8 Tips to Make Moving During the Winter Easier
Although a winter move may seem daunting due to the frigid temperatures and potential hazardous weather, it’s still an achievable task. In fact, many people find that moving during this time can bring unique benefits such as fewer delays.
If you take time to create a plan and take preventative measures like protecting your flooring and ensuring your new utilities will be turned on, moving during the winter months can be done as efficiently as during the warmer months.
No matter when you move, moving can be stressful. Regardless, it should be no more painful in the winter than it is during spring, summer, or fall. If you’re moving during the colder months, plan your move carefully and take the initiative to make the process as easy as possible.
Don’t wait until the last minute
To make the moving process easier, you should have a plan (and a backup plan) in place well in advance. Whether you use a professional moving company or a group of your friends, you need to have a moving plan in place at least six weeks before the move. Start packing as soon as possible because this part always takes longer than expected. When choosing a moving date, it’s best to move out at least a few days before the deadline. This gives you a cushion in case there are unexpected delays during the moving process.
Prepare your new house for winter weather
One of the easiest ways to make moving during winter months easier is to prepare your new house for winter weather before moving in. If you start preparing before moving in, you can have any necessary repairs performed ahead of time so you won’t be inconvenienced. You should have your roof and chimney professionally inspected, and also have the furnace checked to ensure it is in proper working condition.
Have your car properly serviced for winter weather
If you are moving out of the local area, you should have your car properly serviced for winter weather. Just like with any road trip, check the oil and fluid levels, tire pressure, windshield wiper blades, tire tread, and battery function. When you’re in the middle of moving, the last thing you want is a broken-down car.
Place a covering on your flooring
In both your old and new residence, you should lay down a plastic covering on your flooring to prevent dirt and grime from being tracked in. This will eliminate the need to deep clean your flooring again which will help reduce your stress levels. During the winter months, rain, snow, and ice are all a possibility so it’s important to take preventative measures. Consider consolidating the boxes and heavy pieces into one or two areas so the movers don’t have to roam around the entire home.
Treat your movers well
No matter if your movers are hired or family friends, treat your movers with respect and kindness. Since it will be colder, you need to allow them to take breaks, and having warm treats (coffee, fresh cookies, pizza) will provide them with the nourishment they need to continue a successful move. Even though they may not need them, providing hand warmers is always a nice gesture.
Ensure your driveway, sidewalk, and roadway are cleared
At both your old and new home, you need to ensure your driveway, sidewalk and roadway in front are clear of debris, snow and ice. Having the walkways clear will keep your movers safe and reduce the risk of any of your items being damaged.
Keep fragile items well-insulated
Since moving boxes will go from a heated house to a cold moving truck and back to a heated house, it’s important that they are well-insulated and protected. Cold temperatures make it easier for fragile items to crack and break so it’s smart to double-wrap fragile items and place a blanket or towel in the moving box to help absorb some of the impacts. If you have any items that shouldn’t be stored in cold temperatures, you should make special arrangements so they are properly protected against winter weather.
Confirm with utility companies ahead of time
Moving during the winter months will provide you with enough cold-weather exposure so the last thing you want is for your new house to have no heat. As soon as you have a definite moving date, you should begin communicating with the local utility company to ensure your new house will have electricity and heat by the time you move in. After you’ve been out in the cold weather moving boxes in and out of your houses, you will want to warm up in your new house and not experience the frustration of having to wait a few days for the new service.
Moving during the winter months might seem like a challenge, but you can easily conquer this process with careful planning and a good attitude.
(This blog was written by Valerie Cox , a contributing writer for Allied Van Lines).
