13 Tips For Moving House During Winter in Australia

• May 20, 2021
• Bill Chen

Last updated on October 30, 2023

Moving house is always a stressful time, and whilst the majority of Aussies tend to move in Summer, it’s Winter that is the better time to move. This is because it is considered to be the “off-peak” season for moving, making removalists more flexible on their fees and timings, giving you a cheaper move that you can be in more control of.

Now, we understand that moving in Winter can also create issues – it’s colder, the real estate market is a little quieter, and you don’t have long summer holidays to plan around. So with that said, here are 13 top tips for moving to a new address in Winter.

1. Get a moving quote

Because it’s off-peak, most professional removalists should bite your hand off for a chance to quote on your move. They typically don’t get the volume of business during Winter they had in Summer, which means you should be able to get them to do the job for a lower rate. However, beware, as some companies may try to charge a premium to maximise their returns. That’s why you should always get a quote or two first. 

2. Don’t wear winter clothes

Look, I get it. It’s cold outside. But when you’re moving heavy boxes, plants, or furniture, even if it’s just once you have arrived, you tend to warm up pretty quickly! Plus, if you are doing a DIY move, thick gloves and winter clothes are just more likely to get in the way, be a hassle, and increase the risk of injury or damaging yourself when carrying your heavy items. 

3.  Make sure utilities are on at your new house in advance

The last thing that you want to happen is to arrive, and the first night, not have the gas up and running to turn on your ducted heating… or the electricity to be off and not be able to turn on your plug-in heater, or boil a kettle etc. 

4. Have a wet weather contingency plan

It’s important to have a plan b for wet weather – make sure you have packed your items in such a way that they can be protected from the rain, and follow the packing tips article on how to protect your furniture -by using a type of cling wrap style plastic covering. 

5. Cover your floors

When you’re moving in Winter, the last thing you want is for mud and dirt to be traipsed through onto your old or new carpets, and for your hardwood floors to get scratched. If you can, try to have a path the packer can follow, all the way through to the outside of your front door. 

6. Turn the heating off during the packing and unpacking

Again, I get that its cold outside. But, if you are constantly coming in and out with items to load up, leaving the door open in the process, all you’re going to be doing is racking up a big bill. 

7. Have a pet or babysitter

I’ve said it many times before – any kids under the age of about 13/14 and any pets at all are only going to get in the way. I recommend that you either organise a drop off of your pets the night before or have a family member or friend have your kids stay that night. 

8. Book a morning pickup of the keys

Talk to your real estate agent and make sure you can pick up the keys in the morning. In NSW and Melbourne, unlike QLD and Brisbane, it gets dark from about 5 pm onwards. Often, especially when you have bought a new place, keys are not released until Fridays after 4 pm here (due to solicitors). Just remember, when you are trying to unpack and bring stuff in the dark, it’s not easy! The risk of damaging yourself or your stuff is increased. 

9. Use extra bubble wrap!

Whilst the Aussie winter might not be as cold as other countries, it can still get quite chilly. Some fragile items can be a little more brittle in cold weather. It’s a good idea to double wrap just in case. 

10. Get into your new home early and get a crock pot started

There’s nothing better when moving home in the cold than to come into the beautiful aroma of a stew, or a soup, or a broth. Letting it permeate through your new home is a wonderful feeling. 

11. Leave a heater in your bathroom

I know I’ve already said don’t bother with your heating, but there is one room that needs to be nice and toasty. Your bathroom. When nature calls, and you have been out in the cold, there’s nothing better than to sit in a warmed-up bathroom on a moving day.

12. If moving interstate, use interstate removalists

Shorter moves, for instance within the same postcode, might be OK to do DIY. But if you are planning an interstate move I thoroughly recommend you use the professionals. Let them worry about the hassle of driving the truck down the interstate highways, and dealing with the furniture removals.

13. Remember to enjoy yourself

Moving day doesn’t need to be a stressful day. If well-planned, it can be a pretty enjoyable change of pace!

Moving in Winter? Get Sydney’s Premiere removalists! 

So, you have decided to move in Winter and you’ve taken on board the 13 top tips from us. Well, now it’s time to organise and book your removalist. Get your free quote from Bill’s and find out how cheap, and stress-free moving with us can be! Call today and let us help you to have a happy moving day!