Tips for Moving During the Winter

Moving any time of year can be tough, but this is especially true during the winter. Winter weather is unpredictable and can be brutal if you are not properly prepared. While summer is peak moving time and the busiest for moving companies, there are advantages to moving during the winter. There is more availability from moving companies and more competitive prices. If you decide that moving during the winter is in your best interest, here are 5 tips you should follow.
 
Be flexible with your moving schedule
Flexibility is key when moving during winter months. Winter is a very unpredictable season, and it is possible for there to be weather that makes it impossible for you and a moving team to make the move. You want to keep up with weather forecasts in the week or two leading up to your move. If it looks like a major storm may come through, get in contact with your moving company as soon as possible so you can reschedule. 
 
Make sure all utilities are on
The last thing anyone wants is to show up to their new house in the dead of winter without access to light and heat. It is important to get your utilities turned on at least two days before the move, to ensure your moving day goes as smooth as possible.
 
Clear walkways and sidewalk
You are going to be doing a lot of walking and heavy lifting in between your home and the moving truck. The worst thing you can do is leave these covered in layers of snow. Not only does this make your job harder, but also more dangerous. You should make sure to shovel your walkways and driveway, and possibly even salt it to ensure the least amount of ice as possible. A slip or injury can completely change the trajectory of your move. 
 
Protect your items from the weather
While not everything you own will be affected by the cold, there are items you should be taking extra precaution with, to make sure they are not damaged or broken due to the weather. For example, glassware from the kitchen should be double wrapped or even wrapped in a blanket so that it stays warm. If the glassware were to go from your room temp home all the way to freezing temperatures, serious damage can be done. You could also pack items like this in your car instead of the truck, where they will most likely stay warmer. Another precaution you can take is packing items like this last so that they also get unpacked first. This minimizes the time they spend in differing temperature.
 
Lay protection on the floor
Because you will be walking in and out of the house, you are bound to get snow and dirt everywhere. The best thing you can do to prevent this from causing damage is laying down a covering, such as a tarp, on carpet and hardwood floors. Laying down mats in front of the door also reduces the amount of snow and dirt coming in.
 
Keep winter belongings close
​Packing up belongings that are vital during the winter is the worst thing you can do. You want to make sure you keep enough clothes on hand that you will not have to worry about being cold on moving day. You should also keep belongings such as salt, sand, shovels, and snowblowers available just in case any last-minute snow comes through.
 
These are the most important tips you can follow when moving during the winter. You should also not hesitate to ask your moving company what you can do to make their job easier. Keeping your mover happy and warm can make a move so much easier. They might also have some tips not listed here that can make the day or days leading up simpler for everyone involved.