WINTER PCS PREP: HOW TO MOVE IN SNOW, ICE, AND FREEZING TEMPS WITHOUT LOSING MONEY

There’s nothing quite like stepping out of your empty house into freezing wind and realizing your entire PCS (Permanent Change of Station) just got harder. Moving during the winter isn’t just a little inconvenient; it adds a level of stress some aren’t prepared for. The timing is never ideal, everyone’s already exhausted, and somehow the dog chooses this week to get car sick.

One week, you’re enjoying sunshine in Georgia, and the next, you’re trying to figure out what level of coat your toddler needs to survive Alaska. That may be a little bit dramatic, but it's never impossible. Snowstorms delay movers, frozen belongings break, and roads turn into ice rinks.

PCS prep in winter isn’t about conquering the snow. It’s about knowing what can go wrong before it does. We’ve done the research, learned the hard way, and come up with the best advice for winter PCS prep that can save you time, money, and stress when the roads are icy, and deadlines don’t budge.

Moving During the Winter: What to Expect

You’ve already got your normal checklists – maybe even binders worth – and game plans for your PCS, but now, you have to consider the season you're moving in. Winter brings challenges that don’t exist in warmer months. Roads can close or become hazardous with little notice. Movers may have to delay delivery of household goods, and travel times for your family can double because of snow or ice.

Families moving from warm climates face additional challenges. Vehicles need to be winter-ready, children require extra layers of clothing, and hotels or other lodging along the way may fill up during storms. Base housing offices or TLF (temporary lodging facilities) may close unexpectedly, especially around holidays or severe weather.

Delays are normal. Your household goods may arrive days after your family, or your travel may be delayed due to road or flight conditions. Preparation is essential: allow extra travel time, plan for lodging backups, and pack appropriately for potential delays or emergencies.

PCS Move Tips: From Your Car, to Your Household Goods

How to Prep Your Car for Moving During the Winter

For families driving long distances when moving during winter, we suggest using the following checklist during your PCS prep:

• Winterize your vehicle: Check antifreeze, battery health, tire tread, brakes, and windshield wipers. Depending on where you’re moving, you may want to invest in the appropriate tires.

Tip: If you’re coming from the South and heading to snowy climates, snow tires may be a must.

• Pack emergency gear: Blankets, extra clothing, a first aid kit, a flashlight, a shovel, an ice scraper, and kitty litter for traction. Consider carrying a few extra gallons of gas, maybe even some oil, in case of emergencies or areas without gas stations.
• Plan alternate routes: Main highways may close; have at least two backup routes.
• Monitor weather and road conditions: Use DOT and state highway resources for real-time updates about the route you’re taking.
• Ensure you have chargers for your devices: Keep a charged battery pack in your vehicle in case your device is dying during a delay or emergency. You never want to be in an emergency with no way to communicate with the proper authorities.

Treat your vehicle as a survival tool. If it breaks down or is delayed, what’s inside could make the difference for your family’s comfort and safety.

Sending Your Car With Your Household Goods? What to Consider

Sometimes driving isn’t an option, and in some cases, the service member may leave ahead of time and fly to their destination. In these cases, consider the following:

• Keep essentials and valuables in your carry-on.
• Confirm airline policies for winter delays.
• Label car seats clearly and keep them accessible.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get from point A to point B in case of flight delays or cancellations.

Protecting Household Goods From Cold and Damage

Anyone who’s moved with the military knows that it’s a rarity for your household goods to make it without some sort of damage – cold weather only adds to the potential for damaged goods.

Here’s what you can do to help prevent unnecessary damage during your military PCS move:

• Electronics: Wrap in insulating material and mark as fragile. Avoid overnight storage in trucks.
• Wood furniture: Temperature swings can cause joints to crack; wrap it with blankets if possible.
• Liquids: Bottles can expand or burst; seal in plastic bags.
• Plants and perishable items: Transport separately; many cannot survive freezing temperatures.
• Storage: If your HHGs are stored, request climate-controlled units to prevent damage.

Tip: If you’re having movers move your home goods, clearly label boxes with “Temperature Sensitive” or “Do Not Freeze” to alert them of anything that may be affected.

