DIY vs. Pro Long Distance Movers in Winter 2025: What Does the Data Really Say?

Hiring professional long distance movers during winter is usually safer and more predictable than managing a do-it-yourself move. Snow, ice, and shorter days raise the odds of delay and damage. Trained movers, with weather planning and support crews, help families stay on schedule.

If you are planning a long distance move this winter, you probably have one big question: Is it smarter to hire professionals or handle it yourself? For many, the decision comes down to time, risk, and reliability. Even short moves can become unpredictable once temperatures drop. Weather challenges only increase with cross country relocation.

Having worked with thousands of families through Midwest and mountain winters, I’ve seen how preparation and planning can make or break a move. Whether you are relocating for work, military service, or family reasons, the right moving strategy matters as much as the destination.

How do DIY and professional long distance movers compare in winter?

 

 

The pattern is consistent: do-it-yourself moves can save money up front but often carry higher risks of delay, damage, and hidden costs. Professional movers build these variables into the plan. National Van Lines uses winterized equipment and predictive dispatch so families know what to expect.

What does the data say about winter moving risks?

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), weather contributes to a large number of moving-related delays each year. The NOAA Winter Weather Desk shows that storm activity peaks during key relocation months from November through February.

A Mayflower national survey found that 44% of Americans believe there is “a time to hire the pros.” That insight matches what most people learn after one tough winter: experience and planning make the biggest difference.

What are the top winter moving delays, and how can you prevent them?

• Icy roads and highway closures
• Vehicle breakdowns from freezing conditions
• Limited daylight for loading and unloading
• Moisture and cold shock to furniture and electronics
• Schedule conflicts after weather delays

Preventing these problems start with realistic scheduling and safety awareness. Crews trained in cold weather handling work differently. They pre-inspect routes, secure driveways, and protect flooring from ice and salt. National Van Lines applies these same steps across regions like Illinois, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington where winter weather is part of the job.

What can you do to prepare for a winter move?

• Clear driveways and walkways before movers arrive.
• Protect floors with plastic or cardboard to prevent slips.
• Keep coats, boots, and gloves accessible during the move.
• Discuss flexible date options with your mover.
• Get an accurate, weather-adjusted estimate through the move calculator.
• Check mover credentials on the FMCSA database.
• Review Consumer Reports’ guide on selecting reliable companies.

Why experience matters in every season

No mover can control the weather, but experience helps families stay one step ahead of it. Movers with decades of cold climate experience plan differently, from equipment readiness to scheduling flexibility. National Van Lines, an employee-owned company approaching 100 years of service, combines data-driven dispatching, transparent pricing, and award-winning ATA Super Van Operator drivers to keep winter moves on track.

Other national moving companies such as Allied, Atlas, and Mayflower also manage long distance moves, but the structure and approach vary by network.

If you are preparing for a winter relocation, explore our resources below:
National Van Lines Moving Guide
Long Distance Moving Services