How To Make Move In The Winter Easy?
Moving can be stressful, and the difficulties increase when you relocate during the winter months. The reasons for this increased difficulty are obvious: depending on your location, temperatures might drop dramatically, and you may encounter rain, snow, or ice, making the entire moving procedure more difficult and potentially dangerous. Furthermore, winter presents additional challenges, such as snow on your path and the need for heavy lifting in freezing temperatures. Being extra cautious when packing your belongings is essential for preventing harm.
You shouldn’t worry if you are unable to relocate at a different time of year. The benefit of moving in the winter is that you may save a lot of money. This is because moving companies typically provide better pricing and more flexible scheduling during the winter months, when moving is less in demand.
In this blog, we aim to provide you with some of the best winter moving suggestions. These insights can help you manage what might seem to be a less-than-ideal situation, eventually saving you money, stress, and time.
1. Begin Early Packing
To make your winter move easier, it’s important to start packing well before the moving day. This simple step can turn what could be a stressful event into a smoother one. Waiting until the last moment to start packing can be overwhelming, so by starting early, you can break down the task into smaller, more manageable parts. You can focus on one room or type of item at a time, making everything less confusing.
Packing early also gives you the chance to decide what you truly need to bring with you and what you can give away or discard. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so starting early provides a safety net in case something unexpected occurs. This will give you more time to deal with any unexpected situations. When moving day arrives, you’ll be better organised and less worried.
2. Prepare a Winter Survival Kit
To ease the challenges of moving during the winter, consider creating a winter survival kit with essential supplies. This kit, conveniently stored in your moving truck or van, can be a lifesaver when facing unexpected situations. Include items such as a reliable shovel for vehicle rescue in snowy conditions, sandbags or salt to provide traction on icy surfaces, and a snow brush with an ice scraper to keep your vehicle clear. Additionally, pack a flashlight with spare batteries for emergencies, extra warm clothing and blankets to combat the cold, and essential utilities like food, water, and a first aid kit.
In addition to these essentials, prepare for emergencies when travelling by including jumper cables, tow ropes, and window scrapers in your kit. Multiple pairs of gloves are advisable, especially in snowy conditions, where wet gloves can become uncomfortable. Sheets and towels can serve as protective layers for furniture, artwork, and electronics in case of unexpected weather changes throughout the day. By preparing this comprehensive winter survival kit, you prepare to handle the uncertainties of winter with greater ease and safety.
3. Stay Informed with Weather Reports
When you’re moving during the winter, it’s important to keep an eye on the daily weather reports in your area. Checking the weather each day helps you stay updated on any changes and lets you prepare accordingly. This way, if the weather doesn’t look right, you can adjust your moving plans. Consider factors like how many people are moving and make changes if needed.
This becomes especially important in winter when there might be forecasts of snow, which could potentially cause issues with your move. If the moving company you’ve chosen can’t operate due to weather conditions, remember this when picking removal services. It’s good to have a backup plan with movers who can handle less-than-ideal weather conditions. Staying informed about the weather allows you to make timely decisions, resulting in a smoother and more flexible moving experience, especially in uncertain winter weather.
4. Gear Up for Winter Weather
Weather can change anytime during the winter, which is why it is important to be prepared for all kinds of weather. When you’re packing your things, make sure to wrap and protect them well from the snow and ice. Consider using special boxes and bags designed to shield your items from water damage, especially if they might get wet outside. For added protection, try to pack smaller items in between the larger ones when loading your belongings. This not only fills up empty spaces but also prevents shifting during transit, reducing the risk of damage.
If handling all of this seems overwhelming, consider getting help from professional movers. They have the expertise to pack your belongings securely. Another handy option is using moving blankets. These are excellent for safeguarding various surfaces and furniture, whether they’re outside during the move or on display in your new home. To make moving easier, you can also invest in or rent specially designed moving skids or dollies. These tools can be particularly helpful for sliding items like bikes, plants, and boxes with less effort. By taking these steps, you ensure that your belongings stay protected and your winter move goes smoothly.
5. Child and Pet Care Assistance During the Move
Making a winter move easy involves considering the needs of your little ones and furry friends. Moving with kids and pets can be challenging, especially when dealing with snow and all the tasks that come with it. To simplify this, you have a couple of options. Firstly, you can plan your move on a school day if it aligns with your schedule. This way, your kids are occupied, and you can focus on the move without worrying about their safety or keeping them entertained.
Alternatively, hiring a babysitter for the day can be a lifesaver. They can look after your children, ensuring they are safe and occupied while you handle the move. It provides you with the peace of mind that your kids are in good hands, and you can concentrate on the tasks at hand. Similarly, for your pets, consider leaving them with a relative for the day or hiring a professional pet sitter. This ensures that your furry friends are well taken care of and are not stressed by the hustle and bustle of the moving process.
6. Clear Snow and Ice at Both Locations
Don’t forget to clear away snow from both your current home and your new place when moving in the winter. Snow-covered pathways can pose a serious challenge, making your moving efforts tougher and less safe. Imagine trying to walk through thick snow while juggling a load of belongings. It’s not just difficult but also unsafe. Additionally, movers and helpers can bring in snow, slush, and dirt as they go in and out of homes, making it important to keep things clean.
