In an ideal world, we would choose to move in the spring or fall when the weather is moderate. But we can’t always anticipate when major changes will happen. If you are dealt the unlucky hand of having to move during the winter months, it’s actually not the end of the world if you have expert-level help like this Asheville moving company. They can take much of the burden off your shoulders by providing physical labor, a moving truck, boxes, and other resources. Combine your professional moving team with these game-changing tips, and your move is bound to be safe and successful, despite all wintry obstacles!

1) Check the Weather Forecast

Seems like a no-brainer, right? You’d be surprised how many people forget to check the weather for their moving day and risk getting caught in a severe snowstorm! Moving on a specific day is not worth risking your health and safety, nor that of anyone helping you. You can always reschedule for a clearer day.

2) Don’t Move During the Holidays

When it comes to the unpredictable nature of winter weather, timing is key. However, some weeks are never the right time. Go ahead and cross off any weeks or weekends concurring with a holiday, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Valentine’s Day. During these weeks, everyone else in the world will be traveling, too. There’s nothing worse than making an energy-draining cross-country move only to get stuck in several extra hours’ worth of holiday traffic.

3) Control Slick Surfaces

The safety of your premises has one major enemy: water. Slick surfaces can cause people to slip and fall, drop heavy boxes, break valuables, or otherwise get injured. There are a few things you can do to tone down the slipperiness:

Make sure the driveway and walkways of your old home and new home are clear of debris, snow, and ice. You may need to spend the day beforehand shoveling and sprinkling salt.
Lay down a tarp, some cardboard or a few blankets over any floors or walkways that are particularly dangerous. This will also ensure that your moving boxes retain their shape and strength in case you need to set them down on the ground at any point.
It’s not a bad idea to place a tarp in your moving vehicles as well to further protect your belongings from moisture and dirt.

4) Dress Adequately

Didn’t your mother ever tell you to zip up your coat before going outside? The importance of dressing warmly seems a bit obvious, but there’s more to it than just donning a jacket. Wearing layers is a great way to compromise between the frigid outdoors and the sweat you’re bound to work up throughout the move. You can always shed layers, but you can’t add any if they are already packed away. Wear some thick wool socks and heavy waterproof boots as well.

5) Have Additional Winter Gear On Hand

Temperatures may fluctuate throughout the day, especially in the early morning or after sunset when the strength of the sun diminishes. Make sure to keep extra gloves, hats, coats, and scarves available, too. Offer blankets and hot hands to your moving assistants, and keep extra sheets, pillows and blankets stashed in your car. These additional supplies will ensure that none of your moving helpers freeze.

6) Prepare Warm Food & Drink

Your helpers will greatly appreciate you for thinking ahead and having some warm treats on hand for the duration of the move. Whether it’s a crockpot of hot soup, a carafe of hot chocolate or cider, or simply a fresh pot of Joe — that’s up to your preferences! At the very least, it’s a thoughtful way to thank your moving team for contributing their time and effort to the cause, especially if they’re working for free.

7) Keep Your Utilities On

If you’re moving at the height of winter, it would be inhumane to have no indoor heating at all. Even though people will constantly be moving in and out of the house, you should still keep your HVAC running. That said, you’ll have to remember to keep your utilities on until after you move out of the old place. You’ll also need the utilities on before you start moving into the new place.

Of course, paying two separate utility bills can get quite expensive. As an alternative, a designated heat room can save you a few bucks and still provide that much-needed warmth. Choose a bedroom or a bathroom in which to keep a space heater running alongside blankets and hot drinks. Remember to keep the door shut as much as possible to keep the warmth inside.

8) Be Aware of Temperature-Sensitive Belongings

Clothes and books are probably okay to toss into the moving vehicle without a second thought. Some types of belongings, however, will suffer for it. Hard materials like glass, metal and even plastic may become brittle and break in extremely cold temperatures. Anything made of wood, including furniture and musical instruments, may contract in the cold or become warped with humidity. Electronic devices and appliances are also not designed to withstand frigid temperatures for long periods of time. Remember to wrap items like these in bubble wrap and blankets, and don’t leave them sitting in the cold van for too long.

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While moving during the winter might be marginally better than a summer move, it still has unique challenges. Yet the freezing temperatures, snowfall, and icy roads won’t hinder you for long when you wake up on your moving day with a battle strategy already laid out. You will survive this difficult wintertime move as long as you have faith in your ability to problem-solve and plan ahead with these tips like a champ!