Research says most people move during the summer, but not you. You’re a rebel, a courageous one at that because moving during the winter is considerably more difficult than relocating at any other time of the year. Not only can freezing or sub-freezing temperatures make winter moves super uncomfortable, but snow, ice, and unpredictable weather can really throw a wrench in even the best-laid relocation plans.
Luckily, there are several steps you can take to prepare for a winter relocation that will help make your snow- and ice-laden move much simpler and a whole lot less stressful. What do you need to do? Read on for our top winter moving tips!
1. Schedule a Morning Move
Are you planning to hire a Minneapolis moving company to help out with your relocation? Will you be hiring them for transport-only services, or do you need help with packing, too? If you’re leaning towards complete packing services, it’s in your best interest to schedule your movers’ arrival as early as possible in the day.
We all know how limited wintertime daylight is here in the Twin Cities, and if you don’t get an early start, you’ll run out of daylight pretty quickly. Attempting to load up a moving truck in the dark can be tough, not to mention hazardous, and it’s not safe for you or your movers to be working in those conditions.
2. Thoroughly Clear Driveways, Sidewalks, and Walkways
Whether you’re planning to move by yourself or hiring a team of professional movers and packers, safety is paramount. During winter, we all know snow and ice can accumulate in a matter of hours, so maintaining clear walkways is crucial for the safety of anyone loading items onto the moving truck.
After you’ve cleared snow and ice, it’s a good idea to sprinkle road salt on any walkways you or your movers will be using to prevent ice from re-forming. Depending on the weather, you may need to shovel or snow blow periodically throughout your move day to ensure all walking areas remain clear and non-slippery.
3. Protect Your Floors From Ice and Snow
You might be moving out, but someone else will be moving in eventually, which means you must protect the integrity and cleanliness of your flooring while you move! To do this, you can lay sheets of cardboard down (which you can easily make from extra moving boxes) or spread out tarps on the floor. You’ll also want to do this when you begin moving your things into your new place to ensure you don’t accidentally damage the floors as soon as you arrive.
Additionally, be sure to place a rug at all entrance points so you can quickly remove snow and ice from your shoes. And keep a dry mop on standby so you can clean up any puddles that could damage your flooring or put your safety at risk.
4. Pack Your Belongings in Waterproof Materials
If you’re hiring professional movers for full packing services, you won’t have to worry about this, but consider using waterproof materials if you’re packing on your own.
Since you likely don’t have quite the level of packing expertise that the pros have, you could easily (and inadvertently) pack things incorrectly. If that happens, and any of those items get exposed to ice and snow, they can easily become damp and may suffer damage if they’re not protected inside something waterproof.
5. Keep Electronics Out of the Moving Truck
Speaking of damage, be sure to transport your valuable electronics in your personal vehicle rather than loading them in the back of the truck. Electronic devices don’t fare well in freezing temperatures, so even if you won’t be traveling for hours, you shouldn’t leave them exposed to the cold.
In a worst-case scenario, your devices could develop interior condensation if you expose them to a sudden and drastic temperature change. We all know moisture and electronics aren’t friends, so if you want to keep your things in optimal condition, keep them with you during your move.
Check out our other helpful tips for safely packing electronics.
6. Keep a Close Eye on the Weather (and Be Flexible)
If you’ve lived in snow country for any length of time, you know just how unpredictable severe winter weather can be. And when Mother Nature strikes during a winter move, you must be prepared. That’s why you must watch the weather forecast like a hawk during the week leading up to your move.
If you learn a storm is on the horizon, you already know it can shut down roads and may even prevent your movers from arriving on-site or on time. Have a backup plan for that. Check to see if there are alternate routes you can take to your destination, and consult with your movers regarding any changes to the plan.
If ice and snow could put your movers in a precarious situation, be accommodating. It’s likely safer to delay your move just a bit than to risk people’s safety or risk damage to your valuable belongings.
Planning a Winter Move From the Minneapolis or St. Paul Area?
If you need to move this winter, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Ace Moving & Warehousing for help! Since 1958, we’ve assisted thousands of Twin Cities residents with their moving needs, and when you need a reputable team you can rely on, we’re here for you, too.
To learn more about our wide variety of moving services and how we can help, feel free to give us a call today at 763-755-2045 or request a fast quote online, and we’ll get in touch!