Tips for moving in the winter – stay safe and plan ahead
The holiday season is upon us and so is the beautiful, cold, lustrous weather that comes with it. I have lived in Colorado for over 37 years and have seen some very interesting winter weather. Anyone remember the blizzard of October 1997? I remember that storm quite well as Moving day was just started three months earlier. Fortunately, storms of that caliber are far and few between, but they wreak havoc on servicing our customer’s moving needs.
Moving can be stressful at any time of year, but moving during the winter months comes with its own set of challenges. We have prepared a list of tips to make moving in the winter as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Be Flexible
We know the weather is unpredictable. It can be clear one day and then a blizzard the next. Here in Colorado we also have wind, hail, and ice. So in the weeks that lead up to your move, keep an eye on the weather forecast and potential conditions. If a storm is predicted on the day you want to move, you should contact your movers and reschedule. It is better to reschedule than to get caught in a blizzard. Your movers can’t control the weather and are probably colder than you are. So listen to their concerns. If the roads are icy, it’s safer to delay the move than run the risk for your possessions and people’s lives.
Be prepared and pack in advance
The sooner you start packing the easier it will be. Don’t start packing the day of your move. Have everything packed, organized, and labeled. This will make it easier to distribute your belongings at the new location and it will make items easier to find.
Be Safe – Create a safe environment for your move
Winter weather conditions can make moving more dangerous. Before you load anything, shovel away any snow to provide a wide path for moving furniture and large items. Make sure walkways are free of any ice. A de-icer or anti-icer on steps and sidewalks works well.
Cover your Floors
For the inside of your house or apartment consider laying down plastic sheeting or something to protect your floors. You and your movers will be in and out frequently which promotes tracking in moisture, snow, or dirt. Protective blankets or sheeting can prevent stains, scratches, or the need for additional cleaning. Lay down floor mats at every outside door.
Protect your belongings from Winter Weather
When you are moving during the winter, it is important to protect your items from the cold. Breakable items such as dishes and glasses are susceptible to temperature changes and can break or crack if the temperature changes drastically. Double wrapping everything can help transition from high to cold temperatures.
Electronic devices do not like the cold. Pack them into one or two boxes and put those in your car where the heat will be on to maintain a warm and steady temperature.
Turn the heat off
People will be going in and out and your furnace will be trying to heat the house. If you turn the heat off for the day it will save on the heating bill.
Heat your bathroom
When the heat in the house is turned off, run a space heater in the main bathroom with the door closed. It will be worth it to have a few minutes of warmth while taking care of business.
Board your pets
It is extremely difficult to move with a puppy underfoot or worrying about them dashing out the door. Make sure your fur babies are safe and taken care of on the day of your move.
Utilities are on at the new house
There is nothing worse than having no heat and no light in the middle of winter. Make sure all of the utilities are on and working in your new home before you move in. We recommend having the utilities on 2 days before your move.
Keep your insides warm
Have a crockpot of hot chocolate, apple cider, or coffee going for you and your movers. When you feel like your fingers won’t move and the movers look frostbitten they will gladly stop for a warm drink to warm up.
Have winter essentials ready
Pack warm blankets, coats, hats, scarves, and gloves in the car instead of with the rest of your belongings in your moving truck. It’s better to be over-prepared so that you are ready for anything.
Take care of your movers and tip well
When moving in the winter, is much more difficult than moving in the summer. It is best to hire professional movers to move your belongings. They have more experience moving in the winter weather and are better equipped to deal with the challenges.
Make sure to thank them for all of their hard work and tip them more than you typically would during a summer move. Moving rates don’t typically change during the winter so the movers aren’t getting paid extra to deal with the snow, ice, and wind. Thank them for moving during the winter weather and reinforce your appreciation with a good tip.
Moving during the winter doesn’t have to be difficult. With careful consideration and planning, you can still have an ideal move during the winter.
