10 Winter Weather Moving Tips

While the summer season is typically the most popular time to make a move, sometimes a winter move is more cost effective or necessary to make. If your move falls during the winter season, uncooperative weather conditions could make it a little tougher than usual. Regular activities can be a chore in cold, wet or even snowy precipitation, so being prepared for any winter weather eventuality is the key to a successful move.

To make your move go as smoothly as possible this winter, it’s important to be prepared. To help you get started, we’ve created this list of the top 10 winter moving tips. From protecting your flooring to monitoring the weather, these are just some of the important tips for moving in the winter that can make this process as simple as possible. Read through for more moving in the winter tips that might help you.

10 Moving in the Winter Tips

Snow, sleet, ice, or just freezing temperatures — the elements during the winter months aren’t the most move-friendly. From covered sidewalks to slippery driveways, moving during the winter presents a different set of potential challenges compared to the summer months, but it is possible to make a successful move happen. To make your move as seamless as possible, consider these 10 moving tips for winter below.

1. Be Prepared

For any move to be successful, proper preparation is key. Preparing for a move in wintry weather conditions is no different, even though it introduces a different set of variables in comparison to moving in any other season. To begin with, keep a close eye on the weather. If winter storms are on the horizon, you may want to reschedule your move if at all possible. If you live on a hill or have ice on your driveway and sidewalks, you may need chains for your vehicle and de-icing solutions for the sidewalks and driveway. Make sure to have an emergency kit handy in your vehicle and pack extra clothes in case your clothes get wet in the snow or precipitation.

Additionally, take time beforehand to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need by having a winter yard sale, going to a donation center, or dropping by your county’s local convenience center. With fewer items to move, moving during the winter will be much easier.

2. Protect Flooring

During a move, there’s a lot of foot traffic going in and out of your home. During the winter, this increase in traffic can take a toll on your flooring. To protect your floors from melted snow, salt, and sand, lay down plastic sheets, heavy blankets, cardboard, old bedsheets, or towels over heavy traffic areas in your home while moving. Tracking in snow and wet precipitation can damage your floors and rugs, not to mention it can become a safety hazard. Make sure your floors, especially hardwood or laminate flooring, are covered to avoid any slipping and falling that could cause injuries.

3. Be Cautious

The last thing you need during a move is an accident and/or injury. Be extra cautious driving in snow and ice. Chains for your vehicle’s tires are a wise choice in addition to driving slower and staying aware of your surroundings and knowing your own limits when driving in snowy conditions. If you are loading or unloading one of our all-steel, weatherproof storage containers, be aware of any snow and ice on sidewalks and driveways and have salt handy. Having your driveway as clear as possible will make it much easier and safer for one of our drivers to deliver or pickup your portable storage container.

4. Consider Timing

Work around the peak times of a winter day, typically from about 10am – 4pm. First thing in the morning may be a challenge if ice and snow has taken over, and you don’t want to wait until too late in the day because it gets dark earlier in the winter. Making a move on a dark wintry day isn’t a good combination, which is why late morning or early afternoon may be your best bet. Hopefully, the sun has warmed things up a bit, making your move a little more manageable and comfortable.

5. Shovel Walkways, the Driveway, and the Street

Shoveling walkways, driveways, and even the street is essential for a successful move during the winter if you live or move to an area dealing with snowy conditions. While this process can be time-consuming and tiring depending on the amount of snow and ice you have, clearing these areas will pay off in the long run and prevent potential injuries and accidents and lessen the amount of water you track in and out of your house.

To clear sidewalks, driveways, and the street, spread salt and sand the night before any expected snow. You can also lay tarps or plastic sheets down on walkways and the driveway and remove them once any snowfall has passed. For heavy snow, invest in a snow blower or rent one from a local store, and shovel all paths expected to be used during the move. Lastly, spread sand across all walkways, as it can help increase traction to prevent slips that can result in injuries or broken furniture, appliances, or other personal belongings.

6. Ensure Utilities Are Turned On

Going back and forth between your storage container and your new home during a winter move can make you get cold fairly fast. The last thing you want is to move to a cold-weather climate, make it to your new home, and realize there isn’t any heat to keep you and those helping you move warm. Before you move, call your utility company to make sure the utilities are turned on or will be turned on prior to your move, including electricity, water, and gas if applicable. You’ll also want to ensure the utilities at the home you’re moving from will be shut off once your move is complete.

7. Monitor the Weather

The weather on the day of your move can make or break the moving process. As you get closer to your move-in date, regularly monitor the weather, ideally starting the week before so you can make any necessary adjustments. If a nor’easter or other type of winter storm appears to be coming your way, work with your moving company and anyone else helping with your move and reschedule. While sticking to your moving timeline is ideal, it’s best to stay off the roads and out of harsh elements during your move.

8. Use Weatherproof Storage Solutions

As you know, the winter elements aren’t forgiving. Snow, sleet, ice, and rain not only make the physical move from your old home to your new home challenging, but they can damage your items if they’re not properly protected. To ensure your belongings aren’t damaged by these elements, make sure your storage containers are weatherproof. Another common packing mistake is not using the right packing supplies, such as sturdy cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and tape. Investing in these materials and a weatherproof storage unit will ensure your belongings get from point A to point B in perfect condition. If you need moving supplies, be sure to check out what we have to offer. We have container specific kits, boxes, furniture pads, tape, locks, and more that can be shipped directly to your door, saving you time during the moving process.

At 1-800-PACK-RAT, our portable storage containers are constructed from steel, making them weatherproof and perfect for any winter storage needs you might have. With one of our storage containers, you’ll also benefit from barn-style doors that increase the amount of interior space compared to other storage containers and won’t jam in the case contents shift, ground-level loading to make packing and unpacking easy, and professional drivers who will transport your items for you. When you choose 1-800-PACK-RAT, you can have peace of mind knowing your move will go as smoothly as possible.

9. Have Sheets, Towels, and Blankets Ready

Sheets, towels, and blankets aren’t just helpful for keeping your floors protected during a winter move—they’re also useful for keeping furniture protected should rain or snow fall down. As you begin to unpack, you can place sheets, towels, or blankets over your furniture and other belongings to keep them shielded during the walk between your moving container and your home.

Sheets, towels, and blankets can also be used inside your storage container or truck to create soft barriers between items to prevent scratches and chips. They can also keep you and those helping you warm during breaks between moves while you catch your breath or get a bite to eat.

10. Wear Gloves

Another important winter moving tip is having a pair of adequate gloves. Your hands will do most of the heavy lifting, so if they’re cold and exposed to the elements, it can make this process painful and more stressful than it has to be. As you look for the right pair of gloves, make sure they come with enough grip, so your belongings don’t slip out of your hands as you bring them into your new home, but also have enough warmth to ensure your fingers don’t get too cold.

Wrapping Up: Tips for Moving in the Winter

Preparation goes a long way when planning a move, especially in inclement weather. 1-800-PACK-RAT hopes these winter weather moving tips will make your transition a little easier. For more information regarding storage or moving solutions, please give us a call. We provide local and long-distance moving solutions, as well as temporary or long-term storage in one of our nationwide facilities. Whatever your needs may be, 1-800-PACK-RAT makes moving and storage simple.