Winter moving in Missouri and the Midwest can be stressful and challenging any time of the year. Winter moving is especially exhausting when you have to deal with snow, sleet, wind, ice, and freezing temperatures. It’s also a time of year when most people want to be sitting down with family, friends, and hot chocolate (my fave!), not packing up their belongings and looking for a reputable and qualified moving company.
What you need on hand for a winter move
Snow shovel. This may seem obvious, but if you don’t scrape the walkways and driveways prior to the movers arriving, then the movers have to remove the snow. This is time they could be spending on preparing your items for moving. You’ll need your snow shovel at your new home, too.
Salt or sand. We always bring Ice Melt or an extra bag of sand or salt for moving in the winter. Weather can change quickly, and sand or salt will ensure icy spots are safe to walk on. It’s important that everyone who’s helping with your move has safe footing. Once your move out is complete, store the extra salt or sand in your car in case you need it when you arrive at your new home.
Large pieces of cardboard. Cardboard is the perfect material to use for entranceways and carpeted areas that will see a lot of foot traffic on moving day. Put it on areas where people will be walking to save them having to clean off their boots when they enter your home. Make sure you have enough cardboard to use in your new home, too.
Extra gloves, sweaters, and other warm clothes. Keep extra clothing on hand, especially gloves, hats, socks, and sweaters. The weather can change, and it’s important to ensure the people who are helping you move are kept warm and dry. Wet clothes can be packed at the last minute along with extra clothing you didn’t use. If you’re moving long distance, keep extra gloves, hats, and socks in the car just in case.
Hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. Keep hot drinks on hand and a warm space in the house for people to retreat to so they can thaw out. Usually when we move during the winter, our tea kettle is kept out, then loaded into the essentials box right before we lock the house door. To save having to pack mugs and spoons, invest in some paper cups and wooden spoons. You’ll also want to provide hot drinks at your new home, so make sure you have enough supplies on hand for both the move out and the move in.
Rags, cleaning supplies, and mop. Before you lock the doors, you’ll want to give your old home a once-over after the movers leave. Keep rags, a mop, and cleaning supplies on hand to give the floors a quick wipe. These items can be packed into your essentials box after you’re finished moving out.
Extra plastic sheeting. The weather forecast will give you a good idea of whether you’ll need some plastic sheeting for household items that need protection from wet snow. Items such as electronics, fragile or unfinished wood furniture, or plants may need extra protection from the elements. Clear garbage bags, or leaf bags, work well for smaller items. Move It With M&S, LLC also uses shrink wrap liberally on all items we prepare and move.
Some people actually enjoy winter!
Helpful winter moving tips
Although nothing can replace a warm, settled home during the winter, there are a few more things you can do to make a winter move less stressful.
Be careful with temperature sensitive items. Packing for a winter move is very similar to packing for a move any other time of year, with one exception. You need to be careful with items that can be damaged by the cold. Some are obvious, like houseplants. Others may not be so apparent, such as old china pieces, or plastic shelving or tubs that may crack or get fine lines in the extreme cold. If you have any questions please contact Theresa at Move It With M&S, LLC.
Be flexible. Even the most reliable moving company has no control over closed highways and blizzard-like driving conditions. When planning a winter move, it’s best to have a contingency plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate on moving day.
Keep the sidewalks and driveway clear. Keeping your sidewalk shoveled is important anytime it snows, but when movers are carrying heavy boxes and furniture in and out of your home, it’s vital. Clear walkways will help prevent anyone from getting hurt as the movers navigate slippery walkways. If you need assistance with this task, please let us know, so we can bring our snow shovels. Our crew will gladly help with this task, as part of our mission to help you remove be as stress-free as possible.
Keep the heat on. Although it may be tempting to have your utilities disconnected early if you’re already sleeping somewhere else, you’ll want that heat come moving day. Having the door opening repeatedly will send that cold are all throughout the house.
Move your pets first. Although this is a good idea any time of year, it especially important if you’re moving in winter. Get your cat or dog into a warm secure place before the movers descend upon your home. You don’t want your fur babies to sneak out of the house and get lost in freezing temperatures.
Cover your floors. Winter brings all kinds of mud, snow, and slush. You don’t want the movers tracking all kinds of dirt and debris into your house, even if you’re moving out. Protect your carpets and floors by covering them with plastic drop cloths. Be sure to anchor them securely however so the movers won’t trip on the edges.
A winter move with Move It With M&S, LLC
To learn more about how to organize a winter move and how to make your move as easy and stress-free as possible, contact Theresa for more information. We have several years of experience helping people like you move. We operate in a 200-mile radius of Saint Joseph, Missouri, and are adept at offering quality service at an affordable price, no matter what the season.
