How to Plan an Interstate Move out of Colorado in Winter

An interstate move out of Colorado in winter depends on two things you can’t control: mountain passes and wind on the plains. I-70 can close for hours during a storm, and cold weather slows packing, loading, and driving. So you need backup dates, winter-ready packing, and a mover who plans around road reports. Spyder Moving and Storage CO moves families out of the Denver metro year-round, and this guide covers what to plan for.

What makes an interstate move out of Colorado in winter different?

An interstate move out of Colorado in winter is different because every route out of the state has its own weather risk. Mountain routes face snow and chain laws, while eastern routes face high wind and blowing snow. As a result, the route you take decides how much buffer time you need. Here is what to expect on each main exit:

• I-70 west to Utah: The route climbs through the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnel (average elevation 11,112 feet) and over Vail Pass (10,662 feet). On March 14, 2024, for example, CDOT closed I-70 in both directions between Morrison and Silverthorne because semis lacked chains.
• I-70 east to Kansas: The plains are flat, but CDOT warns of gusts up to 70 mph and likely safety closures near Limon during blizzards.
• I-25 north to Wyoming and I-80: The I-80 summit between Cheyenne and Laramie sits at 8,640 feet, and strong winds there often blow trucks and trailers onto their sides.
• I-25 south to New Mexico: Expect snow on the Palmer Divide between Denver and Colorado Springs, then Raton Pass (7,834 feet) at the state line.

When is the best time for an interstate move out of Colorado in winter?

Early winter is usually easier than late winter. According to the National Weather Service in Boulder, March typically brings about 20 percent of Denver’s annual snowfall, and December ranks second. Denver averages 56.6 inches of snow per season over the long-term record. Therefore, a January or early February move often has fewer major storms than a March move.

Whatever month you pick, hold one or two backup dates. In addition, weekdays leave more room to reschedule, because weekend slots fill first. The cheapest and least stressful times of year to move in Colorado also fall outside summer, so a winter date can save money if you plan around the weather.

Is it cheaper to move in winter in Colorado?

Winter is the off-season for moving, because most families move between late spring and summer. As a result, more dates and crews are usually open from November through February. Ask your mover whether it offers lower off-season rates, and get the price in a written estimate.

Also ask, in writing, what happens if a storm closes the roads. Some movers reschedule at no charge, while others charge for a truck that already left. Knowing the policy upfront protects your budget if I-70 or I-25 shuts down.

What does Colorado’s Traction Law require?

From September 1 through May 31, the Traction Law is in effect on the I-70 mountain corridor between Dotsero and Morrison. CDOT can also activate it on other state highways during storms. When it applies, a 4WD or AWD vehicle needs tires with at least 3/16-inch tread that are rated for winter, mud and snow (M+S), or all-weather use. A 2WD vehicle needs chains or an approved traction device on at least two drive tires.

Fines are steep. The Colorado Department of Transportation Traction Law page lists $100 plus a $33 surcharge, rising to $500 plus $157 if a non-compliant vehicle causes a lane closure. Moving trucks also face Colorado’s Must Carry Law: commercial vehicles over 16,000 pounds must carry chains from September 1 to May 31, whatever the weather. Driving your own car behind the truck? Then check your tires before you book the date.

How should you pack for a winter move?

Cold air weakens thin cardboard, hardens plastic, and loosens tape. So use double-wall boxes and tape every seam twice. Pack liquids, cleaning products, and paint in sealed plastic bins, because they can freeze and burst in an unheated truck. Wrap glass and ceramics in extra padding, since they crack more easily when cold. Finally, label every box on two sides so the crew can sort them quickly in the snow.

If you don’t want to handle it yourself, a full or partial packing service brings the boxes, wrap, and padding that hold up in freezing temperatures.

How do you prepare your home for loading day in snow?

Safe access protects both your belongings and the crew. Shovel the driveway, walkways, and the spot where the truck will park the night before. Then spread ice melt in the morning, and keep extra on hand if snow keeps falling. Inside, lay floor runners or cardboard over hardwood and carpet to catch melting snow.

Keep one room heated for last-minute packing and warm breaks. Also, turn on porch and garage lights, because winter loading often starts before sunrise. Our residential moving crews wrap furniture in moving blankets and plastic before carrying it out, which keeps wood and upholstery dry.

Foothill homes add another step. Steep, icy driveways may not fit a full-size truck, so Evergreen movers check truck access and parking before loading day.

What to confirm before an interstate move out of Colorado in winter

Federal rules protect you on any move across state lines. First, look up the mover’s USDOT number on the FMCSA Protect Your Move site. Next, make sure you receive the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. Then compare estimates carefully: with a binding estimate, the mover can’t charge more at delivery, and with a non-binding estimate, the mover can’t demand more than 110% of the estimate at delivery.

Also agree on specific delivery dates or a delivery spread in writing, not “as soon as possible.” For winter, ask how the crew handles weather delays and whether the truck carries chains. An interstate moving team that plans the route around road reports keeps your delivery window realistic.

How do you check road conditions before you leave?

Use official sources, because GPS apps don’t always show new closures. In Colorado, check COtrip.org, the COtrip Planner app, or dial 511 (1-800-288-1047). For Wyoming, use wyoroad.info or call 1-888-996-7623, and for New Mexico, use nmroads.com. In addition, plan to leave mid-morning, after plows have cleared the overnight snow.

Keep these essentials in your car instead of the truck:

• Coats, boots, gloves, and blankets
• Medications, chargers, and a power bank
• Water, snacks, and a flashlight
• Sand or traction mats for icy pull-offs
• IDs, the moving contract, and the inventory list

What should not ride in a cold moving truck?

A trailer can sit below freezing for days on a long-distance route. So move these items in your own heated car instead:

• Houseplants: Most die after a few hours in freezing temperatures.
• Liquids and paint: They can freeze, expand, and leak onto other boxes.
• Medications: Many must stay within a set temperature range.
• Pets: Pets always ride with you, with water, a blanket, and planned stops.
• Laptops, phones, and hard drives: They hold your data and are sensitive to sudden temperature changes.

Before you leave, also set up gas, electricity, and water at the new home. That way, the heat is already on when the crew starts unloading.

How do you protect belongings after the drive?

Unpack carefully on arrival. Check furniture, electronics, and boxes for moisture, dents, or cracks as they come off the truck, and note any damage on the inventory right away. Let TVs, computers, and appliances warm to room temperature before you plug them in. For shipped computer equipment, IBM recommends letting the packaged product acclimate for 24 hours.

If your new home isn’t ready, climate-controlled storage services protect wood furniture, electronics, and artwork from freezing temperatures and condensation.

Plan your interstate move out of Colorado in winter with Spyder

An interstate move out of Colorado in winter goes smoothly when you choose the right route, hold backup dates, and pack for freezing temperatures. In addition, long-distance moving services from Spyder Moving and Storage cover packing, storage, and delivery in one plan.

Dial (720) 545-3187 to reserve a winter moving date and a backup day with Spyder Moving and Storage.