What You Need to Make a Successful Winter Move

The process of moving in winter compared to moving in the summer, spring or fall is like tackling a completely different task. Certain aspects of it may be easier, such as renting a moving truck or hiring movers and probably less costly as well, but there are other facts to consider. Here is a list of what you'll need when moving in winter:

Essentials for a Winter Move

If you live in a state where you experience the four seasons, or in a perpetually cold climate, then you'll almost certainly have most of these items readily available, but if you don't then you'd be wise to get them. Also, if you do have them, be sure that you don't pack these items up and then can't find or easily access them on moving day.

1. Snow shovel: While this should go without saying, it frequently happens that while you may own a shovel, you have absolutely no idea where it is when moving day rolls around. Keep your shovel right near the front door even if your sidewalk is completely cleared of any trace of snow. Winter is an unpredictable season, and you never know, the weather might change and it could start snowing, or another scenario is that if there is snow in the street, the movers might need to remove it from around the tires of the truck. Don't worry about where you're going to put the shovel once the movers have finished loading the truck, they can always make room for it somewhere on the truck, or you can squeeze it into the trunk of your car.

2. Salt or sand: It's always wise to keep a bag of sand or salt nearby when moving in the winter. There could be icy spots on the sidewalk or in the street and you want to be able to take care of that problem as soon as possible. In the case of moving, it's vital to keep your sidewalk and street area safe to walk on. After the movers are done you can place the extra salt or sand in the trunk of your car so you'll have it available if you should need it while driving to your new home.

3. Sections of leftover carpet: If you have had a new carpet installed recently or have some pieces you've saved from the last time you did, this is ideal to use for placing in entrance-ways and on areas of the carpet that will be having a lot of foot traffic in the process of moving. If you place it in the main traffic areas, it won't matter if the people who will be coming into your home have wet boots. This is something you should do in your new home too.

4. Extra warm clothes: At this time of year, when the weather can change at the drop of a hat, it makes sense to keep some extra warm, dry clothing about; particularly hats, gloves, socks, sweatshirts, etc. That way, if family or friends are helping you move, you can make sure that they are kept warm and dry and safely insulated from the cold.

5. Hot drinks: Be sure to keep a steady supply of hot drinks such as coffee, tea, etc. readily available. And of course, paper cups to put the drinks in. The people doing your moving will need to stop and get warm every now and then. You should have hot drinks available at your new home too, believe me, they will be appreciated.

Just follow these simple guidelines and you should be able to avoid the usual pitfalls of a winter move.