Moving and shipping are never easy. However, there are situations when they are exceptionally hard. One of the most difficult is cold weather shipping and moving. If you are moving in winter, not only that you will have to deal with snow and icy conditions, but you will also have to protect your items from low temperatures. Especially if you are moving overseas. Sea freight forwarders know how cold it gets on the ocean. That is why they always advise their customers, who decided to pack alone, to pay special attention to it.

Items that are sensitive to cold

Moving in winter is cheaper. However, people generally avoid moving in cold weather because of the many difficulties that could appear in the process. But, sometimes you just have no other choice and you have to move. In that case, there your main concern should be to protect your precious belongings. Some household items are especially sensitive to cold. And you need to prepare them for cold weather and pack them well. Here is the list of household items that are especially sensitive to cold:

• Appliances will need special care with cold weather shipping and moving
• Electronics are also very sensitive to cold.
• Wooden furniture doesn’t like cold and moisture
• Musical instruments are usually made from wood and are very sensitive to extreme temperatures.
• Glass, dishware, and mirrors could crack at really low temperatures
• Boxes could easily soak moisture and become unusable

Cold weather shipping and moving appliances

Home appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and dryers are just some of the most common home appliances that are very sensitive to low temperatures. When you are preparing them for shipping in cold weather, make sure that you drain all liquids from the pipes and other components. Then wrap them in moving blankets and plastic stretch wrap.

That way you will protect it from cold. At least to some degree. If you think that they will be exposed to extreme cold for a few days, you could use air freight services. Or, request for a temperature-controlled truck.

Cold weather shipping and moving electronics

Another thing that you have to pay special attention to cold temperatures is your electronics. They are especially sensitive to cold as condensation forms inside the components. Which later leads to water damage. If you can pack them in their original packaging, which usually has good styrofoam insulation.

If you do not have it, wrap your electronics in moving blankets, wrap them in plastic sheeting, and put them in appropriate boxes. Better, use plastic containers for this. Also, remember to wait 24 hours at room temperature before plugging them back in.

Glass items are especially sensitive to cold

Everyone knows how glass is sensitive to extreme cold and heat. When exposed to cold, your glassware will become more brittle and will crack more easily. And could even crack on its own. That is why you need to insulate it well before packing it.

Wrap each piece in packing paper bubble plastic and moving blankets before you put it in the box. Also, like the most fragile part of your moving inventory, it should be loaded into a moving truck last.

Pay special attention to your wooden items

Wooden furniture or other items made of wood are also very sensitive to cold weather. The cold itself is not the main issue but the humidity that will be present. To protect your furniture or wooden instruments, for example, you could add a layer of wood vax a week before the move. When you start packing, wrap each piece in cloth or moving blankets and wrap with bubble plastic.

Also, try to disassemble furniture into pieces before this. That way it will be much easier to give it appropriate care. But also, it will be easier to pack and move. If you have some large pieces that couldn’t be disassembled call heavy lift cargo services to help you out.

Take care of your cardboard boxes while shipping and moving in cold weather

One of the problems that could appear during cold weather shipping and moving is moist on cardboard boxes. The moist could easily destroy your cardboard boxes and then you would be in trouble.  The easiest way to prevent this is to use plastic containers. But they could be pretty expensive. So you would probably have to use a number of cardboard boxes.

To save them from moist, avoid putting them directly on the ground outside as well as inside a moving truck. Also, you could wrap them in plastic to give them protection. However, that will require much more time, effort, and funds for additional packing supplies.

If you can, hire Japan logistic companies to pack your items. They will make sure that your items are packed properly.

Make sure that you clear the snow

When moving in cold weather, besides taking care of your belonging you will also have to take care of a few other things. If there is snow, make sure that the parking spot for the truck is clear. Also, clean your walkways and paths that lead to your home. If there is ice, throw some kitchen salt. That will make it melt quickly.

Dress appropriately

Make sure that you are dressed appropriately. Do not dress too warm or you will quickly sweat, and that is the worst thing that could happen in cold.  That is why while packing it is important to set aside a few sets of t-shirts, sox and other spare clothes that you will keep by your side during the move. So you could quickly change if you need.

Protect your floors

If there is snow, it will stick to your movers’ shoes and they will bring it inside the house. The wooden flooring is especially sensitive to water. Laminate could be destroyed in minutes. That is why you need to protect it with plastic and cardboard sheeting.