Lay down cardboard boxes or plastic drop sheets to create a path, making it quicker and easier for them to carry items without worrying about damaging or staining the floors. This step becomes even more essential if your new home has hardwood floors, as the extra moisture from snow can cause lasting damage. By ensuring both locations are snow-free and taking measures to keep the indoors clean, you make the moving process smoother and protect your belongings and living spaces.
7. Use Portable Storage Containers
During the winter months, when the number of daylight hours is limited, it becomes necessary to make the most of your time. Portable storage containers can be a real game-changer, especially when dealing with the constraints imposed by daylight savings time. These containers offer the advantages of flexibility and convenience. You can pack and load your belongings at your own pace without the pressure of adhering to strict moving schedules. This is particularly helpful during the winter, when weather conditions and reduced daylight hours can pose challenges.
By using portable storage containers, you can efficiently organise your packing and loading process. These containers can be delivered to your doorstep, allowing you to pack gradually and according to your schedule. Once you have packed your belongings into the portable storage containers, you have the flexibility to choose when and how you want these containers to be moved. This flexibility minimises the impact of daylight savings time constraints and adds convenience to your winter move, making it a more manageable and efficient process.
8. Take Advantage of Winter Cost Savings
Moving during the winter season offers practical benefits and can be financially wise. Moving expenses can quickly add up, particularly during the peak summer months when demand is high. Opting for a winter move can significantly reduce the overall cost of your relocation. Winter is considered the off-season for moving companies, which means they are not as busy as they are during the summer. As a result of reduced demand, moving companies often offer more affordable rates and greater flexibility in scheduling. This presents a cost-saving opportunity for those planning a move, making it a practical and economical choice.
By taking advantage of the lower costs associated with winter moving, you can save money and have more options in terms of services and scheduling. This financial advantage can make your winter move not only easy but also more budget-friendly, allowing you to allocate resources to other aspects of the relocation process.
9. Confirm Plans with Movers
As part of your strategy to make your winter move easy, it’s recommended that you check in with your chosen movers about a week before the scheduled moving day. This is a good practice that holds extra importance in the winter. Whether you’re renting a truck or hiring professional movers, confirming plans a week in advance ensures that everyone is on the same page. Winter weather can be unpredictable, so this check-in provides an opportunity to discuss any potential challenges or adjustments needed due to weather conditions.
By confirming details ahead of time, you allow for flexibility and better preparation. If there are any changes or special considerations required due to winter conditions, you and your movers can strategize and adapt the plan accordingly. This proactive approach helps to minimise surprises and ensure a smoother moving experience, even in the face of winter uncertainties.
10. Layered Dressing with Waterproof Boots
When moving during the winter, it is important to dress appropriately for both comfort and safety. Physical exertion during the moving process can make you sweat, even in cold temperatures. To deal with this, it is recommended to dress in layers. This way, you can easily adjust your clothing to your comfort level by removing layers if you get too warm. Moreover, it is essential to invest in high-quality, waterproof, and slip-proof boots to handle various winter conditions.
Snow, hail, rain, and black ice are common challenges during winter moves. It is safer and easier to walk in slippery areas when you wear footwear that provides grip and prevents slips. Quality boots also keep your feet dry in wet conditions, preventing discomfort and potential health issues associated with exposure to cold and dampness. By focusing on layered clothes and investing in durable winter boots, you not only ensure your comfort but also protect yourself from the unpredictable elements of winter.
11. Hire Moving Experts
Taking advantage of the expertise offered by professional movers is a smart move, especially during the winter. As previously stated, relocation expenses are typically lower in the winter months than during peak seasons. By hiring expert movers, you not only save money but also relieve yourself of the stress and time-consuming responsibilities that come with a winter relocation. Professional movers have the experience and understanding to handle the difficulties that winter may present.
They are prepared to manage a variety of weather situations and assure the safety and security of your items during transportation. This expertise extends to effective packing, loading, and unloading procedures, which simplify the entire moving process. Leaving the moving and storage tasks to professionals allows you to concentrate on other elements of your relocation, such as settling into your new home. It gives you peace of mind knowing that experienced professionals are handling the logistics, providing an easy and hassle-free relocation even during the winter season.
Conclusion
Moving during the winter can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and strategic steps, it can become more manageable. By implementing the tips provided, you can significantly ease your winter moving process. Starting preparations early, using a winter survival kit, and keeping an eye on the weather are crucial. Clearing snow, dressing appropriately, and using portable storage containers add to the ease of the process. Furthermore, employing expert movers, especially during the winter slow season, not only helps you handle difficulties but also saves you money.
Harry The Mover is an excellent option if you’re searching for a trustworthy moving company. We can ensure an effortless relocation throughout the winter months with our moving skills. Our experienced professionals can handle various aspects of the move, making the relocation process more efficient and stress-free. Trust Harry The Mover to handle your winter move and make it a seamless experience.