Moving in the Texas Cold: 13 Helpful Tips for a Chilly Relocation
Moving
in cold weather can be quite a daunting task, as you’re faced with freezing
temperatures and potentially treacherous, slippery conditions. The biting cold
can make every aspect of the move more challenging. It can be uncomfortable for
you and your moving team, and it can even impact your belongings. Fragile
items, electronics, and delicate furniture can become more vulnerable in low temperatures.
Additionally, icy and slippery conditions on sidewalks, driveways, and even inside homes can pose significant safety risks. Slip and fall accidents are more common during winter moves, which is why it’s often better to consider using professional movers for a winter move. Professional movers have the experience and equipment to handle cold-weather challenges safely and efficiently. They are accustomed to working in adverse conditions, ensuring the safety of your belongings and your moving team.
Despite
these challenges, it’s essential to remember that a winter move is entirely
manageable with the right strategies and preparation. By implementing practical
tips and tricks, you can significantly improve the overall experience. In this
blog post, we will delve into essential advice to help you stay warm, safe, and
efficient during your cold-weather move. Whether you’re embarking on a complete
relocation to a new home or simply transporting your belongings in chilly
conditions, our comprehensive guidance will boost your confidence and ensure
that you navigate the cold with ease and success!
1. Check the Weather Forecast
Monitor
the weather not just for your moving day, but for the days leading up to it as
well. Snow accumulation can affect Texas road conditions, so plan your move
accordingly. Be sure to check local news stations to see how thoroughly the
roads have been treated for ice.
2. Dress in Layers
Wear
moisture-wicking base layers to stay dry, insulating layers for warmth, and a
waterproof outer layer to repel snow and moisture. Don’t forget warm socks and
a scarf to protect your neck.
Pro Tip: Wear winter glove gloves with built in gripping
material to not only keep your hands warm while moving, but also to help in
grasping and holding boxes and furniture.
3. Protect Fragile Items
For fragile items, consider wrapping them in thermal blankets or using specialty packaging designed for cold weather to prevent damage. This is especially true for temperature-sensitive items such as instruments, medications, glass and leather furniture, and electronics.
4. Prep Your New Home
Prior
to moving in, ensure the driveway, walkways, and entryways at your new place
are clear of snow and ice. Spread ice melt or salt to prevent slips and accidents.
Pro Tip: Remember that even with ice prevention, invisible spots of ice can still linger. Always use caution while moving or driving. Consider avoiding carrying an extensive amount of items if you have preexisting conditions, such as back pain, that would be greatly exasperated with a slip on a patch of ice.
5. Plastic Bins and Sealable Bags:
Use
plastic storage bins with secure lids for your belongings. Sealable bags can
also be helpful for smaller items to keep them dry and organized. This is a
great option if you already have reusable plastic bins available to use. Vacuum
sealing plastic storage bags are also a great way to not only keep your
clothes, sheets, and other fabrics warm and dry, but also compresses them to
save space in packing.
6. Furniture Protection
Wrap furniture in plastic or moving blankets to protect them from snow, moisture, and potential scratches during transit. This is good practice in any type of move but is essential in harsh weather moves to protect the materials of your furniture from the elements.
7. Floor Protection
Lay
down heavy-duty plastic sheeting or cardboard on your floors to protect them
from moisture, salt, and dirt tracked in during the move. We recommend using
leftover packing boxes not only because they are easy to cut and shape to your
floor, but they are also thicker and recyclable compared to plastic sheets.
8. Hire Professional Movers
If possible, hire professional movers experienced in cold-weather relocations. They’ll have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle the challenges of a winter move. We especially recommend this to seniors who might be moving to avoid potential falls on ice or the risk of getting sick from being exposed to the cold for extended periods of time.
Pro Tip: If you feel unsure about driving a rental truck in
snowy or icy conditions, you may want to consider hiring a full-service moving
company to move, transport, and unload your items at your destination. Winter
road safety is essential for your well-being and the well-being of other
drivers on the road.
9. Plan for Delays
Be flexible with your schedule as inclement weather can lead to unexpected delays. Ensure you have a backup plan for accommodation if needed. This is particularly true if you must fly or drive long-distance to your destination.
10. Emergency Kit
Create
an emergency kit with essentials like non-perishable snacks, bottled water, a
first aid kit, extra blankets, a flashlight, and basic tools. Having a kit is
important if you are driving a truck long-distance to your destination, as
trucks are more prone to breakdowns in the colder weather.
11. Driving Safety
If you’re driving a rental truck, ensure it’s equipped with snow tires or chains if required. Drive slowly and carefully, allowing for increased stopping distances in snowy conditions.
Pro Tip: If visibility is impaired due to heavy sleet or
snowfall, never stop in highway lanes. Make your vehicle as visible as possible
by turning on your flood lights and hazard lights. Pull off to the shoulder of
the road, or preferably the next exit, if stopping is necessary.
12. Stay Warm
Take regular breaks to warm up in a heated area, whether it’s your old or new home, a nearby café, or your vehicle with the heater on. Portable outdoor heaters are a great option is sufficient electricity is available to power them.
13. Pack Winter Necessities Separately
Keep
winter essentials like snow shovels, ice scrapers, warm blankets, and a thermos
of hot beverages easily accessible during the move. Keep these in one
designated spot for easy accessibly.
By following these detailed tips, you’ll be well-prepared to
handle the challenges of a cold-weather move and ensure the safety of your
belongings and yourself during the process!