Maybe a winter moving date wasn’t your first choice to begin with, and now you’re regretting it even more with the forecast calling for snow on your moving day. While not ideal, your move doesn’t have to be a disaster! Some careful planning and thoughtful preparation can help your move be safe and successful, even in wintry conditions.
At Marcus Allard Truck Rental, we’ve been providing rental trucks to help people with moving and other projects since 1958. We understand that winter moves in Northwest Indiana and Northeast Illinois often mean dealing with snow. Here’s our quick guide to navigating a snowy moving day:
- Protect Your Floors
- Clear All Pathways
- Dress in Layers
- Cover Your Belongings
- Drive Cautiously
How to Stay Safe When Moving in Snow
Safety should be your top priority when moving in snowy or icy weather. The combination of heavy lifting and slippery surfaces can be dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions.
Prepare Your Home
Before your moving truck arrives, prepare both your old and new homes. Clear all walkways, driveways and outdoor steps of snow and ice. Apply salt or sand to create a non-slip surface. Inside, protect your floors from tracked-in snow and slush by laying down flattened cardboard boxes or old towels. This can help absorb moisture and provide extra traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
Dress for the Weather
Moving is a physical activity, so it’s important to dress in layers. You’ll likely warm up while carrying boxes but will need protection from the cold when outside. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer and add a warm middle layer. Top it off with a waterproof outer jacket. Most importantly, wear sturdy, waterproof boots with good grip to prevent slips on icy patches.
Drive Carefully
If you’re driving the rental truck to your new home, make sure to use extra caution to account for the truck’s handling differences and the snowy conditions. Leave extra room when following and braking, and drive more slowly when needed.
How to Protect Your Belongings from Damage
Snow and cold temperatures can damage your possessions if they aren’t packed correctly. Electronics, wooden furniture and other sensitive items can be particularly vulnerable and may need extra care when packing.
Use Waterproof Packing Materials
Cardboard boxes can get wet and fall apart, potentially damaging the contents inside. To prevent this, use plastic moving bins when possible. If you are using cardboard, wrap the boxes in plastic garbage bags to keep them dry during transit, and unpack any wet boxes first to protect their contents from damage. Pay special attention to electronics and other water-sensitive items by double-wrapping them.
Protect Items from the Cold
Exposure to extreme cold can cause certain materials to crack or warp. Wrap furniture in thick moving blankets to provide a layer of insulation. For delicate items like glassware and dishes, add extra padding inside the boxes using towels or bubble wrap. You may want to transport electronics or fragile belongings inside a car instead of the moving truck to keep them warmer.
Here to Help With Your Move
Moving in the snow does present some unique challenges, but it’s manageable with the right approach. By prioritizing safety and protecting your belongings, you can ensure everything goes smoothly.
If you need a reliable vehicle for your move, Marcus Allard Truck Rental is here for you. Our fleet of clean, well-maintained box trucks, cargo vans and pickups are ready to handle your transportation needs, no matter the size of your load or the weather conditions. Contact us today to reserve your vehicle and prepare for your winter move with confidence.
