Winter Moving Essentials
November 10, 2021 | Moving
If you’re preparing for a cold-weather move, you’re not alone. Every year thousands of homeowners and renters prepare to move during the coldest months of the year. And moving in the winter means that you might have to navigate wet and snowy weather conditions.
As a result, you’ll want to take extra care planning to keep your cardboard moving boxes and home furnishing dry throughout the transition. This includes you and your moving team too. So remember your winter gloves, warm attire, and rain ponchos as must-have moving supplies for your cold-weather move.
Sturdy Moving Boxes or Plastic Bins?
Even if moving to a new home represents an exciting new chapter in your life, the idea of packing all of your belongings into moving boxes can be daunting. To top it off, according to an article that appeared earlier this year in the Wall Street Journal, cardboard boxes have never been in more demand or more expensive.
Not only are more people moving to the suburbs to live a more rural lifestyle, but online shopping also increased dramatically during the pandemic. As a result, it makes sense to research the price of plastic storage bins to supplement your cardboard box inventory for your winter move.
Cardboard moving boxes are eco-friendly because they’re recyclable. Moving boxes are also easier to buy and transport in bulk when moving and storing in the winter. While plastic storage containers are more durable and can last years they are also more expensive than cardboard boxes despite the climbing prices. Even so, there are clear advantages to using plastic storage containers:
- Plastic storage containers are more durable and reusable for much longer than cardboard boxes.
- It’s easy to see items in clear containers, making them especially handy for storing items you plan to access frequently.
- Plastic is waterproof, making them ideal for moving in the winter.
Cardboard moving boxes are advantageous because they come in a wide range of sizes and include specialty moving boxes designed for TVs, dishware, lamps, and more. In most cases, your local storage provider or moving truck rental company will have a wide selection of moving boxes along with packing supplies like tape guns, nylon rope, and specialty furniture covers.
Because you can expect to use about 10 to 20 cardboard boxes per room, it makes sense to pick up your moving supplies in one convenient location to reduce your drive time in wet and rainy or cold and snowy conditions.
Dish Packs
Dish packs are oversized moving boxes designed with a double layer of corrugated cardboard, making them sturdy enough to transport heavy dishes and glassware. Specialty dish boxes are expensive but provide an impressive amount of storage space.
Dish packs are around 18″x18″x28″ and provide about 5.2 cubic feet of interior space for packing fragile items such as dishes, glassware, dinnerware, collectibles, and more. The boxes include a foldable cardboard insert called a cell kit that divides the box into sections to hold breakable items.
Of course, you still need to carefully wrap your dishes with bubble wrap or foam sheets before packing.
Wardrobe Boxes
Wardrobe boxes are one of the largest boxes recommended for residential moves and are necessary for a less stressful and more efficient experience. Typically measuring around 24″x 21″x49″, the wardrobe box also includes a handy 24″ metal bar for hanging your clothes.
This added convenience means you can save a lot of time by simply transferring your entire wardrobe from the closet into this specialty box for transportation and storage.
Even though wardrobe boxes are more expensive than standard moving boxes, these thrifty inventions ensure packing and moving your closet is a breeze while keeping your clothes fresh and wrinkle-free.
Mattress Bags
Whether you have an innerspring or a memory foam mattress, a protective mattress bag is essential to budget into your expenses during a winter move. Your bed is likely one of the most underrated, yet valuable possessions you own.
Mattress bags will accommodate all-size mattresses and box springs. So whether you have a twin, full, queen, or king-sized bed, one bag per each is all you need.
If you’re moving a box spring, then you’ll need an additional bag. But don’t worry, these heavy-grade 2.0 mil polyethylene plastic bags are recyclable. Mattress covers will protect your mattresses against dust, dirt, and debris during your move.
More Must-Have Winter Moving Supplies
Your winter moving supplies should also include the same accessories that streamline the moving process, whether moving in the fall, spring, or summer.
A great moving hack is to create a moving accessory kit with everything you need in a sturdy plastic tote with a handle. You’ll have your tape guns, large permanent markers for labeling boxes (or another labeling system), and scissors in one spot that can travel room-to-room with you as you pack.
Winter Packing Tips
When moving in the winter, start packing as early as possible to alleviate any last-minute stressors. Additionally, you’ll want to have cold weather clothes, gloves, and shoes nearby and check for inclement weather forecasts and frequently changing road conditions.
Here are some winter packing tips to help alleviate some of the challenges you may face while moving during cold and extreme weather:
- Moving Blankets: Gather a supply of moving blankets and towels to toss over boxes and furniture in the event of a sudden downpour of snow or rain.
- Plastic Boxes: Invest in plastic boxes and bins for necessary paperwork and other sensitive items
- Prepare Appliances: Take extra care to prepare electronics and appliances for your winter move, and don’t leave them exposed to cold temperatures for longer than necessary.
- Create Safe Walkways: De-ice your walkways and driveways to prevent falls and make your winter move safer for everyone helping out.
- Safeguard Susceptible Items: Safeguard your books from winter weather by storing them in plastic bins. Keep in mind that if you leave books in cold temperatures for too long, they’ll deteriorate rapidly.
- Bubble Wrap Dishes: Kitchen items such as glassware, ceramics, and glassware before placing them in boxes, and be sure to unload them first, so they don’t stay in a cold moving truck for too long.
Consider Hiring Professional Movers
If you live in a region of the country that experiences extreme winter weather, you may want to consider hiring a professional relocation company to handle your winter move.
Professional movers will have all the equipment and expertise to move your household items during winter. Moreover, your items will be insured, and you won’t have to worry about slips on icy walkways or driving in less than desirable conditions.
But perhaps the most significant benefit to hiring a professional moving company during winter is saving money. The busiest time of year for moving is May through September, so you’re more likely to find cheaper rates in addition to securing your ideal moving date from November through February.
Need Storage? Climate-Controlled Storage Facilities Make Winter Moves More Comfortable
If you need temporary storage during your move, look for a climate-controlled facility with large interior loading bays and climate-controlled units. These features will go a long way to keep you more comfortable and your items well protected.
Now that you’ve explored our guide on must-have winter moving supplies, warm up your winter move by contacting a knowledgeable member of our storage team or visit us online to reserve your household storage unit.
