Moving as such can be a pretty stressful time. Given the fact that some people need to move quickly for business, sometimes they end up moving in winter. Winter time is not really the most popular moving season. Even though there are some advantages, depending on where are you moving – it can be a big challenge. Not only you have to worry about packing, transport, and unpacking, there are low temperatures, blizzard and other issues that can come your way. However, if you are prepared well, it can be a smooth move. So, if you are planning on moving in winter, here is what you need to know.
Moving in winter doesn’t have to be that difficult
Advantages of moving in winter
Even if you don’t think so, there are actually a couple of advantages of moving in winter.
You will pay less
Since the moving season includes warmer months in spring and autumn, this means that winter is not as busy. That’s why the moving companies will charge less for their services during the winter months – which means more money for the holidays.
Movers will be more careful
Since they are not as busy in winter months like in the peak of the moving season, movers will pay more attention to their clients. They will not be busy, tired and will have more time to carefully handle your belongings.
You can pick your dates
In the moving season, it is almost impossible to pick a date and time of picking up and delivery as you like. There are so many people moving then, so it is hard for moving companies to satisfy everybody’s wishes. In winter, however, you will probably get these very easily – your mover will not be as busy.
Moving in winter – things you should know and do
We need to be prepared for every type of move. However, moving in winter requires more preparation and organizing. You shouldn’t worry about that, because we prepared the most useful tips on how to survive moving in winter with minimum damage and stress.
Hire professionals
Hiring a professional moving company is a job half done. A reliable mover will use his skill and experience to move your items the safest way possible. So be sure to make the right decision when hiring a moving company.
Be ready to be delayed
You can plan and organize all you want, a simple blizzard or extremely ice roads can delay your move easily. That’s why you need to be ready for these situations and accept them if they happen. Make sure to confirm the details with your moving company a couple of days before the move, and the day before the move.
Check the weather
This means like an obvious one, but we need to say it. The weather forecast may be your best friend during a winter move. Since the weather can be pretty unpredictable during winter time, checking the weather days before the move is essential.
Make sure to check the weather when moving in winter so you are prepared for delays
Prepare your home for the move
In all the packing, we sometimes forget to prepare the home for the move. Be sure to do the following:
- protect the floors – use covers, plastic sheets, blankets, and other floor protection to save your floors from damage and dirt. Since everybody will go outside and come back in, expect a lot of dirt and water to be brought inside. Also, moving heavy furniture can damage the floors, too.
- clean the path – the path between your home and the moving trucks should be clear. Use shovels to clear any snow or ice that exists in front of your home.
- If you have a lot of stairs, it would be great to use salt or deicer spray just before the movers come, so they are safe to step on.
- check the lights – since winter days can be dark, and the sun sets earlier, be sure to have lights outside your home for extra safety.
Remember that everything you need to do for the old house – you need to do for the new house as well. Your new home should be prepared for when the movers come to unload the boxes.
Protect your belongings
Some items are easily damaged in low temperatures. Computers, TVs, glass, mirrors, dishware need to protect with extra layers of blankets, bubble wrap or cloths, so they don’t break during transport. Furthermore, if you are using a sotrage container to transport your items, be sure to put a layer of blankets on the bottom to minimize the risk. Maybe it would be best to load them last, or simply move the breakables with your car rather than a container or moving truck.
Create a warm atmosphere
Yes, moving in winter can be hard and cold. However, you can make it a lot easier by creating a warm atmosphere. It doesn’t matter if only movers come, or you also have help from some friends and family – take a good care of them. Be sure to bring some warm drinks like coffee, tea or cocoa, some snacks and have spare sets of gloves, hats, and warm socks.
Check the best route
Since in winter time some roads can be blocked due to the snow, make sure to check the route day before the move. In case some roads are blocked, find a route that is clear to go through. Make sure that the roads are clean and safe to travel.
Check the best rout and prepare your car when moving in winter
Prepare your car for the winter trip
This is especially important if you are making a long distance move. Your care should be in perfect condition for you and your family to arrive safely to the new home. Check the tires, defrost any ice and remove the snow from the windows. Have an emergency kit before you go, and a couple of blankets just in case. Put on your favorite music, turn on the heating and you are ready to go!
