Moving is a stressful experience, but a winter move can be doubly difficult. You have to contend with extremely cold temperatures, snow, and other challenges that make moving during winter a reserve for the brave, the prepared, and sometimes the outright daredevil! If you have to move during the winter, the following tips can bail you out.
1. Be Flexible
The weather during winter is often unpredictable. It could be clear today and snow drenched the next day. Besides, you may have to contend with extreme weather such as boisterous gusts of wind or hail. You, therefore, need to watch keenly those weather forecasts to avoid moving into a storm. You may have to change your plans should the forecasts predict wild weather on the day of your planned move. The movers are likely to accept a new date since they have a lighter workload during winter. In any case, just like you, they don’t fancy walking into a blizzard!
2. Pack Ahead of Time
Waiting to start packing on a moving day is ill-advised. The earlier you start packing the better and more convenient for all involved. While packing, use a portable steel container that won’t cave, shift, or buckle under the weight of heavy snow. The containers should be rodent- and leak-proof to protect your stuff.
3. Prepare for the Move
Make sure you have a safe home environment before loading your belongings into a storage container or a truck. Compared to other seasons, it can be extremely dangerous to move during winter. Creating a safe environment is therefore important. This includes shovelling away all snow from the driveway to allow safe movement of furniture and other items from your house.
Make sure the walkways are also free of ice by applying an anti-icer or deicer to avoid slips and potential falls that could cause injury or damage fragile items. Protect your floor from scratches and stains due to constant movement in and out of the house by spreading out a plastic sheeting. You can also apply plastic sheeting to shipping containers to prevent moisture from getting in and damaging your belongings.
4. Protect Your Belongings
Take extreme care while packing your items in a storage container to protect them from the biting cold. Fragile items such as glassware can break or crack under drastic temperature changes. The solution is to double-wrap them in thick blankets to help them smoothly transition from the warmth in your house to the cold in the container. Loading such items last and offloading them first can minimize potential breakages and cracks. You can also carry them in your car together with all your electronics.
5. Take Care of the Movers
Hire professionals to help you pull off a winter move. Movers are more experienced at winter moving than you. They are also adequately equipped to deal with all manner of challenges. However, a winter move is not their favourite cup of coffee, but making sure they get to enjoy a real hot pot of coffee or whatever beverage they prefer is a thoughtful idea. You should also tip them a little more generously than you would during a summer move.
6. Use a Portable Storage Container
Instead of driving a big truck or using your vehicle to pull a trailer, once your belongings are securely packed, the moving company will deliver a portable storage container to your home. After everything has been loaded in, they will then pick and deliver it to your new home. To avoid damages, make sure the company you are using comes with a weatherproof container that can withstand whatever weather Mother Nature throws at it.