When planning your winter move, make sure you know your rights and responsibilities so that any damage you may need to claim is covered appropriately.

Planning for Delays During Transit

We know that a winter PCS comes with unique challenges, and the last thing any military family needs is the stress of unexpected delays caused by snow, ice, or frigid temperatures.

A little contingency planning goes a long way in protecting your family and your finances when the unexpected happens.

Essentials Kit

Don't risk having a blizzard delay your delivery truck. Prepare an easily accessible "Essentials" kit containing enough supplies for 7 to 10 days.

• Stay warm and comfortable: Plenty of cold-weather clothing, including coats, hats, and thermal layers for everyone, plus necessary bedding (sleeping bags or linens).
• Make your health and wellness a priority: A minimum two-week supply of all prescription and essential over-the-counter medications.
• Remember to secure important documents: Keep all vital documents (orders, medical records, passports), electronics, and irreplaceable valuables with you, not with the movers.

Managing Travel and Lodging Disruptions

Icy roads and flight cancellations are tough, but you can navigate them with a plan.

• Flexible lodging: Identify potential hotels along your route before you leave. Book refundable rooms that you can adjust easily. Utilize last-minute booking apps if you find your family stranded unexpectedly.
• Emergency cash: Have enough physical cash on hand to cover several days of unexpected food, lodging, and minor car repairs. Credit card machines and ATMs can fail during widespread power outages.

Document Everything During the Delay

Unexpected delays mean unexpected costs, and proper documentation ensures you get reimbursed for eligible expenses.

• Track expenses meticulously: Keep a detailed log and folder for every extra expense: lodging, meals that exceed your normal per diem, and necessary purchases (like emergency toiletries).
• Save your receipts: Maintain physical and digital copies of all receipts. They are essential for filing your travel voucher and recovering costs.

Anticipating these issues and having plans in place is self-care for your family. Move forward with confidence, knowing you have a solid strategy to handle whatever winter throws your way.

Gear to Carry With You for a Successful Winter PCS

Winter PCSs require more than just packing your usual clothing. Having the right gear can prevent headaches and make the move smoother:

• Clothing: Thermal layers, waterproof boots, insulated gloves, hats, scarves, and coats rated for your destination’s temperatures.
• Travel accessories: Hand warmers, insulated water bottles, and extra blankets for cars or hotels.
• Household prep items: Plastic bins for snow-damp items, tarps for outdoor loading, and waterproof labels for your boxes.

Making a Winter PCS a Little More Fun

Winter PCSs are challenging, especially when you’re concerned about the cold and potential snow and ice.

Consider some of the following ideas to make your winter move a little less stressful and a little more memorable:

• Find scenic stops: Winter scenery is beautiful! Plan a short stop at a park, lookout, or museum to break up long drives and enjoy the landscape.
• Pack portable fun: Keep travel games, books, or tablets handy for kids during long drives or if you have a delayed hotel check-in.
• Bring cozy drinks & snacks: Thermoses filled with hot chocolate, soup, or coffee can make chilly waiting periods feel warm and less stressful.
• Establish family checkpoints: Boost morale by celebrating small accomplishments, like arriving at the first hotel, crossing a state line, or unloading the first box.

Handling Your Winter PCS With Confidence

Now you’ve got the tools, the gear checklist, and a plan for the unexpected. You know how to winterize your vehicle, protect your household goods, and navigate travel or lodging delays. You’ve considered the extra layers, emergency supplies, and even a few ways to make the move smoother and more manageable for your family.

Winter PCSs are never simple, but preparation makes all the difference. You’re not just moving boxes — you’re moving your family safely, efficiently, and with confidence.

Take a deep breath. You’ve done the work. You’ve prepared. And now, no matter what winter throws at you, you can move forward confident and calm, with the practical strategies and tools you need to handle every step of your winter PCS.

Suggested reads:

• PCS Moving Nightmares: Military Families' Harrowing Stories
• 2026 PCS Money Guide: Your BAH, 21 Days of TLE, and How to Fight a Shortfall
• Pentagon Orders 50% Reduction in PCS Costs by 2030