How do I protect my furniture from cold and moisture?

Use weatherproof blankets, film and sturdy boxes to protect furniture from wet and temperature fluctuations. Wooden and upholstered furniture in particular should be transported dry and only set up in the new flat after a short period of acclimatisation. That way you avoid cracks or warping caused by the winter move .

What should I do about ice and snow on moving day?

Clear pavements and driveways in good time and grit them with chippings or sand; in Berlin, road salt is banned on pavements. Put non-slip mats in the entrance. The owner is usually responsible for the pavement in front of the building – ask the caretaker in advance when it will be cleared. That way your move in winter stays predictable even in icy conditions.

Do I need to pay attention to the heating during a move?

Yes. Leave the heating in the old flat running on a low setting until the handover so that no pipes freeze, and heat the new flat in advance. This is kind to the furniture and provides a pleasant working climate. Note the meter readings with a photo when you move out. A warm destination flat is especially important for a long-distance move with a long journey.

Does a winter move take longer than one in summer?

As a rule, a winter move takes a little longer, as work has to be done more carefully and additional safety measures such as gritting and covering have to be planned. With enough helpers, an early start and good preparation, however, the extra effort can usually be kept to a minimum and the schedule reliably kept.

Do I need special clothing or equipment?

Warm, waterproof clothing and non-slip footwear are advisable for everyone involved. Our team is equipped accordingly and also brings professional tools for wintry conditions. That way your private move stays comfortable and safe for all helpers even at sub-zero temperatures.

How do I protect electronic devices in the cold?

Electronic devices should be switched off before transport, well padded and exposed to the cold for as short a time as possible. After the winter move , let devices reach room temperature for a few hours before switching them on, so that no condensation forms inside. Ideally they should stay in their packaging while doing so.

Is a move in winter more expensive or cheaper?

In many regions demand is lower in winter than in summer, so preferred dates are easier to get. At Beste Umzug Unternehmen you receive a fixed price after the survey that already takes into account the floor, walking routes and parking restrictions. Simply ask for a quote with no obligation.

How do I plan parking properly when there is snow?

Reserve parking space for the removal van early and, if necessary, apply for a parking restriction zone (Halteverbotszone). If it snows, the spaces should also be cleared of snow so that ramps can be set up safely. That way your long-distance move or local move runs without unnecessary waiting times.

What should I bear in mind with plants during a winter move?

Houseplants should be well wrapped and exposed to the cold for as short a time as possible. Many tropical species already cope badly with temperatures a few degrees above zero. It is best to transport delicate plants yourself in a warm car and load them last. More on this in the article Moving plants .

How do I deal with the short daylight hours?

Schedule the move in winter for the morning if possible, to make the best use of the available daylight. Additional mobile lighting provides enough visibility for loading work in the early evening hours if needed. That way the whole process stays safe and efficiently organised.

Am I insured for winter-related damage?

With a moving company, belongings are covered under the German Commercial Code: liability is €620 per cubic metre of cargo space (§ 451e HGB). Additional insurance is possible on request for valuable items. A statutory exclusion of liability applies to plants (§ 451d HGB) – so pack them particularly carefully for your private move or long-distance move .

PLANNING WINTER PROPERLY

Planning a winter move: date buffer day and heating

Q: Is a move in winter generally advisable?

Yes, a winter move is perfectly possible with good planning. Many moving companies are less busy in the cold season, which means more flexible dates and often lower prices. What matters is careful preparation regarding the weather, access routes and furniture protection, so that the private move runs smoothly despite the cold.

When is the best time to move in winter? How to choose the date, plan a buffer day and hand over the flat protected against frost.

Get a quote

Our services

Customer service01625978461

Google · 119 reviews

(5,0/5)

Monday – Friday09:00 – 17:00 Uhr

Red box van on a paved square in front of trees

PLANNING FOR THE COLD SEASON

Planning a winter move

The right date for your winter move

With a buffer instead of a rush

Unsere Firma Date, weather, heating and handover: planning a move between November and February step by step.

A winter move starts with the calendar: public holidays, short days and possible icy conditions decide which date is suitable. At Beste Umzug Unternehmen we already discuss during the survey how long your move will take and whether an alternative date makes sense, so that boxes and furniture arrive dry.

If possible, plan a buffer day between moving out and handing over the old flat – if it freezes overnight, there is still time for cleaning and the handover report. Leave the heating on in the old flat until the handover, and heat the new one in advance. We quote the fixed price after the survey, whether for a local private move or a long-distance move.

Sofa wrapped in stretch film, cushions and stacked moving boxes in an empty flat

50,-DISCOUNT

WINTER DATES

PERSONAL ADVICE

Agree your winter date with us early

Fixed price after a survey, buffer day planned in

The sooner we know your preferred date, the better we can plan around public holidays, parking restrictions and a possible alternative day. Call us on 01625978461: after the survey you receive a fixed price. That way your winter move stays predictable, even if the weather turns.

Offers available individually, depending on effort, scheduling and the scope of services required.

Two movers in red T-shirts lift a film-wrapped piece of furniture into a lorry

WELL PLANNED

How we plan your move in winter

Date, buffer, handover

For a move in winter, planning matters most: during the survey we clarify walking routes, floors, parking options and the time required, and we set the date so that the heavy work falls in the daylight hours. We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and travel nationwide. You receive the fixed price after the survey, your belongings are covered by liability under the German Commercial Code (HGB), and additional insurance is available on request. That way your private move can be budgeted well even at sub-zero temperatures.

Packing service

If we pack the boxes, you gain time for meter readings, the handover report and registering at the registration office (Bürgeramt) around the moving date.

