I buy my mulch in bulk, and I always store it in the freezer. When the tank needs more mulch or if I'm doing a full replacement I tank the snake out and let him roam around my room, then I put new mulch in and let it get to a warmer temp before letting the ball back in. Snake doesn't seem to mind it because he gets to explore a new environment.
Since I'm from NJ as well, during winter I sometimes put it out in snow too because freezer tends to get filled with more food then lol.
