Moving to the northeast United States often means facing cold, snowy, and sometimes unpredictable winter weather, making it crucial to be extra prepared for your move during this season. In our latest blog from Bluebird Self Storage, we outline 10 essential tips to help you navigate winter moving successfully—covering everything from packing for frigid temperatures to handling icy conditions and beyond!
Challenges of Moving in the Winter
Wintertime moves bring unique obstacles, from the pesky delays caused by unpredictable weather to the potential hazards of icy roads and biting cold. By recognizing these hurdles ahead of time, you can equip yourself with the right strategies to tackle them head-on and make your winter move smoother.
How To Pack for Freezing Temperatures
1. Use Insulated Boxes
Line boxes with thermal blankets or foam insulation protect sensitive items like vinyl records or musical instruments from freezing temperatures.
2. Double-Wrap Fragile Items
Another option is to double-wrap fragile items, such as glass and electronics. Begin with a layer or two of packing paper, followed by another layer of Bubble Wrap, and then cushion with towels or blankets.
3. Avoid Packing Liquids
Transport liquids in temperature-controlled spaces to prevent them from freezing, spilling, or bursting, like your car’s cabin while you’re driving. If you plan to stay anywhere overnight during your move, bring any liquids indoors.
How To Protect Your Belongings During Winter Moving
4. Waterproof Packaging Is Your Friend
To prevent ice, snow, or slush from seeping into your cardboard boxes and damaging your items, wrap them with waterproof plastic or cover them with heavy-duty trash bags.
5. Prepare Electronics Carefully
After unplugging your electronics, allow them to cool down for a few hours until they reach room temperature. Sudden exposure to cold can cause condensation to form and potentially cause damage.
6. Label Essential Items Clearly
Label boxes of wintertime essentials clearly, such as blankets, towels, boots, and outerwear, so you can access them quickly upon arrival. Use brightly colored labels or markers for easy identification.
How To Manage Icy Conditions Mid-Move
7. Clear Walkways and Driveways
Clear the pathways at your new and old homes by shoveling snow and spreading salt to maintain safety and prevent slips and accidents.
8. Cover Indoor Floors
You want to avoid tracking slushy, dirty footprints across your new carpeted floors! During your move, use portable rugs, mats, cardboard, or plastic sheeting to protect the floors from wet and muddy shoes.
How To Keep Your Moving Day Stress-Free
9. Start Early and Plan for Delays
Winter days are shorter and often bring unpredictable weather. Start your day early and allow extra time for any delays that may arise.
10. Stay Warm and Prepared
To stay warm throughout the day, keep hot drinks, plenty of snacks, extra clothing, and gloves readily available. You can even benefit from packing a winter essentials kit with hand warmers, a flashlight, and extra batteries and stashing it in a backpack or glove compartment.
Advice for Winter Moving and Storage Units From Bluebird Self Storage
If you run out of room as you start to unpack items into your new home after your winter move, turn to Bluebird Self Storage for affordable, convenient self storage solutions. Our storage units are excellent for residents in the middle of a move, college students, and businesses who need a little extra space. Whether you want a storage unit for a month or the foreseeable future, Bluebird Self Storage is here to help!
Explore our storage facilities across the Northeast, or visit our FAQ page to learn more about the storage process. Contact our team online with any questions.
