Moving can be a stressful event, but it can be even more challenging during the cold winter months.
Moving in the cold can be unpleasant and difficult, providing additional challenges to an already hectic event.
But you may not always be able to ensure a warm summer move in Boise, Idaho.
Here are a few helpful winter moving tips to keep in mind.
Monitor the Weather
Winter weather in Idaho can be severe and unpredictable. One day can be sunny and clear, the next can be a blistering snowstorm. Moving in the cold is tough enough, the last thing you want is to move in the middle of a snowstorm!
That’s why you should keep a close eye on the weather leading up to your approximate move date. If you see a major storm approaching, try to adjust your move day. Call your moving company and/or helpers and see if you can adjust the moving day. This may not always be possible, but most moving companies have more availability in the winter. They may be able to shift your move day, because moving in a blizzard isn’t enjoyable or easy for them either!
Reduce Winter Hazards
Before the moving starts, remove winter hazards from your driveway and home. Create a safe moving environment for your family, helpers, and movers.
Thoroughly shovel the snow from your driveway and walkways. Be sure there’s a large enough path to move furniture.
Use an anti-ice material on your sidewalks, walkways, steps, etc. This helps prevent slips and falls.
Cover your floors with plastic sheeting to protect them from the snow and debris coming from outside.
Pack for the Cold
Packing in the winter requires special care as well. Protect your belongings from the cold, paying special attention to breakable items.
Double-wrap fragile items. Use blanks and towels as padding to help lock in the warmth as you’re moving. Load the fragile, breakable items last and unload them first to reduce the time they spend in the cold.
Consider moving breakables and electronics in your car so that you can keep them warmer. Load them right before you leave and make sure the heat is high enough!
Keep Your Moving Crew Warm
Moving in the winter is more dangerous and complicated than moving in the warmer months. The cold and unpredictable weather increases the urgency of the move, and lugging furniture around ice and snow is hazardous.
Many people moving to or from Boise, Idaho in the winter hire movers for those reasons. They have the experience and equipment to ensure a safe, effective winter move.
Whether you hire movers or recruit help from friends, keep your crew warm. Make sure you let them know you appreciate their help and are looking out for them. Offer some hot drinks like apple cider or hot chocolate during the breaks.
Avoid Last-Minute Packing
Procrastinating packing is never wise for a move. But when moving in the cold, it’s even more important to pack in advance.
Start packing ahead of time, to make the moving day easier and less stressful. You don’t want to be rushing around in the cold or spending extra time trying to puzzle-piece unpacked items into your vehicle.
Using a Boise Box portable storage container is one helpful tool for early packing. Our containers were made for the Boise weather, so you can count on them to handle the snow and keep your items safe.
We bring the container to your current home before your move. Load your belongings as you pack them, saving a ton of time on moving day. Of course, be mindful of breakables and electronics.
When it’s time for your local move in Boise, Idaho, we bring the container to your new home. All you have to do is unload it at the pace you want! Whenever you finish unpacking, we come to get the empty container.
Prepare Your Vehicle for a Winter Move
Even if you’re moving in town, it’s best to prepare your vehicle for moving in the cold. The last thing you want to deal with on moving day is a broken-down car.
Service your vehicle
Complete any necessary maintenance, like oil changes. Make sure everything is working properly and that your tires have enough traction.
Pack essentials
To ensure your safety, pack winter essentials.
- Blankets
- Coats
- Hat
- Boots
- Gloves
- Water
- Nonperishable food
- Shovel
Items for Driving in the Cold
Prepare your car for driving in cold and snow. Some ideas include:
- Ice scrapers
- Tire chains
Plan for Delays
Your move-day itinerary should always include some wiggle-room, but it’s even more important during the winter. It takes longer to drive in snowy, icy weather. Be sure to allow extra travel time. Plan this extra time when scheduling movers or storage container delivery.
Prepare Your New Home
The same way you prepared your previous home, you should prepare your new home for arrival. You don’t want the movers pulled up to a snowy driveway! Clear out the driveway and walkways, making sure they are ice-free and snow free.
Lay down door mats and floor protectors while you move in. Unpack and turn on lights first, so that you will have enough light for the rest of the unpacking.
Additionally, turn on the heat before everyone else arrives so that your new home will be safe and warm.
Streamline Your Winter Move in Boise with a Storage Container
One of the best possible winter moving tips is to use a moving container instead of a truck. You won’t need to stress about driving a huge moving truck or trailer in winter weather.
Instead, when you move with Boise Box, you can just meet your container of belongings at your new home. Then, you’ll have as much time as you need to unpack.
Our weatherproof containers keep your items dry and safe. They’re one of the best tools for winter moves in the Treasure Valley.
Learn more about Boise Box storage containers and how we can help streamline your winter move. Contact us with any questions you may have!
