Written by Jessy Howe
Moving can be hard, but moving during the winter season can make the process that much more difficult. To help ease your winter move stress, we’re sharing our top 10 winter moving tips. When using a moving company, many concerns below will not be a worry. However, for those do-it-yourselfers, with a few extra precautions, you can master the art of moving during snowy, winter weather.
1. Clear the path
Shovel or plow the driveways and sidewalks at both your old location and your new location. It’s easy to misjudge stairs and drop-offs when they’re hidden by snow. Taking a few extra moments to clear the way will make moving easier and safer for everyone.
2. Watch the weather
Temperatures can change quickly during the winter, with slush turning to ice within a few hours. It also gets dark earlier in the winter and with this in mind, plan trips between the old and new location accordingly. To find out more about the moving protocol during blizzard-like conditions, we’ve answered all of your questions, here.
3. Carry emergency supplies
Whether you drive your own vehicle or rent a moving truck, ice and snow on the road may get in your way. If you do get stuck, you can get yourself out quickly if you carry a shovel, salt and/or sand. It’s also wise to keep a vehicle emergency kit, water, snacks, and blankets handy just in case.
4. Layer up
Although you will be working hard on moving day, it is a good idea to dress in layers. If you begin to overheat you can always remove layers. Don’t forget your hat and warm gloves!
5. Avoid slips
Keep old rags and towels handy to wipe away the snow, salt, sand, and dirt which will likely get caked to your shoes and your moving containers causing slippery surfaces.
6. Light your area
Be sure all outdoor lighting is functioning properly at your new and old location prior to your move. With the sun setting early throughout winter months, it is important your visibility isn’t compromised should your move go late into the day.
7. Protect your floors
Cover your floors with old sheets or tarps to avoid tracking mud and snow into your home. Not only will this protect your belongings but will also keep the floors at your new location clean and dry.
8. Turn on utilities
Plan ahead and ensure utilities will be turned on upon your arrival. In harsh winter months, you will not want to be without these! Additionally, leave heat and electricity on in your old home until you are completely moved out.
9. Keep your plants safe
Don’t transport live plants in the cargo hold of the truck, as they can easily freeze. To keep plants safe and secure during a move, pack them in your personal vehicle and drive safely to your destination.
10. Hire help!
Hiring a moving company can take much of the pressure off of you and allow you to enjoy your new home even sooner! Many of the precautions above will be worries that disappear when hiring movers. Our uniformed movers and drivers are committed to exceeding expectations and ensuring your move is completed with care and efficiency. We realize moving needs are unique for every customer, so we’re ready to customize a plan to provide the best moving experience. Contact TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® today to begin planning your move.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services, subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.
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I really appreciate the tip to protect the floors. I hadn’t thought about that, and I really don’t want the ice melt and snow being tracked all over my new apartment. I know that if I don’t lay down rugs I’ll be cleaning the floors for the next month!
Winter Moves in New York are tough. Specially the cold. Wonderful Article, loved the read!
Thanks, Tony! Stay warm!
These are very useful tips! I’m moving next month and I’ll definitely need to have this helpful information on mind. All the advises and tips seem to work quite good in my situation. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Faith!
Watching the weather, which includes temperature, is important to do while moving, but this is especially true in the winter. Ice isn’t fun to try and carry a couch across, and falling in that situation is so much worse then just falling on the ice which is bad enough. Something else you can do to prevent that is get a lot of that special salt that melts ice and put it all over where you are going to be walking before you start moving anything.
Number ten is one that I would always suggest. Hiring a trustworthy company to help you is always really nice. This protects you from hurting yourself from lifting and stuff like that!