While moving during the winter has some pros \u2014 fewer people moving, lower moving labor prices \u2014 it does present its own challenges. The first obvious challenge being the weather.<\/p>\n
Never fear, though. The Moving Help\u00ae Marketplace will provide you with eight tips for moving in the winter, so you can make moving day a little easier, even when the weather tries to make your life difficult.<\/p>\n
1. Check The Weather<\/strong><\/p>\n This is the first and most obvious step. You\u2019ll want to check the weather days to a week prior to your moving date. This will help you measure expectations for your upcoming move.<\/p>\n Whether a potential snow blizzard is brewing in Toronto or a heavy, cold rainstorm is expected in Seattle, you need to know what to prepare for your move.<\/p>\n Knowing this information will set the rest of your expectations for your move.<\/p>\n \u201cWatch the forecast before move day and create a backup plan in case you encounter a storm,\u201d said Daniel Romero, Moving Helper business development coordinator and a former Moving Help Service Provider.<\/p>\n Additionally, moving in the winter will mean you have less daylight. The less daylight you have for your move means you need to maximize the time you can get.<\/p>\n \u201cWinter days become shorter, so it\u2019s best to start moving early to maximize daylight,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n 2. Keep Constant Communication with Your Movers<\/strong><\/p>\n If your moving date has the potential to have dangerous weather or has the potential to be canceled, you need to stay in contact with your movers. Your movers also have to think about their own crew safety for any type of weather scenario.<\/p>\n When you book professional moving labor from the Moving Help Marketplace, you\u2019ll receive your labor-only movers\u2019 phone number and email. You\u2019ll want to provide updates to each other to figure out whether your move will happen or not.<\/p>\n If you or your Service Provider doesn\u2019t think a move can happen on your moving date, you\u2019ll need to reschedule your moving date or find another moving company.<\/p>\n If you need to rebook your moving help with the Moving Help Marketplace, you can use the funds you originally paid for with your first Service Provider for your second Service Provider.<\/p>\n 3. Dress for The Winter<\/strong><\/p>\n This may seem obvious, but it still needs to be said. Even if you hire labor-only movers, you should still want to supervise your move so that nothing is missed. If the weather is calling for snow, you shouldn\u2019t wear shorts and a T-shirt with flip flops.<\/p>\n Here are 10 items you might want to consider wearing when moving in the winter :<\/p>\n \u2022 Snow boots<\/em> 4. Protect Your Items and Home<\/strong><\/p>\n Because it\u2019ll be cold when moving during the winter, you need to be sure your items and your home are protected.<\/p>\n \u201cWrap all furniture and beds in plastic wrap to avoid exposure to the elements,\u201d Romero said.<\/p>\n For your items, you\u2019ll want to make sure certain items have double or extra padding when placing them into moving boxes. Fragile or breakable items definitely need an extra layer to avoid damage when outside in the cold.<\/p>\n \u201cGlass and ceramics become brittle in cold temperatures, so make sure to use extra padding when packing,\u201d Romero said.<\/p>\n If your move will have snow or rain on your moving day, you want to protect your old and new homes. To avoid bringing in debris and damaging floors, make sure you have a spot where people can wipe their shoes.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s ideal to create a dry staging zone near the door,\u201d Romero said.<\/p>\n You also should consider having blankets or cardboard boxes laid throughout the home, so people can walk on them when bringing in moving boxes and furniture in and out of your home. This will help avoid damage to your carpet or hardwood floors.<\/p>\n \u201cPlace mats, runners, or cardboard to catch any sludge that could be tracked in,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n 5. Clear Walkways and Keep A \u201cWarm Room\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Speaking of the floor, you\u2019ll want to make sure all walkways are clear of any hazards. You also should make sure items are put away to avoid someone tripping on an object while moving into your home.<\/p>\n One of the tips for moving in the winter, when it comes to clear walkways, is to salt your driveway and walkway. Salting these areas prevents snow and ice from forming, which can make it more dangerous to move in and out of your home.<\/p>\n \u201cSalt and shovel a path that your movers will use,\u201d Romero said.<\/p>\n Additionally, you could keep a \u201cWarm Room\u201d somewhere in your home. This should be a place where people can quickly warm up, eat a warm snack, and sip on a warm drink. This will keep people from freezing the whole time and still keep morale high for everyone involved in your move.<\/p>\n Above all else, take your time. If your move is rushed, someone or your belongings are more likely to be damaged.<\/p>\n 6. Schedule Your Utilities<\/strong><\/p>\n While some tips for moving in the winter are ideal, this is a non-negotiable tip. Nothing is worse than moving into your new home that has no power \u2014 electric or gas, or both. Ideally, you want to make sure your electric and\/or gas company turns on your home\u2019s power anywhere from three to seven days prior to your move.<\/p>\n Before your moving day, you should make sure everything works accordingly.<\/p>\n While some argue that having the power on will waste electricity and gas since you and your moving labor team will be in and out of your home, which means the front or garage door (or both) will be open constantly. We think it\u2019s better to have a warm home before, during, and after moving day and spend a little bit more money on your electric and gas bills.<\/p>\n It\u2019s only one day, and it\u2019s not like you\u2019ll constantly move like this for the rest of the year anyway.<\/p>\n 7. Keep Your Pets and Children Safe<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s crucial to keep your pets and children safe during moving day. It\u2019s especially crucial when moving with pets or moving with kids in the winter.<\/p>\n You should keep them in a warm, closed-off room where they\u2019ll have plenty of food, water, and entertainment to keep them occupied while you periodically check on them.<\/p>\n You also may consider hiring a dog sitter and a babysitter, so your pets and children aren\u2019t home during the move at all.<\/p>\n 8. Prepare Your Vehicles<\/strong><\/p>\n Moving during the winter also means making sure you prepare your vehicles.<\/p>\n For your car, you\u2019ll want to make sure the windshields and the top of your car have the snow removed, so it doesn\u2019t cause a hazard for you or other drivers.<\/p>\n When moving in the winter, it may be a better idea to keep your essentials box, antique, or meaningful items in your car.<\/p>\n If you rent a U-Haul truck, make sure it has plenty of gas, and that you drive it carefully and cautiously. Roads can be slippery and icy, so it\u2019s best to take your time driving \u2014 whether it\u2019s in a residential neighborhood or on the interstate.<\/p>\n Properly Plan for Moving During The Winter<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Long socks<\/em>
\n\u2022 Long pants<\/em>
\n\u2022 Long-sleeve shirts<\/em>
\n\u2022 Heavy jacket<\/em>
\n\u2022 Scarf<\/em>
\n\u2022 Gloves<\/em>
\n\u2022 Hat<\/em>
\n\u2022 Earmuffs<\/em>
\n\u2022 Reusable heat packs<\/em><\/p>\n
\nWhile Moving Help hopes your wintertime move goes off without a hitch, sometimes you need a Plan B. These eight tips for moving in the winter should help guide you in making a more successful move.<\/p>\n