Winter Event Rental Delivery in Chicago: Snow, Ice and Salt

Chicago winters are cold and unpredictable, and snow usually shows up between December and March. Early sunsets, plowed-in street spots and icy alleys all slow a delivery. The rental company is not trying to be difficult when it asks for a wider window. Trucks, crews and hand carts all work slower on snow. Our Chicago winter event planning guide covers the season as a whole. This post is about delivery day.

Clear the route like the crew will walk it

The alley, the street and the plow

On a snowy week, alleys can stay rutted, icy or blocked long after the main streets are clear. Street spots get plowed in, and a shoveled-out space can disappear. Neighbors and parked cars add to the squeeze. Walk the route the day before, and send the company a photo. If the alley is not workable, ask about a front delivery. For rules on parking and loading zones, read Chicago delivery parking and loading zones and the alley delivery guide, and check with your building or the city for anything that applies where you live.

Protect floors from slush and salt

Salt and slush ride in on crew boots and cart wheels. Over a hardwood or tile floor, that means water, scratches and a white film.

• Put absorbent mats at each entry, and a runner along the delivery path.
• Ask the crew to wipe wheels and boots, and have towels ready.
• Stack items on a tarp or runner just inside the door, not directly on the floor.
• Mop up wet spots as they happen, since standing water leaves marks.

Protecting floors for a home party goes deeper on chairs and tables. In a venue, ask whether the building has its own mats or a floor protection rule.

What most hosts find out too late

Salt is not ice melt in every temperature. Rock salt slows down in very cold weather, and some products work better than others. Ask the hardware store what is right for the cold forecast, and keep sand or grit on hand for traction. Check any building rules about what product you can use.

A storm can move a delivery, and the earlier you talk the better. Companies make calls on the day based on the crews and roads. Ask what the cutoff is, who calls whom, and what the backup time is. The cancellation and date change policy guide shows what to read in the contract.

Short days squeeze everything. With sunset around 4:20 to 4:30 p.m. in December, a late delivery means setup in the dark. Ask for a morning window and plan lights for the path.

Plan B for winter delivery

If your date is firm, a day-before delivery inside a garage or a hall can take pressure off. See weekend pricing for what that does to cost.

Plan the winter details with us

Get a quote with your address and event date, and we will check winter timing with the rental companies. Or book a free 15-minute planning call. One call covers the whole rental list, and the holiday party planning kit has a winter checklist.