While it’s true that summer is the most popular time to move, that doesn’t mean that moving in the winter is impossible. In fact, it can be an incredibly exciting path to take! Not only are moving companies less busy in the winter than they are in the summer, but you may be able to land better prices than you would during peak season. Considering that the weather will be quite different you may be wondering how to prepare for a winter move.
If you’ve got a frosty move on the horizon, here are some helpful winter moving tips designed to get the job done:
1. Weatherproof Your Packing
For at least 39 states throughout the U.S., winter means freezing temperatures, snow, and cold weather. If you’re not careful, these elements can destroy your household items. Fortunately, you have a chance to prevent that from happening. By weatherproofing your packing, you can protect items like couches, textiles, and artwork from damaging exterior conditions. Depending on what you’re trying to move, some things will be simple to weatherproof and others will be more complex. Wrap mattresses, for example, in large mattress bags and use bubble and plastic wrap to cover things like paintings and artwork. This repels water and other moisture and keeps your items safe and sound throughout their move.
2. Hire Movers
If you’re moving during the winter, hiring a team of professional movers is a great decision. Not only will those movers have the tools and trucks to get the job done quickly and easily, but they’ll also have a wide range of dates available throughout the winter, and will be able to bring a team to help you hammer out the move as rapidly as possible. If you’ve never hired movers before, do your research and shop around. You’ll be able to find reviews online and on social media sites, like Facebook. Don’t hesitate to ask your friends and family for local recommendations, as well. They’ll be able to provide you with some real-time feedback on the companies you’re interested in. Once you’ve found a moving team you like, confirm the details of your move about a week out, and ensure everything is still good to go.
3. Keep an Eye on the Weather
As your move draws closer, keep an eye on changing weather conditions. As your move draws near, check the weather every few days. If it seems like snow or bad conditions will shut down roads or limit mobility during your move, call the moving company in advance and make a different plan. While moving on time matters, it’s also important to move safely, which can mean rescheduling if the weather makes it impossible.
4. Cover The Floors
Moving in the winter is just like moving in the summer in that people are going in and out of the house all day long. In the winter, though, this involves lots of different pairs of feet tracking snow, dirt, and ice melter into your home. This can damage your floors and make it harder to get your deposit back, or ruin the carpet in your new place. With this in mind, cover your floors with paper, cheap plastic tarps, and floor mats. This makes it easy for people to move about as they need, without worrying about ruining your floors. You may also consider turning off the heat, to save your furnace from trying to keep your house warm, while all its hard work flows right out the ever-open door.
5. Get Your Car Serviced
Before you embark on your big, winter move, get your car cleaned, serviced, and checked up. Nobody wants to deal with a car that breaks down on the side of the highway during a long-distance move, and it makes sense to head these issues off at the pass. Take your car to a professional shop to have the fluids checked and ensure everything is running as it should. If the mechanic spots any issues, have them repaired before you set out on your adventure.
6. Make a Plan for Pets
If you’ve got pets, you need to keep their safety and wellbeing in mind during your winter move. This is especially true if your pets are old, young, or very fragile to cold temperatures (inside cats and certain breeds of small dogs, for example). During the move, be especially conscious that these pets aren’t getting outside on accident, and that they have ample food, water, and warmth throughout the duration of the move. No matter what, never put a pet into a moving truck or leave them in the car during a long period of time. If you have pet-specific questions about how best to ensure your furry friends handle the move, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet about how you can make the process safer and more comfortable for your pets.
7. Make Sure Your Utilities are Set Up
Few things are worse than showing up at a new home and realizing that your utilities aren’t set up. You NEED hot water and heat in the winter, so be sure that you call the utility company and put these things in place before you wind up at your new place. If there are any questions about whether or not the utilities will be ready by the time you move in, be sure to go back and forth with the company to ensure you’re getting what you need, and that the house is ready to inhabit when you arrive.
How to Prepare for a Winter Move
While moving in winter is not something that lots of people do, it can be a great move when you do it correctly. Not only can moving during the off-season save you money, but it’s also a great way to get your move done quickly and be in place to enjoy the summer months in your new place. To learn more about how to prepare for a winter move, or to secure the team you need for your big transition, contact Colonial Van Lines today. We’re here to help you put the plans and details in place and get the help you need to complete the job.
