Moving to another house can be pretty overwhelming with all the preparations and logistics to think about. Moving in winter may seem like a nightmare. Or is it?
7 Things You Should Know About Moving in Winter to Make It Easier
While some folks would rather stay curled up under their blankets while it’s cold outside, if you think about it, moving during winter may not be as hard as you think.
1. Don’t hesitate to move during wintertime
Winter is not really a bad time to move. In fact, you can get pretty good deals out of it with movers offering winter rates due to the season’s low demands. If you schedule a move in winter, you’ll most likely get the best deals on your preferred dates.
2. Start packing way ahead of time
Perhaps the most stressful part of moving is packing everything up. Don’t wait until the last minute to pack. You don’t need the unnecessary stress procrastination brings.
If you’re working with professional movers, ask if they can drop off some boxes at your home so you can start packing at your own time. This way, when they arrive on the big day, all they need to do is load up the boxes.
Do yourself and everyone involved a huge favor by getting to work well in advance.
3. Prepare both houses for the move
A winter move means that snow and ice are your main concerns, more than just cooler temperatures. Make sure both sites’ walkways and driveways are cleared of snow and ice. If you have a surplus of carpets and unused cardboard boxes, you can lay them down on the floor and make a trail from the house to the moving truck. Some movers offer floor protection with their services. This gives traction for foot traffic and prevents accidents from taking place.
4. Make sure your vehicle is ready for hauling stuff
Whether you’re moving across town or cross-country, you need to make sure your vehicle is more than capable of getting the job done. Have it serviced before the move date. Check your tires’ pressure and treads. Take your truck for a hitch installation if necessary. Have an emergency kit and a few blankets just in case.
5. Be as organized as possible
This is important. The more organized you are, the easier the entire process will be. You can even save money if you’re organized. Come up with a system for packing (categorizing, box labels, etc.), traveling (pit stops, emergency equipment, food, etc.), and unpacking (where boxes and furniture are supposed to go, which boxes to open up first, etc.)
It’s also good to come up with contingency plans in anticipation of some delays brought about by the season like a few delays and longer travel time.
Make a detailed checklist of things that you need to accomplish for the move.
6. Keep your belongings protected from the weather
Moving in colder conditions can affect some of your belongings such as electronics and breakable items (dishes, glasses, ceramics, etc.). The change in temperature can cause some items to break and crack.
It is recommended that you double-wrap them in thick blankets to protect your things from the transition from your warm house to a cold container. Load these items last and take them out first when you unload. As for electronics, they should stay in your car.
7. Take care of the ones who will help you with the move
It’s hard to move all by yourself. For every person that helps you out and makes things easy for you, treat them well and take good care of them throughout the whole process.
Whether you ask some of your friends to help you out or hire professional movers, do your best to make it pleasant for them, too. Prepare hot cocoa or coffee to warm them up. Serve them some snacks. Tip them more than you would if you were moving in summer.
No matter what season you plan to move, it is never an easy thing to do. The best thing that you can do about it is to plan for it properly and make sure that you stay organized throughout the whole process of moving, from packing to unpacking. As long as you cover all the bases and ensure everyone’s safety during the move, you’ll be alright.
