salt before it reaches your fibers.
Should I pack my liquids differently in winter? Yes. Any liquids (cleaning supplies, wines, etc.) should be packed in plastic bins. In a moving truck, these can freeze and expand, potentially leaking onto other boxes.
