Frigid temperatures and snow aren’t ideal moving conditions, but due to life circumstances, a winter move may be in your future. Don’t let the winter weather prevent you from having a safe and successful move. Minimize the stress of your move by taking a deep breath and implementing the following tips.
Be prepared with contingency plans when planning a winter move.
Winter weather can be unpredictable bringing on conditions that may make it unsafe to follow through with a home move. Work with your moving company to develop backup plans if weather conditions prevent you from following your original schedule. For example, significant snowfall may prevent the moving trucks from reaching your home. Contingency plans should be worked out with your moving company to ensure your move isn’t delayed any longer than necessary.
When planning your move, try to schedule the earliest start time the moving company will allow.
Winter means fewer daylight hours. On the shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice, there are only about 7 hours and 50 minutes of daylight. Moving during daylight hours will be safer and prevent any errors from occurring. It will also reduce the need to set up lighting in the home and along the path from your home to the moving truck.
Electronics can be damaged in very cold weather so take extra precautions when packing and transporting them.
Extremely cold weather can freeze some components in your electronics, including LCD screens. In addition, metal contracts in very low temperatures, causing stress on moving parts in your electronics. Batteries, such as those found in mobile devices, are also negatively affected by cold weather. Extremely low temperatures cause a decrease in their charging capacity. If you are moving in the winter, consider packing your electronics in smaller boxes that can be transported in your vehicle where the temperature can be controlled.
Make sure driveways, walkways, and the road in front of your home are clear when moving in the winter.
Shovel snow and remove any ice from the pathways your movers will be traveling along, especially from the house to where the moving truck will be parked. If the moving truck will be parked in front of your home, be sure that the area along the curb is cleared since plowed snow can get pushed up along the sides of roads. You want the moving truck to have to park too far into the street. Doing so may block traffic and put the movers in a dangerous situation as they load the truck.
Protect your floors from winter weather elements.
As movers travel in and out of your home they could track in slushy snow and salt. This will not only leave a mess on your floors but also can cause damage. Before they begin moving your items, make sure they adequately cover your floors with durable skid-resistant runners to prevent any accidents. Discuss this with your movers before moving day so they come prepared.
Moving in the winter can get messy so have plenty of old towels on hand.
Despite all the precautions taken including protective floor runners, movers can easily track snow and moisture into your home on unprotected surfaces. By having a supply of clean, dry, old towels handy, you can make sure any accidental moisture that gets onto your floors or belongings can be quickly soaked up. Although not as absorbent, you can also collect old linens or t-shirts to help things stay dry. Ask friends and family ahead of time if they have any they are looking to donate – you will need an ample supply.
Be particularly diligent if you have wood floors. Most homeowners are well aware that too much moisture can damage wood floors. Rock salt, used to melt ice, can be especially harmful. It, along with de-icing chemicals, can eat away at the finish on hardwood floors which in turn will allow the moisture to soak into the wood. Floor repairs are the last thing you want to deal with after a winter move!
Confirm your utilities will be on at your new home on move-in day.
With a winter move, there is a chance movers will arrive at your new home after the sun has set. If that is the case, you should keep your home well-lit so they can do their job safely and deliver your items undamaged. Some of your items would likely benefit from being delivered to a warm house after traveling through frigid temperatures.
Have hot drinks on hand to help keep everyone warm.
Moving heavy items puts stress on the body and doing so in cold weather can put additional stress on the cardiovascular system. Providing warm beverages can help movers work more efficiently and the gesture will be much appreciated.
You can’t control the weather, but you can take some steps to alleviate some of its negative effects on your winter move. The experienced staff at Reynolds Moving & Storage have successfully executed moves year-round in various weather conditions. Contact us so we can start planning your upcoming winter move.
Recent Comments