Ah, winter. It’s that magical time of year when you can cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa, watch the snowflakes fall gently outside your window, and… plan a big move! You bet! While it might not be the most conventional time to pack up and relocate, moving in the wintertime can actually have its perks. Of course, there are also some unique challenges to consider as well. So grab your favorite warm beverage and read on for our ultimate guide to navigating a winter move like a pro!
Why Move in the Winter
Before we dive into all those tips and tricks, let’s address the frosty elephant in the room: why would someone choose to move during this chilly season? Well, there are actually several reasons:
- Off-season discounts: The majority of people tend to move during the warmer months (May through August). As such, moving companies often offer lower rates during their off-peak season (i.e., wintertime) as an incentive.
- Increased availability: With fewer people vying for movers’ attention during these colder months, you’ll have an easier time securing your preferred moving date and even negotiating better deals or additional services.
- Cozier housewarming parties: There’s something about gathering with friends and family in a warm home amid chilly weather that just feels extra special.
Sounds pretty good so far, right? However, with these benefits come some unique obstacles that must be accounted for – but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
Preparing For Your Big Winter Move
1. Hire Professional Movers Early On
As previously mentioned, winter is typically a less busy time for moving companies; however, they may still operate with reduced hours or staff. It’s essential to start researching and contacting movers as soon as possible to secure your ideal date, time, and services.
When reaching out to potential moving companies, be sure to ask about their experiences with winter moves specifically – you want a team that knows how to handle icy roads and snowy conditions safely.
2. Keep an Eye on the Weather
Mother Nature can be unpredictable at any time of year but especially so during the winter months. Be sure to keep a close eye on the weather forecast leading up to your move. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your movers if things start looking dicey, as they may have suggestions for adjusting plans or rescheduling if necessary.
3. Bundle Up Your Belongings
Cold temperatures can affect some items more than others when it comes time for transport:
- Electronics can suffer from condensation issues when transitioning between cold outdoor air and warm indoor spaces.
- Wooden furniture is vulnerable to warping due to rapid changes in temperature and humidity levels.
- Artwork and collectibles might experience damage from fluctuating temperatures, particularly if they’re fragile or sensitive materials like oil paintings or delicate figurines.
To help protect these items:
- Wrap them generously in blankets, bubble wrap, or other insulating materials.
- Consider using plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes for extra protection against moisture.
- If possible, transport electronics in their original packaging (as this was designed with protection in mind) or invest in specialty electronic moving boxes.
And remember: always label boxes containing fragile items clearly so that both you and your moving team know which ones require special care!
4. Prepping Your Current Home
Here are some tips for getting your current space ready for moving day:
A) Clear Outdoor Pathways
Nobody wants a mover slipping on ice while carrying their belongings! Make sure all walkways, driveways, and stairs at your current home are clear of snow and ice before the moving truck arrives. Keep some ice melt handy to apply as needed throughout the day.
B) Protect Your Floors
All that outdoor slush and salt can wreak havoc on your floors. Prevent damage by laying down floor protection in high-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and around door frames. You can use plastic sheeting or specialized moving blankets for this purpose. Don’t forget to have a couple of sturdy doormats in place to help catch excess moisture from shoes and boots!
C) Crank Up the Heat (But Not Too Much)
Keep your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature during the move – not too hot, as you don’t want your movers breaking a sweat! Aim for a balance between keeping everyone warm enough without overheating or wasting energy.
5. Prepping Your New Home
Once you’ve got everything sorted at your old place, it’s time to make sure your new home is ready for move-in:
A) Clear Outdoor Pathways (Again!)
This time it’s about ensuring safe passage for both people and items at your new residence. As with your old house, keep pathways clear of snow and ice so that everyone can navigate easily throughout the day.
B) Floor Protection (Round 2)
Just like you did in your current home, put down floor protection materials in high-traffic areas of your new space.
C) Utilities: Check!
Make sure all utilities (heat, water, electricity) are up and running before moving day – nobody wants to arrive at their new home only to find they’re without heat or power during wintertime!
6. Dress Appropriately
Layer up! Choose clothing that is comfortable but also provides warmth and protection from the elements. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics to help keep you dry, and don’t forget your hat, gloves, and warm socks! Keep a spare change of clothes handy in case anything gets wet during the move.
7. Create a Winter Moving Essentials Kit
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand for your winter move:
- Warm beverages (hot cocoa or coffee, anyone?)
- Portable snacks (granola bars, trail mix)
- Extra hats, gloves, scarves
- Hand warmers
- Ice melt and/or sand
- A snow shovel
- A first aid kit (just in case!)
- Phone chargers/power banks
And… That’s a Wrap!
Phew! We’ve covered quite a bit here – but with these tips under your belt, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of moving in the wintertime. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea (or hot cocoa), relocating during this chilly season can indeed be an adventure with its own set of unique rewards.
So go forth with confidence – happy moving and stay warm out there!
