The snow and freezing temperatures of winter make it seem like the most inappropriate time for a move. However, the truth is winter is as good as any season for moving to a new house. With sufficient planning, moving in winter doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are tips to help you survive moving in winter.
- Monitor The Weather
Winter weather is unpredictable. It may be clear one day and snowing the next. Therefore, make sure you monitor the weather. Look at weather updates on your phone, and don’t fail to watch the weather forecasts. Check the weather every day of the week you plan to move.
If you think the weather will shut down roads or cause traffic, call your local movers and express your concerns. Moving when there are strong winds, hail, or a large storm may be dangerous. No matter how prepared you are, delaying your move may be better than getting caught up in avoidable inconveniences.
- Confirm The Schedule Of Your Movers
Winter is an ideal time to move because it is off-season for many moving companies. Therefore, there is a wider range of dates for you to move. It is wise to check in with your preferred movers a week before the move. Also, confirm the schedule of your movers a day or two before the move. Remember, winter weather is unpredictable, so keep communicating with your movers.
- Pack Well In Advance
You shouldn’t wait until moving day to start packing your belongings. Set aside a few days a week to pack small bits of your belongings. Packing in stages is better than doing it in a single day. When you pack in stages, you have time to label boxes and identify unnecessary items. This helps you with decluttering and ensures you don’t miss anything.
Consider renting a moving container. Slowly load up the container and arrange for it to be picked up and moved to your new home. When investing in a moving container, look for one made of steel. This material doesn’t cave or buckle under the weight of heavy snow. Steel is also rodent and leak proof, which ensures your belongings are safe and dry.
- Prep The Outside Of Your Home
Before loading your storage container or truck, you need to create a safe environment. Winter weather conditions are more precarious than spring or summer. Therefore, make the environment safe by shoveling away any snow. This will ensure there is a clear parking space for the mover’s truck and a wide path for moving large furniture.Â
Additionally, you should remove ice from your walkways. Use a de-icer on your sidewalks and steps. This will prevent slip and fall accidents. Don’t forget to create shelter for exposed areas. You can achieve this by setting up tarps and tents to protect against rain.Â
- Prep The Inside Of Your Home
Apart from repairing damaged fixtures and cleaning your home after moving out, also make the space conducive for the movers. Lay plastic sheets inside your home to protect the floors during the move. Remember, the movers will constantly be moving in and out of the house; therefore, you should protect your floors from scratches and stains. Also, turn off your furnace since people will not need to heat the house when moving. This will help you save on electric bills.
- Protect Items From Extreme Weather Conditions
Fragile items like glass and dishware are susceptible to temperature changes. These items can break or crack because of slight temperature changes. Double wrap all these items with thick blankets. It is advisable to load these items into your moving container or truck last and unload them first to limit their exposure to cold temperatures.
To protect electronics from the cold, pack them in your car. However, you should load these items when you are about to leave, so they aren’t affected by the cold.
- Make Arrangements For Your Kids And Pets
Moving in winter can be difficult for your kids because of the cold weather. You can send them off to a relative a few days before the move. Your pets are another major concern. The last thing you want is for your pets to roam around on the day of your move. Therefore, find somewhere warm for your pets to stay while the loading of items is underway.Â
Ask your neighbor if they can accommodate your pets temporarily. Alternatively, you may consider moving your pets to a relative or a pet home for safety.Â
- Attend To Your Movers
Movers feel good when their clients appreciate them. The freezing temperatures of winter can take a toll on your movers as they struggle to load and offload your property. One way to thank your movers is by serving them hot cocoa or coffee to warm them up when loading items onto the truck. This will not only liven up their spirits but will also motivate them to do a good job.
- Pack Winter Essentials
Anything can happen during your move, and you may be stranded in the cold. Pack a bag or box with your winter essentials to protect yourself from unexpected situations. These essentials include snow boots, extra clothing layers, gloves, hats, and cozy quilts. Don’t forget a sleeping bag and pillow.Â
- Set Up Your New Home For Unpacking
Like you cleared the walkways of your previous home, you should do the same with your new home. This ensures there are no accidents when moving things to your new home.
It gets dark much earlier during winter; therefore, plan the timing to unpack your belongings. If you use a portable storage container, make plans based on when it will be delivered to your home. If the container is to be delivered in the late afternoon, it is wise to leave the things in the container overnight. This way, you can start unpacking when there is plenty of light in the morning.
Lastly, ensure your new home has heat and light. Check all the other utilities, like water, to ensure they are working before you start moving in. You should verify the condition of your new home’s utilities two days before your move.
In Closing
Relocating during the winter is convenient because of the fair moving prices. However, moving in winter is full of potential risks. So, be careful not to damage your belongings and avoid accidents while loading and offloading items. The above tips will help make your winter move easier.