Scheduling

We plan the start and sequence so that loading and unloading take place in daylight as far as possible – in December the sun already sets in Berlin before 4 pm.

Senior moves

For older people we plan particularly calmly: the new flat is heated, and the bed and important furniture are set up first so that the first evening is warm.

No-parking zone

On request we apply for the parking restriction zone (Halteverbotszone); in Berlin, processing at the district office (Bezirksamt) often takes around four weeks – one more reason to plan early.

PLANNING MATTERS

What we pay attention to in winter

A winter move leaves little room for improvisation. That is why we agree the date, time window and alternative day with you early and think of the points that play no role in summer – from heating to daylight.

Realistic schedule

In winter we allow a little more time for walking routes and breaks, and we tell you openly whether the move can be done in one day or needs two.

Buffer day for the handover

If there is a day between moving out and the flat handover, there is time for cleaning and the report – even if icy conditions have delayed the move.

Clear agreements

You know in advance when the team is coming and what happens if the weather turns. We clarify questions about the process before moving day, not on the stairs.

Keeping public holidays in mind

25 and 26 December and New Year's Day are public holidays: authorities are closed and large lorries are not allowed to drive. We plan your move around them.

Flexible replanning

If the weather service forecasts black ice, we talk early about the start, the sequence or an alternative day, so that your move stays safe.

A warm first night

We set up the furniture you need in the evening first. If the new flat has been heated in advance, the first evening after the move is cosy rather than cold.

SMALL LOADS IN WINTER

Planning a part load in winter

Save on small loads

For single pieces of furniture or a few boxes, a part load (Beiladung) is a low-cost alternative to your own transport. In winter, plan a slightly wider time window for collection and delivery, and pack boxes so they are moisture-proof, because things can get damp when reloading.

Open cargo space of a red lorry with wrapped furniture, panels and boxes

WINTER PLANNING

What
is different in winter

So that you can relax

Whether a private move within the city or a long-distance move across several federal states: in winter, the date and schedule come to the fore. Short days, possible icy conditions and the holidays at the end of the year determine when it is best to move. On top of that come heating and meter readings at the handover. We advise you on which day is suitable and whether an alternative date makes sense – and keep an eye on weather warnings in the days before the move.

Date and alternative day

A date away from the public holidays and a possible alternative day make your private move, senior move or student move in winter predictable – and leave time for cleaning and the handover report.

Handing over the flat protected against frost

While the packing service and furniture transport are under way, the heating in the old flat stays on. Note the electricity, gas and water meters with a photo, and have the new flat heated even before the small removal.

Costs and the end of the year

For an office move or company relocation, the quiet time between Christmas and New Year often leaves room for the change. For a part load or furniture taxi we quote a fixed price after the survey.

Mover in red workwear pushing a sack truck with a box towards a stack of boxes

MoabitBased at Stromstraße 21

Google 5.0 (119 reviews)

Two movers in dungarees carry moving boxes through a bright flat

FAQ

Frequently asked questions on planning a winter move

Answers on dates, public holidays, heating, meter readings and alternative days.

Yes, a winter move is perfectly possible with good planning. Many moving companies are less busy in the cold season, which means more flexible dates and often lower prices. What matters is careful preparation regarding the weather, access routes and furniture protection, so that the private move runs smoothly despite the cold.

Choosing the right date for a winter move

A successful winter move starts with the calendar. Avoid public holidays where possible: on 25 and 26 December and on New Year's Day authorities are closed, and lorries over 7.5 tonnes are not allowed to drive on Sundays and public holidays between midnight and 10 pm (§ 30 StVO). A weekday with an early start makes the best use of the short daylight. In the days beforehand, keep an eye on the warnings from the German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst).

Plan a buffer day between moving out and handing over the old flat if the tenancy agreement allows it. You can read more about rain, snow and ice on moving day in the article Moving in rain and winter.

Heating, meters and handover in winter

Do not turn off the heating in the old flat while you are still the tenant: in frost, pipes can freeze, and damage up to the handover falls within your responsibility. Set the thermostats to a low setting rather than zero. On the day you move out, read the electricity, gas and water meters and photograph the readings for the handover report.

In the new flat the heating should already be running before moving day. If that is not possible, ask the landlord from when you will get the keys. Register at the registration office (Bürgeramt) within two weeks (§ 17 BMG) and book the appointment early – appointments are scarce between Christmas and New Year.

What a winter move costs

A well-planned move starts with realistic cost information. We offer 1-room moves from €339, 2-room moves from €605, 3-room moves from €894 and 4-room moves from €1,309. Larger properties such as houses and villas are calculated individually – here you always receive a tailor-made quote. For long-distance moves we charge from €3.85 per kilometre. For more precise figures we recommend a free survey at your home.

Price factors in winter

Volume of your household
Distance from €3.85/km
Floor and lift on site
Possibility of a parking restriction zone (Halteverbotszone)
Optional: part load

Services for the cold season

Quality, reliability and fair prices – that is our promise to you.

✓ Company relocation: for a smooth change of office. Company relocation
✓ House clearance: we create space where you need it. House clearance
✓ Furniture transport: safely and punctually at the destination. Furniture transport
✓ Private move: tailored individually to you. Private move
✓ Move with assembly: a complete service with furniture assembly. Move with assembly
✓ Part load: the low-cost alternative for small moves. Part load

Winter moves from Berlin – nationwide

We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and plan your winter move over long distances too. You will find destinations with their own page in the locations overview, and longer routes under long-distance moves.

Guides & Tips

Beste Umzug Redaktion

September 12, 2026

Back to Blog

Guides & Tips Moving Tips

The Right Moving Date for Families with School-Age Children