Five tips when moving in sub-zero temperatures
Relocation of your belongings can be challenging enough. Moving in sub-zero temperatures is a challenge on a whole other level. Remember what a drag it is to pack all your stuff and then transport them to another address? Now add a distant location and incredibly low temperatures to that equation. If you have any asking into the matter, you should probably try to avoid winter moving. Of course, the parts of the world which have mild winters can be ideal for moving in those months. But, if you’re moving across Canada for example, you really should reconsider the moving date. Sometimes, you do not have the luxury to choose the moving date. Maybe your dream job starts the next month in another city, or you are getting married? Then you have no choice but to pack your stuff and hit the road. Just be well prepared and you’ll make it.
Sometimes you have no choice but to move in winter
Be prepared when moving in sub-zero temperatures
If you come from a cold region, you already know what to expect. Nevertheless, here are five important things to think about when moving in the winter time.
- Hire professionals
- Pack stuff properly for moving in sub-zero temperatures
- Keep your walkways and driveways clean
- Stay warm
- Prepare your new home
Hire professionals
There are moments in life when you should be brave. Moving in sub-zero temperatures is not one of them. The most important thing in life is to stay safe and to keep your family safe. At the end of the day, you want to protect your belongings as well. That is why the wisest thing to do is to hire the moving company. They have adequate knowledge, experience, and equipment to relocate your stuff safely and efficiently.
First of all, do your research and find the best moving company for your needs. Think about the scope of their doing, whether they will pack your stuff in boxes or you’re doing that on your own. Just don’t forget to label them properly, it will make the unpacking process much easier. Professionals can also be hired only to load your boxes and furniture to trucks and transport them to your new location. Make sure to ask as many questions as you need, to be certain they are the right choice for you. This is not the time to be cheap, because these are extreme situations. Good news is that many moving companies lower their rates in off-peak season, so don’t risk moving on your own.
Pack stuff properly for moving in sub-zero temperatures
Whether you are moving across town or on another coast, you want your stuff to come to the location in the shape and form they left your previous home. For that, you must pack them properly. This is especially imperative when moving in sub-zero temperatures. There are some materials that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. You must take precautions with:
- electronic equipment,
- appliances,
- musical instruments,
- sealed glass containers,
- delicate wood items such as antique furniture.
Also, the wood, porcelain, metal, and leather can contract when temperatures are low enough. They are susceptible to breaking in the cold, so you have to pack them carefully. The moving companies usually have great materials to make sure your belongings don’t get destroyed by the freezing cold temperatures. They will wrap them all up with tick packing paper and additional layers of the air bubble. You can also use old clothes or blankets to insulate households against the cold. Don’t forget to leave your electronic devices still for a day in your new home to acclimate back to room temperature. In addition, don’t even try to transport your wine collection or plants by the moving truck, they will not sustain the freezing cold.
Pack your valuables with care
Keep your walkways and driveways clean
After you have packed all your stuff into boxes, and properly labeled them, you will need to load them into a moving truck. Whether you or workers are doing the heavy lifting, the clean path is a must. The winter time carries all the charms of snow, but also all the dangers of it. Below the thin layer of snow can be hidden fatal formed ice. Imagine you did all the careful packing and then walk into a slippery slope. You can probably say goodbye to items in the box, and not to mention your legs, arms, and behind. That is why a shovel is your best friend. Besides that, make sure you have plenty of salt or sand to place on the sidewalks and driveways. It may so happen that you will need all those for your new address, too.
Stay warm
If you are the resident of the northern states, you already know the drill. Sometimes, you will need your winter gear already in September. But, if you are new to a cold climate, have in mind that worm clothes are a big fashion yes there. Especially when you have almost a whole day ahead of you to walk in and out of cold. So, you need to dress accordingly when moving in sub-zero temperatures. Winter boots, winter jacket, and a winter cap is the usual equipment, but don’t forget the scarf and, above all, gloves with a lining. Those are crucial for handling the heavy boxes, furniture and everything else in the low temperatures. You will have to provide hot drinks for everyone, but supply yourselves with disposable cups, so you can throw them afterward.
If you are driving yourself to a new location, be prepared for every scenario. Firstly, make sure your own vehicle has been properly winterized, with all the fluids, breaks and tires checked. Have your tire chains on if driving over the snow, and bring an extra gas can, just in case. The shovel and a bag of salt or sand should also be with you and don’t forget to charge your phone or bring an external charger.
Don’t forget to stay warm when moving in sub-zero temperatures
Prepare your new home
After the chilling experience of moving in sub-zero temperatures, you certainly don’t want to come to a freezing cold house. You have to make sure that utilities are turned on before the moving day. If you are not moving anywhere near, try to arrange through your agent or property manager to turn the utilities on prior to your coming. Also, keep an eye on the fast-changing climate, and don’t lose sight of your shovel and bag of salt. Before all the workers start going in and out of your new premises, protect your floors from snow, water and salt. Cut out large pieces of thick cardboard and secure them with tape on the floor, or place down the old blankets and rags.