6 Ways to Prevent Winter Moving Woes

No matter the time of year, moving to a new home can be quite stressful. But given the unpredictable weather conditions that often accompany the winter season, many families will purposefully wait to move until well after the new year. Unfortunately, moving in spring or summer can often be more costly and more difficult to coordinate. Moving during winter may not actually be so bad — especially if you know how to avoid the potential pitfalls. We hope these six tips will provide some moving help to those families who plan on packing up in the coming months.

1. Check the Forecast: As you know, winter weather can vary greatly. While you should always schedule your residential moving services well in advance, you’ll need to have a plan B (and potentially a plan C) if weather conditions ruin your intended moving day. Check the forecast at least once a week during the month of your move; during the week of your move, check it at least once a day. Should an unexpected blizzard or subzero temperatures show up, you’ll be prepared to reschedule so you don’t take unnecessary risks during your move.
2. Start Early: The shortest days of the year take place during the winter season, which can make it hard to get everything done in time. That’s why it’s important to start getting ready for your move earlier than you’d think. Although 63% of adults have moved to a new community at least once, you can’t afford to procrastinate. Not only should you get started on packing everything up well in advance, but you should also begin your moving day on the early side. You’ll have fewer daylight hours to play with — and no one wants to move in the dark.
3. Clear All Hazards: Winter can bring lots of snow and ice, which makes moving a bit more dangerous. It’s essential that you keep all walkways clear and to salt steps beforehand. Moving companies don’t want to worry about slipping on icy patches or dropping your valuables on the way out the door. It’s a good idea to ensure you can access shovels and other winter weather equipment easily for when you leave your old home and when you arrive at your new one.
4. Protect Your Floors: While moving companies try their best to be careful, there are certain conditions that are difficult to avoid. If it’s snowy, icy, or wet outside, you’ll need to protect the floors at your old home (and your new home) from potential damage during your move. You can easily do this by placing plastic tarps, sheeting, or cardboard down on the floors of the home before you go traipsing through. Tile, carpet, and hardwood can easily become extremely dirty or even beat-up due to mud and moisture. Take the time beforehand to ensure you won’t have to waste more energy and money after the fact on cleaning or repairs.
5. Turn On the Heat: Once you arrive at your new home, you don’t want any unpleasant surprises. If you forget to switch over your utilities before you get there, your house might give you the total opposite of a warm welcome. Keep in mind, however, that you should turn the thermostat down (or turn the heat off completely) when you start to move everything in. Because you’ll constantly be opening and closing the door, you’ll let heat escape — and that can stick you with an unreasonably high utility bill during your first month there.
6. Contact the Professionals: Moving without expert help is tough at any time of year. But when temperatures drop and storms loom, securing assistance from local moving companies is a must. Your movers will help to make moving day far less anxiety-inducing and can help you prepare for the worst while creating the most favorable outcome for your family. Plus, moving companies typically have more availability in winter — which means you may be able to reserve help at a more convenient time and at a lower cost.

When it’s time to relocate, seek out assistance from local and reputable moving companies. No matter the season, they’ll help make the process go by quickly and smoothly.