If you ever had to move or had to help someone else move, you know how much of a pain and hassle the entire process is. Getting your belongings organized, packing possessions correctly, renting a truck, packing the truck correctly, driving the moving truck…the list goes on and on. The moving process is long, stressful and tiresome even in the best weather conditions.
The busy moving season is typically April – September during warmer weather months. As much as you plan to move during these months it may not always work out. What do you do if you are stuck moving during the cold, winter months? Below are some helpful tips.
1. Be Aware of the Forecast – Weathermen are not always correct in forecasting the coming weather but they should give you a good idea of temperature and chance of precipitation. Getting a jump on a move early in the winter will most likely keep you away from major storms.
2. Have Help on Hand – Have friends, family and neighbors on hand to lend help. The more people you have helping, the less time everyone is stuck out in the cold moving.
3. Clear a Path – Make sure you clear a path from your door to the moving truck so you can get in and out quickly. A clear path should also reduce the risk of slipping and falling if there is snow or ice.
4. Don’t Ruin your Floors – If it has snowed or is wet, you should cover the floors of your old and new homes so they don’t get ruined. Put plastic sheets or old bed sheets down to reduce the amount of snow, water and mud on the floors.
5. Wear Warm Clothes – Don’t pack your winter clothes if you are moving in winter. Moving around and carrying all of your stuff will keep your blood flowing but it will still be cold. A hat and gloves are also a good idea to keep your hands from freezing.
6. Heat Working? – Make sure the heat in your new home is on and working before you move in. Unpacking will be easier and less stressful.
7. Keep the little stuff handy – Shovels, scrapers and fully charged cell phones should be within reach in case you need them for emergency reasons. You shouldn’t have to unpack anything in order to use them when you need them.
8. Drive Cautiously – You or your driver should drive cautiously when navigating a large moving truck. Drive even more cautiously if the weather isn’t favorable. Be sure the vehicle was serviced before the move so you don’t have a breakdown on the highway in a blizzard.
9. Use Self Storage – Consider using a self storage unit if your new place is smaller than your old home. Self storage facilities are an affordable, easy option when moving especially when you are first getting settled.
Moving is rarely easy or fun but moving in the winter presents other challenges to people. If you plan ahead and follow these simple steps you may find it less stressful. Remember there are plenty of options to aid your move and make it easier.
