Tips to Survive Moving In The Winter

Contrary to popular belief, winter can be a great time to move.  It is a much slower season for house and apartment hunting, so you will not have as much buyer’s competition. You can even get better deals if the seller/renter is in a hurry.  So if you are planning to move anytime soon, you will need to make some special preparations. We’ve compiled a list of the most important preparations to make for a winter move.

Protect your floors (and breakables)

Plan on the possibility of snow of moving day. Get rubber, non-slip runners for the main traffic ways in your new and old home.  You will be making a lot of trips with heavy boxes, in and out while packing the truck and do not want anyone slipping or dropping your items.  You also want to protect the floors in your new home and your old floors for the new owners. If you cannot get runners, large pieces of cardboard will also work. They absorb the water and provide slip resistance.

Pack a “necessities” box

Pack your gloves, hats, scarves, boots and anything else you may need for moving day, in a separate box that does not get put into the moving truck.  Keep it somewhere accessible.

Plan on shoveling and de-icing

Make sure you shovel or salt the walkways, driveways and areas around your doors.  Doing this ahead of time, in both your new home and the home you are leaving, will save you a lot of time and make moving day go much more smoothly.

Turn up the heat!

Make arrangements to have the heat and electricity turned on a few days before you move in.  When you arrive in your new home, you want it to be warm and well lit, with hot water available.

Remember your temperature-sensitive possessions

Keep your chargers, tablets, laptops and other temperature-sensitive electronics in the car with you.  The inside of an unheated moving truck can get very cold and things can freeze if you have a lengthy drive. Some wooden furniture should not be exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods of time.  Ask the movers to wrap these with extra padding to retain heat. Plants are another item you may need to keep with you in your heated car.  Many of them cannot withstand freezing temperatures.

Board your pets

It is easiest to board your pets during a move, but if this is not possible, make sure to leave a space for them in your car.

Think of your movers

Whether you hire professional movers or do the work yourself, have plenty of hot drinks available.  Hot coffee, tea and hot chocolate are great options and will give them the energy to get the job done. It will also be very appreciated!

Moving in the winter can be a challenge, but being prepared will make a huge difference for everyone involved.  It will prevent accidents and injuries, damage to your possessions and floors and will make the day go much more smoothly.  When you arrive at your new home, it will be warm, well-it, inviting and welcoming and you will feel right away, that you are home.

Contact our team for more information!

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