Cold weather in the Chicago suburbs can make any move harder, but commercial moving during winter can be especially tricky. Snow, ice, freezing winds, and shorter days all play a role in slowing things down. Businesses in areas like Deerfield and Northbrook already have enough to manage without weather shaking up their plans.
We’ve seen that even well-organized moves can hit delays once the cold sets in. From frozen sidewalks to slower traffic, winter brings a whole list of challenges that aren't as common in warmer months. Knowing how and why these delays happen is a good way to plan better and stay less stressed when moving day arrives.
Weather Impacts That Slow Down Moving Day
Some of the biggest winter problems start outside. Even if a move is small or local, slippery surfaces and cold air can stall progress.
• Snow and ice often show up without warning, making sidewalks and parking lots dangerous. Clearing those areas safely takes time, and crews need to move slower to avoid falling or dropping anything.
• Cold temperatures make it harder on equipment and people. Moving trucks might need extra time to warm up, dolly wheels can freeze, and workers need more breaks to stay safe and sharp.
• A surprise snowstorm can delay truck arrivals or even stop the whole move for safety reasons. Winds and freezing rain can force a pause until things clear up.
When the weather changes fast, which it often does in the Chicago area, commercial moves can’t always stay on schedule. It’s something every business has to factor in during the winter season.
Building Access and Loading Challenges
The weather is only one part of the puzzle. Building access becomes more complicated once the snow starts falling.
• Many commercial buildings have set hours, and shorter daylight in winter reduces the time crews have to load and unload. A job that would finish by mid-afternoon in summer could drag into dark cold evenings in January.
• Walkways might not be cleared by the time crews arrive. If sidewalks, stairs, or loading docks are buried in snow or covered in ice, everything slows down until it’s safe to move forward.
• Street parking or back lot access can become a hassle when snow piles up. It’s not always easy to find a place for the truck that’s close and legal, especially after a heavy plow goes through.
When timing and access both get harder, delays start to pile up. Some can be worked around, but others just come with the season.
Protecting Equipment and Supplies Takes Longer
Cold air doesn’t just make people uncomfortable. It affects the items being moved too. Commercial offices often have desks, electronics, printers, and lots of tech that need extra care.
• Cold-sensitive equipment can’t always go from a warm office into a freezing truck without extra wrapping or protection. This kind of careful handling just takes more time.
• Items often need extra padding and waterproof layering. It’s not just about bumps or scratches, but keeping out moisture and heat loss. That means more wrap, more tape, and more hands-on care.
• Some materials, like glass or plastic, get brittle in cold air. Rushing those pieces can lead to cracks or chips that could have been avoided by slowing down.
Protecting things right doesn’t mean moving fast. It means making sure they’re ready for a move that takes winter into account.
Timing and Communication Complications
One of the less visible reasons for winter delays is timing. Time is a factor year-round, but it plays a bigger role when the sun sets early and traffic drags.
• In winter, there’s just less daylight. Moving crews often have to start earlier or plan around losing natural light. Once it's dark, everything slows down.
• Roads tend to move slower in rain, sleet, or snow. Accidents and traffic jams can stretch a normal drive across the North Shore into an unexpected wait.
• Quick decisions are harder in cold weather. Messaging between a business and a moving crew can break down if weather changes the plan midway. People start rushing, and that's when things go wrong.
The simplest way to keep things moving is better communication ahead of time and flexibility when plans hit a snag.
When Winter Moves Still Need to Happen
Waiting for spring isn't always an option. Businesses have leases ending, office changes taking place, or staff needing new space sooner than later. In those cases, the only way out is through.
• Starting with the right expectations helps everyone move with less stress. Adding extra time in the plan makes room for weather without panic.
• Moving crews that are prepared for cold weather have the gear and know-how to manage snow, ice, and heavy lifting in tougher conditions.
• We have helped offices and businesses move across the North Shore since 1955, providing reliable service year-round with skilled, highly trained teams equipped for winter conditions.
• We always suggest allowing room in the schedule. Having backup times and knowing what slows things down makes it easier to stay flexible and avoid unnecessary frustration.
Winter commercial moving needs more patience, not less. The better the plan, the smoother the day, even if the temperature drops.
Stay Productive with Local Experts
Cold weather slows things down, but it doesn’t have to stop a move from happening. Understanding what makes commercial moving harder in winter, whether it's slippery walkways, tight daylight, or protecting electronics from freezing, is part of staying ahead of delay. We provide secure, well-equipped moving trucks and use top-quality materials to help minimize delays during your relocation.
Most of the challenges we see are fixable with smart planning and early thinking. Things might take longer, but when everyone is on the same page and planning around the season, it’s much easier to get through the cold and still arrive on time.
Winter moving in Deerfield, Northbrook, or the North Shore comes with its own set of challenges, from unpredictable weather to tight timelines. At Happ Movers, we know how important it is to be prepared for every detail. Our experience shows that good planning and reliable support can make a commercial moving project smoother and safer for your business. Contact us today to discuss your upcoming winter move and let our team provide peace of mind through every step.