Moving Tips During Winter

While moving during winter presents its own set of challenges, it can be manageable and even cost-effective with the right planning and preparation.

Advantages of Moving During Winter

People frequently assume that the summer is the ideal season to move when they ask us when is the best time to relocate. However, there are also advantages to winter relocation, such as lower costs. Given it’s off peak season, reduced rates are common in the oving industry and you’ll find the job of coordinating the process between both locations and your movers an easier one.

Moving Tips On Winter Season

1. Check the Weather Forecast

Being aware of the weather is one of the most crucial moving recommendations in the winter. The day before your move, pay attention to the weather forecast. Be ready to modify your plans if a strong snow storm is expected. Rearranging your relocation for a safer day might be required, or at the very least, you should prepare for delays or dangerous situations.

2. Prepare Your Home for the Cold

For moving day in the winter, both your new and old homes must be ready. Furniture moving can be challenging in cold weather and snow, so take precautions to safeguard your possessions and your property.

Clear the walkways: Before moving day, shovel and salt driveways, sidewalks, and pathways to prevent slipping accidents.
Protect your floors: Cover floors inside both homes with plastic sheeting, cardboard, or old blankets to protect them from dirt, snow, and ice. Movers and family members will be coming in and out, tracking moisture that can damage floors.
Turn on the heat: Make sure both homes are heated to a comfortable temperature before the move starts. Not only will this keep everyone warm, but it will also prevent delicate items like electronics or wooden furniture from being damaged by the cold.

3. Dress Appropriately

Winter temperatures can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers for your move. You’ll want to stay warm while working outside, but you may need to remove layers when carrying heavy boxes or furniture indoors. Dressing in layers allows you to easily adjust to changes in temperature as you move between the indoors and outdoors.

4. Keep Safety a Priority

It can be dangerous to travel on ice roads or lift large goods in the winter. Make safety your top priority to avoid mishaps or injuries when moving.

Salt and sand: Before moving anything, salt or sand driveways, sidewalks, and any other outdoor surfaces that may be slippery. This will reduce the risk of falls for you and your movers.
Plan for extra time: Winter moves may take longer due to weather conditions. Allow extra time for loading, unloading, and travel to avoid rushing in hazardous conditions.
Drive carefully: If you’re driving the moving truck yourself, be cautious of icy roads, reduced visibility, and other winter driving hazards. Keep a winter emergency kit in the car with items like blankets, a shovel, and extra water.

5. Hire a Reliable Moving Company

The difficulties of a winter move are beyond the capabilities of every moving company. Make sure the moving company you choose has expertise moving in the winter. Make sure they have the right tools for dealing with snowy or icy conditions, and find out about their winter plans in case there is a weather delay or cancellation.

Pro tip: Since winter is generally a slower time for moving companies, you may be able to get discounted rates or more flexible scheduling.

6. Protect Your Belongings from the Cold

Some objects are more susceptible to freezing temperatures than others. For instance, exposure to subfreezing temperatures can harm electronics, and very low temperatures can cause wood furniture to split. Be mindful of how long your items are exposed to the elements and take extra precautions to protect them.

Wrap fragile items: Use blankets, bubble wrap, and plastic bins to insulate fragile items and protect them from the cold.
Avoid freezing liquids: Keep items that could freeze, such as cleaning supplies, toiletries, or canned goods, separate and transport them in a heated vehicle.
Pack a cold-weather essentials kit: Keep a separate box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home, like winter gear, blankets, and space heaters.

7. Keep an Essentials Box Handy

Unexpected delays can occasionally occur in winter conditions due to snow, traffic, or weather-related incidents. Pack an essentials box with everything you’ll need for the first few days at your new house to be ready. Add things like toiletries, medications, warm clothing, and any crucial documents you don’t want to misplace during the transfer.

8. Have an Emergency Kit Ready

On moving day, winter weather can result in unforeseen issues or delays. It’s critical to keep an emergency kit on hand in order to be ready for anything. This package ought to contain:

Flashlights
Batteries
Extra blankets
A first aid kit
Non-perishable snacks and water
Winter gear (gloves, hats, scarves)
A phone charger or power bank
Sand, salt, and a shovel (in case you need to clear snow or ice)

This will ensure that you and your movers are prepared for any challenges that arise during the move.

9. Plan for Early Nightfall

Because winter days are shorter, you’ll have less daylight hours to finish your move. In order to maximize the amount of light available, start your relocation early in the morning. Make sure you have enough lighting at both your old and new residences in case the relocation takes longer than anticipated and into the dark. This will help to prevent mishaps.

Pro tip: Set up portable lights or ensure exterior lights are working to keep pathways and entryways well-lit after dark.

10. Keep Utilities On in Both Homes

On the day of the move, make sure the utilities (heating, electricity, and water) are on in both your old and new residences. To remain cozy and secure, you’ll need both light and heat. Moving companies will operate more productively if the utilities are operating, particularly if they require water for cleaning or salting.

11. Winterize Your Vehicle

Prepare your car or rental truck for the trip if your move requires you to drive a considerable distance during the winter. Ensure that your car has winter tires, full windshield washer fluid, and a functional heater in good operating order. If you are renting a moving truck, make sure the vehicle is winterized and properly maintained by checking with the rental provider.

Pro tip: Have an emergency roadside kit with you, including items like jumper cables, a snow scraper, extra water, and blankets.

12. Stay Positive and Flexible

Winter moves are especially unpredictable, so it’s critical to maintain your optimism and adaptability. Setbacks could occur from ice roads, tardy movers, or bad weather, but being organized and composed will help you get through them. The entire process will be less stressful if you adopt an optimistic outlook.

Summary

Although moving in the winter has its own set of difficulties, with the correct planning and preparation, it can be doable and even affordable. You can make sure that your relocation goes smoothly and stress-free throughout the winter by being cautious, safeguarding your possessions, and being ready for weather-related delays. Enjoy settling into your new home in any season by using these ideas to make your winter relocation go as smoothly as possible!

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