Moving is stressful enough as is, but moving in winter has its own set of challenges. From the bitter cold to snow and ice, here are some things you should know about winter moves before you do it yourself. We’ll show you how to avoid some of the problems that come with this special time of year and share some tips, so you can make it as easy and painless as possible.

Here are some helpful moving in winter tips:

1. Start Packing In Advance

One of the benefits of moving during winter is that you’re not missing out on the weather outside if you’re inside packing! The downside, however, is that it’s cold and dark outside. But if you start packing in advance, you’ll be able to take your time and avoid the stress of last-minute packing.

Pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top of a given box. Move all of your boxes to one room and label them according to their destination and/or contents. That way, you’ll know where everything goes without having to spend a lot of time unpacking at your new place! You can also make a floor plan if you want an easy-to-copy layout for each room in your new home.

2. You Need To Be Flexible

Even if you’re prepared for a winter move, things can still go wrong. For example, your moving truck might get stuck in the snow, or one of your boxes might break during transit.

That’s why it’s important to be flexible and have a plan B ready to go. If something goes wrong, don’t panic! There are plenty of ways to deal with unexpected problems. Just take a deep breath and figure out what you need to do to solve the issue.

3. Wrap Furniture In Plastic

One of the biggest challenges of moving during winter is keeping your furniture from getting wet or damaged by snow and ice.

That’s why it’s a good idea to wrap your furniture in plastic before moving day. Cover your sofas, tables, chairs, and anything else you don’t want to get dirty with thick layers of plastic wrap or old sheets.

4. Think About Your Route

If you’re moving during the winter, think about your route. If there’s a lot of snow and ice on the ground, consider taking a different route than you would normally take. If you’re traveling to a different state, like North Carolina, you’ll want to check the weather for different areas to ensure you won’t get caught out in bad weather.

5. Double Pack Your Fragile Items

If you have fragile items, it’s a good idea to pack them more securely.

While moving boxes are typically designed with some cushioning so your items won’t break during transit, they are still far from perfect. So, if you have something very delicate, use two boxes instead of one and put plenty of padding in between the layers. You can also use bubble wrap or packing peanuts for extra protection.

That way, you can rest assured that your most precious items will make it to your new home in one piece!

6. Keep Yourself Warm

When moving in winter, you need to be prepared for the weather. If it’s cold outside, dress warmly and layer your clothing, so you can stay comfortable during all of your packing sessions! Make sure you have a warm coat, hat, and gloves to keep yourself safe and warm.

If you’re moving during some of the coldest parts of winter, it might be a good idea to invest in some boots. That way, you won’t have to worry about your feet getting wet and cold while you’re moving.

And don’t forget to drink lots of water! It’s easy to get dehydrated in the winter, so make sure you have plenty of water on hand while you’re packing.

7. Make Sure Your Kids Wear Boots

If you have kids or pets, make sure to be even more careful with all the snow and ice. Make sure they are wearing their boots so that they don’t slip and fall. Also, make sure that you bring them with you while loading the moving truck, so they won’t get bored or wander off in the cold.

8. Clear The Walkway

When you’re moving in the winter, it’s easy for snow to build upon your driveway. That’s why it’s a good idea to clear out the path so that there isn’t any ice when you unload everything at your new place. That way, they won’t slip and fall while carrying boxes!

9. Always Pack Your Emergency Kit

No matter what time of year you’re moving, it’s always a good idea to pack an emergency kit. That way, if something goes wrong, you’ll have everything you need to deal with the situation.

Your emergency kit should include things like flashlights, batteries, candles, matches, and snacks. Make sure to pack extra clothes and blankets in case it gets really cold.

You can also pack your tools and other equipment that you might need to fix anything that goes wrong while moving (like a broken dishwasher or ripped screen). Be sure not to forget about essentials like water, soap, shampoo, and cleaning supplies!

When you’re done packing everything up, keep your emergency kit close by and make it easy for everyone to grab if something goes wrong.

10. Make Sure Your New Home Is Ready For Unpacking

Before you start unloading your boxes, take a quick walk through your new home and make sure that everything is ready for you.

Check to see that all the appliances are in working order, that the furniture is assembled and in the right places, and that there aren’t any leaks or other problems. That way, you won’t have to worry about any surprises while unpacking! 

If you’re moving into a short-term rental while waiting for your new home to be ready, make sure you have all the documents in place needed for a smooth move-in.

The Pros And Cons of Moving In the Winter

There are pros and cons to moving in the winter. On the one hand, you have less competition from other people who are also moving, which can make your move go more smoothly. It is can also be cheaper to move in the winter because there are fewer people moving.

On the other hand, it is cold, and you have to worry about things like snow and ice. Your furniture might get wet or stuck in the snow, which can cause damage.

In general, moving in the winter is a good idea if you’re prepared for everything that comes with it. Make sure to pack your emergency kit, wrap your furniture in plastic and take the proper precautions when driving. If you’re careful and prepared, moving in the winter can be a breeze!

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