Living in the great white North means that unfit driving conditions, slippery sidewalks and bone-chilling temperatures are just your traditional Canadian winter; But hey, don’t let the snow slow your move down! A mobile storage container is the best storage solution and they make great all-season storage spaces, and they offer the added benefit of having your rental mobile storage container delivered to your property.
Any task can be done easily, with the right amount of planning and helping hands that is, so let’s get your winter move started with these 7 tips to make moving in the Winter a chill time.
Be Mindful of Winter Weather
So before we start getting into the actual moving process, it’s essential to consider why winter moves are different than moving during any other season. If you currently live in a location that experiences winter weather, you know how tasks as simple as walking your dog can be a whole new challenge.
So when deciding to move in the winter, keep in mind:
- Wet and icy roads that make driving hard
- Rain and snow adding to the already cold weather you have to be in
- Slippery surfaces that endanger your footing
- Snow on walkways can make walking a difficult task
Winter Tips For Shipping Container Storage
A mobile storage container is a convenient storage solution because it’s delivered straight to your door. The other benefit is having your items stored in a fire-proof steel shipping container; nothing beats 4 big steel walls! But this doesn’t mean there aren’t any precautions to be taken when using a portable storage container; here are some things to consider to make sure your items are safe:
- Maintain moving parts
If you’re using a rented storage container, be mindful of performing simple upkeep on the doors’ joints. By oiling and opening it now and then, you prevent the joint from rusting and fusing together.
- Check that container is sealed.
When your portable storage shipping container is delivered, do an exterior and interior check of the container. Look for any cracks or gaps in the walls; anything that affects the humidity and airflow can lead to sudden environmental changes within your shipping container.
- Moisture levels of items stored.
Make sure the items you’re packing are adequately sealed and aren’t damp. During the Winter, unexpected moisture can cause things to warp or crack. During the spring thaw, humidity can attract pests and mold.
Storing your items in vacuum-sealed bags, dry boxes, and with desiccants to ensure your items are safe no matter what. If you’re still committed to making your move, use the following 7 tips to mitigate whatever challenges Father Winter has in store.
Dress For Success
The first thing to consider is what to wear; While the practical advice of wearing clothes, you don’t mind the possibility of damage still holds, it’s essential to layer up. In south-western Ontario, temperatures can drop to as low as -26c in the day!
Extra layers of track pants and shirts can help you stay warm without having to confine your movement in a thick jacket.
It’s not enough to throw on a couple of shirts, find yourself a pair of winter boots with good traction, non-slip kitchen wear does not protect against icy walkways!
Don’t forget about your hands! Leaving them exposed to low temperatures can lead to numbing, which affects your ability to keep a secure grip on things. A sturdy pair of Winter construction gloves are great as they are a proper thickness and have grips on the palms to help with traction.
Stay Home For The Holidays
This is up to your personal preference, and if you’re planning on using a moving company, but a good rule of thumb is to avoid moving during the Holidays. Standard “Holiday” dates are usually between December 21st – January 2nd, so avoid moving during this time to avoid any unexpected cancellations and avoiding the Holiday rush at stores.
Get Help
It’s advised never to move alone, as you are usually required to lift heavy objects and to do this alone can lead to injury or burning out faster. Even if you’re Mister Universe and can bench press the load on your own, take into consideration:
- Help loading or unloading the truck with others cuts down on time
- Assistance with getting your new location ready by sweeping/shoveling and salting the walkways
- A babysitter for any children while you get the job done
The term “teamwork is dream work” comes to mind when planning a move, asking for help from friends can help make light of the workload. If you don’t have anyone to ask, consider hiring the help of professional movers to guarantee your move will go over smoothly.
The Early Bird Accounts For Daylight Savings
As a general best practice when moving, aim to start early in the day to give yourself enough time to deal with any situations that may happen. Don’t let the change in time and how soon the sun sets slip your mind! While it may not seem like a big deal, depending on visibility and road conditions, it’s best to aim to get your move done while it’s still light out, avoiding any mishaps that could happen on the road at night.
Don’t Get Salty
A common stressor when doing anything in the Winter is road salt. While it’s great to help thaw sidewalks, the damage it does to cars, shoes and, more importantly, your floors is a real pain. You can use old blankets or tarps to protect your floors if you find yourself having to walk in and out often.
If no tarps or blankets are available, divide up the work and have two teams: one walking from truck to door and the others take the items inside while not wearing shoes. It’s a simple solution to a potentially costly problem.
Turn A House Into A Home
During the Winter, typical new home duties like shoveling your driveway, laying down salt, and turning on your utilities should be done a day or two before your move. Shovel the driveway and ensure that your delivery vehicle can park with enough clear and salted floor space to allow for the movers to walk safely.
Pro Tip: Traditional pizza and drinks can be okay, but preparing an easy slow cooker meal can cut the chore of making dinner that night and provides everyone with a hearty warm meal after a day of work in the cold!
Be Prepared
Now, after all the planning you have done from packing to prepping your new home, things are set to go off without a hitch, right? Father Winter may have to disagree; Most moves don’t go according to plan. With added factors of weather conditions, it’s important to plan for a delayed start to unpacking or even a delay in the moving process. Having a travel bag or luggage bag with a change of clothes, snacks and toiletries ready in case you are packed up with nowhere to go.
Pro Tip: If you think you won’t be needing that much, a rule of thumb is to have a cleaning kit ready, so you can clean as you unpack.
Onsite Winter storage:
Let’s say you’re not ready to move in immediately but want to get packed up and ready, one of the benefits of using portable storage shipping containers is that you can store your items on your property. Make sure you shovel your driveway and have enough overhead space for the delivery of your rented storage container. Mobile Storage Rental does not provide a lock, so the only thing you need to worry about is finding a waterproof lock resistant to rust, from there we’ll leave your storage container in your driveway until you’re ready for your move.
