Winter Wonderland: 8 Tips for Cold-Weather Moving in the Twin Cities

Minnesota residents are a hardy bunch who don't let a little matter like cold, snowy weather stand in the way of a successful move. Here are some of their favorite tips to help you plan your winter move into your Springs at Apple Valley or Springs at Egan Drive luxury apartment home.

Watch the weather reports as the move grows close, but don't think you're home free if the day dawns clear and sunny. Weather prediction is by no means an exact science, and you don't want to be caught unawares by shifting conditions.

Snow shovels, ice scrapers and other supplies won't do you any good sitting in the nose of your moving truck. Make room in your car for these items so they're readily accessible. It's also a good idea to keep extra hats and gloves handy along with a change of clothing.

Under no circumstances should you plan to move by yourself during the winter. If you prefer not to hire a moving company, enlist as many friends and family as possible. The sooner you finish, the less time you have to spend out in the cold. Order pizza or have a big pot of chili ready at the end to warm everyone up.

You don't need the interference of kids and pets running underfoot. Arrange for a friend or family member to take them off your hands for the day.

Your possessions may be inanimate, but they're not immune to the effects of the cold weather. The following items need a little more TLC when packing:

• China and porcelain
• Wood items, especially antique furniture pieces
• Electronic equipment
• Musical instruments

Depending on how far and how long your move is, the journey may be too difficult for house plants to survive. Consider giving them away to friends and neighbors and replace them once you get settled in.

Despite the low temperatures, you can get overheated from all the manual labor. Start with several layers such as a t-shirt and hoodie or sweater, adding and subtracting as needed.

Stick to main roads and highways that are more likely to be cleared of snow and ice. You should also take traffic patterns such as rush hour into consideration.

Even the best laid plans can't anticipate every possibility. Build some flexibility into your arrangements so speed bumps don't throw you off-course.

Share your favorite moving tip with us in the comments!