Moving into a new home is tough no matter the time of year, but moving in winter can be even more difficult. From freezing temperatures to snow and ice, relocating during the winter comes with a unique set of challenges.
Moving to your new home in cold weather isn’t impossible. Here are ten winter moving tips that will help you enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Winter Moving Tips
Monitor the Weather
Keep checking the weather during the week leading up to your move. If conditions get worse and you’re concerned precipitation will make roads impassable, consider rescheduling. It’s better to postpone the move than to get caught in treacherous conditions and jeopardize your safety.
Be Flexible When Moving in Winter
Harsh winter might affect your moving plans. If you expect smooth sailing, you may be disappointed. To avoid this, prepare a contingency plan. For example, research alternate routes and have a backup move-in date set in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Contact Your Movers Early
Don’t wait until the week of the move to contact your movers. Book your moving company several weeks in advance. Touch base with them again one week before the date to make sure everything is on track. If the weather forecast looks bleak, contact your movers a day or two before the move to check-in and discuss your options.
Pack in Advance
Begin packing your belongings early. Start as soon as you can so you’re better prepared and less stressed on the day of the move. When packing, label the boxes for easy identification when you arrive at the new home.
Use Extra Protection When Packing
Fragile items like glass are more susceptible to breaking when it’s cold. Double wrap breakables in bubble wrap. Electronic devices are also sensitive to cold weather. To protect them, transport these items in a temperature-controlled car rather than a large moving truck.
Don’t Pack Your Winter Gear
Moving is stressful and while packing, you may become focused on the process and pack up some of your winter gear. Be sure to set aside warm clothes, snow boots, jackets, gloves, scarves, and ice melt products so you don’t accidentally pack them. You may end up needing these items on moving day.
Prepare Your Home for Moving in Winter
Get your home ready for the move. Before you start transporting and loading items, make sure it’s safe.
Clear any snow and leaves from your driveway to create a wide path to move your belongings. Make sure the walkways and steps are ice-free to prevent falls and injuries anddamage to delicate items.
Transfer Utilities from Your Old Home to the New One
Contact your utility providers to confirm that your services are transferring on the right day. You may even want to have them turn on the utilities at your new home a few days before you move. You’ll be cozy and warm moving into a new home with heat and lights already turned on.
Prepare a Hot Beverage
To warm up from the inside and score bonus points with the movers, make hot chocolate to treat everyone. You’ll be warmer, and the movers will appreciate the kind gesture.
Moving in Winter: Hire Professionals
A DIY move may seem like a great way to save money but it adds stress to an already overwhelming process. Moving companies may even charge less for a winter move because it’s an off-peak moving season. So, save yourself the time and hassle of a DIY move by hiring a professional moving company to help you.
A wintertime move sounds daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Use these winter moving tips and enjoy an easier, low-stress move.
Jones & Cooper Home Inspections offers inspection services in the Metro Louisville area. Contact us to request an appointment.