Moving In The Winter? Follow These Tips To Avoid Slips, Slides, And Frostbite
Posted on: 26 December 2017
Packing everything you own into a moving truck is never easy, but when the snowflakes start flying and the thermometer drops below freezing, it becomes even harder. You would not be the first one to fall on the ice while carrying heavy furniture or to catch a cold after spending all afternoon in the cold. Why make moving more dangerous than it has to be? Here are six tips for moving in the snowy, cold winter months.
Have a "rain date."
You don't have to reschedule your move just because it's 20 degrees out or snowing lightly. But just in case the storm of the decade rolls in on moving day, you should make sure you have a rain date. (Or really, a snow date in this case!)
Most moving companies will want to schedule a rain date with you if you're moving in the dead of winter, anyways. If you're moving yourself without the assistance of a moving company, make sure you plan ahead to ensure your helpers, the moving truck, and your landlord are all prepared for the slight possibility of you moving in a few days after you originally planned.
Use rock salt.
Ice is perhaps the biggest threat during a winter move. It's easy enough to fall on the ice with nothing in your hands. Add a heavy box to the list, and you're in real trouble. To prevent falls, scatter plenty of rock salt over the walkway between your door and the moving truck. Let it work its magic for an hour or so before you start loading the truck. If the salt melts completely at any point during the day, add some new salt to the walkway; it will provide traction. You can also scatter some sand on the walkway for traction.
Invest in good gloves.
Your fingers are at risk of becoming very cold when you're tightly grasping things and walking through the cold outdoors. To ensure you don't get frostbite, invest in a pair of good gloves. They should have grippy material on the palms and fingers so that you can hold onto the things you're moving. They shouldn't be so thick that they keep you from bending your fingers, but they should have plenty of insulation. Buy a second pair in case your first pair gets wet or snowy.
Take breaks inside.
If you feel yourself getting chilly, take a break and warm up indoors. If you have multiple people helping you move, it might help to let everyone take turns working outside. Start with helpers A and B outside loading the truck and helpers C and D inside, carrying boxes to the door. After 30 minutes, switch places. After another 30 minutes, switch back. This way, nobody has to stand out in the cold for too long.
Have warm food and drinks available.
Keep a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate on hand so that you and your helpers can warm up and stay hydrated throughout the moving process. Take a break after a few hours, and order some warm food like pizza or Chinese food.
Use carts and dollies.
When moving heavy items like tables and dressers, use a cart or a dolly rather than trying to carry the items by hand. You're less likely to fall when pushing something! Most moving truck companies also rent out dollies, so you can probably get one at the same place.
If you follow the tips above, you and your helpers will stay safe when packing and moving. Consider hiring moving professionals to handle the job for you if you live in an area where the winter weather is particularly severe.
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