Winter Moving Tips

Moving in the winter presents its own set of challenges, but it’s not impossible by any means. Typically, it just means taking extra steps to keep your stuff safe and being aware of the weather. In more extreme cases, it means you’ll have to wait a few hours or even a day, but that’s okay; it truly is better safe than sorry. 

To find out how to be prepared mentally and physically for your upcoming winter move, we’ve created this list of our top 10 winter moving tips. 

1. Be Prepared and Flexible

Our first and number one tip to remember is that, during the winter, it’s important to be flexible. In cases of severe and extreme winter weather, there is always a chance that moving crews will not be sent out. The risk is simply too great to pose on the moving team, and your items. Being flexible and prepared for this possibility goes a long way in case your move actually ends up being postponed. 

2. Be Aware of the Weather

To be as flexible as possible, it helps to be aware of the weather. Knowing that there’s a chance of a winter storm will help you know in advance that your move might not go as quickly as planned, and that you might have to make some adjustments to plans. We’ll always move you and your things as efficiently as possible, but sometimes that means waiting a few hours or a day. 

3. Turn Your Heat Down

It might sound ridiculous, but on moving day, there’s going to be doors opening and closing, people in and out, and you should go ahead and lower your heater to make sure you’re not wasting energy. After all, you’re still going to be paying the gas bill for this last cycle, and you want to save as much money as possible during your move!

4. Board Your Pets

Even if they don’t show it (because they’re so good), your pets will get stressed out during your move. Specifically, cats and dogs are creatures of routine. They are happy when they have a home that they recognize as their place. 

During a move, they don’t understand that in a few hours or days, their home will be in a new area; they just see all the furniture (some of which, let’s face it, belongs to them) being carried away and out of their home. Instead of making them go through such confusion, simply board them for a day or two. You’ll both be happier in the long run.

5. Double-Check Your New Home’s Utilities

After a long day of moving, the last thing you want to do is spend your first night in a new place huddled in bed in blankets, waiting for the gas and electricity to turn on. 

Make sure you double-check your utilities beforehand, including your internet, so that when you arrive, your new place is ready for use… This tip applies to summer, too, but cold is much more difficult when it comes to moving. 

6. Cover Up The Floors

Even the most careful of movers (like ours!) can do little about the volume of snow, sleet, and dirt outside during a nasty snowstorm or blizzard. While your movers will do their best, it’s difficult to avoid tracking in moisture all over your new floors. If you have a chance, making sure to cover these areas is a great call. 

Note: Some moving companies will do this step for you, so it might be optional. Just make sure you check beforehand. 

7. Coddle Your Electronic Devices

There are many items in your home that won’t do well in the cold, but none are more susceptible than your electronic devices. From gaming systems to televisions, make sure to be as careful as you can, wrapping them well and packing them safely. 

If the snow, rain, or sleet is falling during a move, these are some of the most vulnerable items, so you should also make sure to wrap them in water-resistant materials, like plastic wrap. 

8. Be Cautious 

Moving on a frigid day is challenging already, but in cases of severe weather, it can also be dangerous. Even if the roads are clear, you need to be as cautious as possible. Slipping and hurting yourself during a move is one of the biggest things you want to avoid, so watch for ice and put on your best boots. 

9. Pack a Warm Bag

As always when you move, you should keep a bag of essentials in the car so that if you need to tap out while unpacking, you can simply open up your bag and get your necessary stuff. However, during winter, this becomes even more vital, and you might even need a second bag. During the colder months, your essentials bag should also include blankets, extra socks, and even hand warmers. 

10. Prepare a Warm Beverage

If you have the time, one way to really take your move over the top is to heat up or prepare some cider or coffee and keep it in a thermos or a crockpot. Throughout the day when the cold is just too much, take a ten-minute break or just take a few seconds and enjoy your hot drink so you can get back on your feet and crush your move.

No matter the weather, you’ll need a moving company you can trust. That’s where we come in. Contact us today to talk about how we can make your winter move as smooth as possible.