Making a Move in Winter Weather

Moving during winter months is a great way to save on costs because professional moving services often offer discounts during the chilly season — but there are other things to consider, as well. Prepare for the challenges of cold weather conditions with these helpful tips.

Weather-proof your vehicles
If you’re uncomfortable driving in winter weather in a passenger car, imagine what it would be like driving a truck with a heavy load! Consider the bargains to be had from moving companies during the winter and whether it might be easier overall to leave the driving to a pro.
If you are hiring movers, you can likely assume that they won’t want to take any chances with their trucks and will equip them with necessary snow tires and/or chains. It’s still a good idea, however, to talk to the company about their cold-weather moving practices.
If you are renting a truck yourself, however, you’ll need to be vigilant when it comes to getting what you need from the rental company. If there is a chance of any significant snow or ice on your journey to your new home, be sure that the truck you’re renting can handle it with the proper tires and chains.

Maybe you have only your own car to worry about during your move. In that case, be sure it is in good working order, with proper tires and/or chains, working heat and topped-off fluids.

 Be prepared for emergencies
 Whether you’re traveling in a rental truck or your own vehicle, prepare for the worst by carrying supplies, should you break down. Make sure you have:

• Warm coats/clothes/blankets for each person
• Water and nonperishable food for each passenger
• Jumper cables
• Tow rope
• Candles
• Ice scraper
• Collapsible shovel/screwdriver kit/hammer
• Flashlight/light sticks
• Batteries/matches
• Hand warmers and knit gloves
• Roadside safety manual and survival instruction 

A GPS is great unless your signal and or/batteries fail. Bring an old-fashioned road map of your route, as well, and consider signing up for roadside assistance service. (This may be included as part of your moving truck rental, so ask your vehicle provider.)

You’ll want a battery-powered or hand-cranked NOAA emergency radio so that you can keep track of storms, especially if your car battery fails. Also bring a bag of non-clumping kitty litter for traction, should your car get stuck on ice.

 If you already have such a kit assembled, be sure to check the working order and freshness (batteries, water, food) of everything in it. And don’t forget to have plenty of warm clothes with you in the car!

Most of all, don’t drive alone if you can help it. Two (or more) is always better than one in an emergency situation.

Weatherize the load
Antiques and other wooden pieces are sensitive to cold temperatures, so be sure to wrap them well in packing material to protect them. Make sure you have drained liquid out of anything you’re moving that could freeze and also keep plants in a controlled climate as much as possible. If they will be in a moving truck, cover them with garbage bags with holes in them so the plants can breathe.
Moving during the winter can mean a shorter wait for a rental truck and lower prices with professional movers, but there is one major downside—it’s cold! Ice and snow might complicate your move, so plan ahead to make sure you still have clear sailing ahead!

Courtesy http://wwwRentals.com By Amber