Planning commercial moving in Chicago during the winter months takes more than just logistics, it takes patience and preparation. Anyone who’s lived through a Midwest January knows how quickly snowstorms, freezing wind, and short daylight hours can throw off plans. When offices or businesses make big changes during the coldest time of year, it’s easy to get caught by surprise.
From icy sidewalks to delayed trucks, winter adds layers to an already active process. But that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful. With the right steps, it's possible to get through the move safely, keep everything protected, and settle into the new space without freezing up. We’ve put together tips on how to keep your move going even when the temperature drops.
Plan Around the Weather, Not Against It
In Chicago, weather shifts can come fast. One day might be mild, and the next can bring a snowstorm. That’s why it helps to stay alert in the days leading up to the move.
• Watch the weather forecast every day starting about a week before your move. If you see snow or freezing rain in the forecast, start adjusting right away.
• Avoid planning an early morning move when sidewalks and streets are still icy. Mid-morning or early afternoon usually work better for daylight and safety.
• Have a backup date ready, just in case storms roll in. Sometimes shifting the move by even one day can save a lot of trouble.
Building in a little flexibility can help keep the move from being rushed or risky. Even with the best crew, road conditions and heavy snowfall can still slow things down. Expecting delays, and having a plan for them, can make the whole day feel a lot smoother.
Make Inside and Outside Areas Safe
Winter moving brings more than cold air, it brings slippery walkways and extra mess indoors. Clear paths help people stay safe and keep things moving without injury or damage.
• Shovel all walkways, ramps, curbs, and stairs around the building the night before and again in the morning if needed.
• Spread salt or sand on any high-traffic areas to cut down on slipping.
• Lay down heavy floor mats, cardboard, or tarps in entry points to protect wood floors and keep carpets from soaking up melted snow.
Risk goes up when the ground is wet, icy, or uneven. Making paths clear and stable ahead of time is a small step that can save hours of cleanup and prevent injury. Slippery surfaces around commercial buildings can cause tons of headaches for moving crews if not addressed early. Inside, snow and dirt tracked in by movers or wheeled equipment can make things messier and riskier, especially on tile or wood floors. By prepping both indoor and outdoor areas the night before and right before moving starts, you keep people safer and protect the building. If you’re working with a property manager, coordinate with them about snow removal or hallway protection, so crews know what to expect and you keep everything in order.
Protect Items From Cold and Wet Conditions
Cold air isn’t just uncomfortable, it can damage sensitive items during a move. Electronics and other temperature-sensitive pieces need a little extra care when the weather drops below freezing.
• Wrap computers, printers, monitors, and any fragile equipment in extra padding or insulated blankets.
• Make a plan with the movers ahead of time to keep items dry from building to truck. Moisture can drip through sealed boxes if it piles up.
• Keep things like important files, backup drives, or temperature-sensitive products with you in a climate-controlled vehicle when possible.
Protecting items from both the cold and the damp makes unpacking a lot easier and cuts down on the odds of dealing with ruined gear. If you're not sure how to protect something delicate, ask your movers before packing day so they can bring the right supplies or double-check your boxes. Winter weather can also delay how quickly trucks fill up or unload, making items sit outside longer. That’s another reason to use plastic wrap, blankets, or insulated containers for electronics or anything affected by moisture. Extra care helps your items arrive ready to plug in and use right away, without cold damage or water spots to worry about later.
Keep Things Moving With the Right Equipment
Icy curbs, snowy parking lots, and uneven driveways can make even short-distance moves harder in the winter. The right tools can turn those problems into non-issues.
• Ask ahead if movers will bring snow shovels, salt, heavy-duty mats, or driveway ramps.
• Make sure trucks can safely wait outside for loading and unloading without blocking streets or getting stuck.
• Use rolling carts or dollies with large wheels that work on slush and can move heavy items safely without slipping.
We’ve seen how even simple ramps or floor runners can make a major difference on moving day. Wet driveways and crowded loading zones are no match for good planning and better equipment. In addition to the big stuff, small things like rug protectors, extra gloves for workers, and hand warmers for crews can add comfort and keep the job moving forward. Moving crews who are used to Chicago winters often bring extra materials to protect their hands and keep things rolling in cold temps. If your building has tricky access, narrow hallways, or a crowded alley, talk to your movers about bringing the tools they’ll need for those situations.
Stay Flexible and Communicate Early
Chicago winters call for clear plans, and backup plans too. But none of it helps if people aren’t talking. Making sure everyone is on the same page prevents surprises once the move is underway.
• Check with your building’s manager or front desk about available move-in hours, especially if the elevators or loading zones need to be reserved.
• Reach out to the moving crew a few days out and keep watching the forecast together. That way, you can share updates and make last-minute calls if needed.
• Allow for small time buffers so if there's a weather delay, not everything gets thrown off at once.
Good communication goes a long way when things outside are unpredictable. It’s better to talk through details now than scramble to fix them later. Building managers, movers, and your own team members should all have clear contact information for the big day. If there are delays, knowing who to reach and when makes fixing issues faster and a lot less stressful. Make sure everyone working on the move, from the crew to the onsite coordinator, knows the basic plan, what might change, and who makes final calls if weather or timing changes suddenly.
Smart Moves for Winter Business Transitions
Handling commercial moving in Chicago in January takes extra coordination, but it doesn't have to feel like a mess. We’ve helped many businesses adjust during the winter, and one thing’s always true, thinking ahead saves time and lowers stress.
Happ Movers has been serving Chicago and the North Shore since 1955, and our team is fully trained to handle the demands of winter moving. Every crew member completes an extensive training program that prioritizes safety and the careful handling of your office assets. Whether your business is moving out of a space in Deerfield or settling into a new office in the North Shore, we deliver skill and expertise for every step of the process.
With Happ Movers, experienced professionals and advanced equipment help your winter relocation go as smoothly as possible, no matter how unpredictable the Chicago weather may be.
At Happ Movers, we understand the challenges that come with winter relocations, especially when you need your business to keep running smoothly throughout the transition. Whether you’re moving within the North Shore suburbs or across Chicago, planning ahead makes all the difference. Our experienced team has handled everything from icy sidewalks to tight loading zones. When you need reliable support for commercial moving in Chicago, reach out to us and let’s make your winter move a success.