Moving in West Texas is not the same as moving anywhere else. The heat, the dust, the wind, and the wide-open distances all create unique challenges that most generic moving guides do not cover. As a team of movers who were born, raised, and work in Lubbock, we have seen it all — and we have practical tips to help you handle whatever West Texas throws at your moving day.
West Texas summers are no joke. Temperatures regularly top 100 degrees, and that changes everything about how you should approach a move.
If you are moving between May and September, start as early as possible. The coolest part of the day in Lubbock is between 7 and 10 AM. By afternoon, the heat is brutal and it takes a real toll on your energy (and your furniture sitting in a hot truck). We schedule summer moves early for a reason.
This sounds obvious, but dehydration sneaks up fast in the dry West Texas heat. Keep plenty of cold water on hand for yourself and your movers. Sports drinks help too. Do not wait until you are thirsty — in this climate, by the time you feel thirsty you are already behind on fluids.
The inside of a moving truck or car in West Texas can exceed 150 degrees. Candles, vinyl records, electronics, certain medications, and anything with adhesive (like photos in frames) can be damaged. Transport these items in your air-conditioned vehicle, not the truck.
If possible, make sure the air conditioning is on at your new home before you start unloading. Walking into a cool house between trips to the truck makes a world of difference. If you are setting up new utility service, schedule it for the day before your move so the place is already cool.
If you have not experienced a West Texas haboob yet, you will. These massive dust storms can roll in fast and turn a clear day into near-zero visibility in minutes.
Dust storms are most common in spring (March through June) and are usually associated with cold fronts and strong wind. Check the forecast the night before and the morning of your move. If a haboob warning is issued, it may be worth rescheduling a few hours rather than trying to load a truck in blinding dust.
West Texas dust gets into everything. Seal your boxes with strong packing tape on all seams — top, bottom, and sides. For electronics, wrap them in plastic before boxing them. If you are making multiple trips, cover furniture left in the truck with moving blankets to keep dust off.
It is tempting to prop the door open when loading and unloading, but on a dusty or windy day this fills your home with fine dirt. Close the door between trips and minimize the time it stays open. A quick door close saves you hours of cleaning later.
If a dust storm rolls in mid-move, do not try to power through it. Go inside, close the truck, and wait it out. Most haboobs pass within 30 minutes to an hour. Trying to carry furniture through a haboob is dangerous — you cannot see, the wind is violent, and fine debris is everywhere. Safety always comes first.
Lubbock is one of the windiest cities in America. Sustained winds of 25-35 mph are common, and gusts can reach 50+ mph during spring. Here is how to handle it on moving day.
Anything light and flat — like lampshades, picture frames, or empty boxes — can become a sail in the wind. Do not stack empty boxes outside. Carry lightweight items close to your body and take extra care with anything the wind could catch.
The wind can slam a truck door shut or rip it out of your hands. Always keep a hand on the door and use a door stop or bungee cord to hold it open. A swinging truck door is a real safety hazard in 30+ mph wind.
West Texas wind carries fine sand and dust that stings your eyes and gets in your mouth. Sunglasses (or even safety goggles on bad days), a hat, and sunscreen are not optional — they are essential. Chapstick helps too. The dry wind chaps your lips fast.
Carrying a queen mattress in 30 mph wind is like holding a sail. Always have at least two people carrying large flat items, and angle them so the wind does not catch the broad side. Our movers are trained for this — it is one of those things you learn moving in Lubbock.
One thing people from other parts of Texas (or the country) do not always understand about West Texas is the distance between cities. Lubbock to the nearest major metro (Dallas or Albuquerque) is about 5 hours of driving through open plains with limited stops. Midland-Odessa is nearly 2 hours. Even Amarillo is close to 2 hours north.
If you are making a long-distance move to or from Lubbock, plan for the drive time and the isolation of the route. Fill up on gas before you leave town. Pack snacks and plenty of water. Make sure your vehicle (or the movers' truck) is in good shape for a long, flat stretch of highway where services are few and far between.
For long-distance moves, Mint Moving Co. handles the entire drive for you. We know these routes, we know the fuel stops, and we know how to get your belongings safely from Lubbock to anywhere in the country.
The heat breaks, the wind calms down, and the dust settles. Fall in Lubbock is genuinely pleasant. Temperatures in the 60s and 70s make for comfortable moving conditions. It is also after the Texas Tech move-in rush, so movers have more availability.
Lubbock winters are mild compared to much of the country. Cold fronts do pass through and occasional freezing temperatures happen, but many winter days are sunny and in the 40s-50s. Moving availability is high and demand is low.
Spring brings the worst wind and dust storm season. It is beautiful when the weather cooperates, but haboobs and 40+ mph winds are common. If you must move in spring, check the forecast closely and be flexible with your schedule.
Peak moving season collides with peak heat. Triple-digit temperatures are normal, and August is especially hectic with Texas Tech students flooding into town. If you need to move in summer, book early and plan for an early-morning start time.
National moving companies send crews from out of state who do not know the area, do not understand the weather, and do not know how to handle the unique challenges of moving in Lubbock and West Texas.
At Mint Moving Co., every member of our team is local. We grew up here, we went to school here, and we move people here every day. We know which apartment complexes have tricky stairwells. We know what time the wind usually picks up. We know the fastest routes across town and the best times to schedule a move.
We also speak English and Spanish, making our bilingual team accessible to everyone in the Lubbock community. When you hire local, you get movers who genuinely care about their community and their reputation in it.
Mint Moving Co. knows West Texas like the back of our hand. Get a free quote and let the locals take care of your move.