Winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21st, but it always feels like it has started early for many states. If you plan a move between December and March, this can pose a unique challenge. Of course, it is always best to schedule your move around any forecasted winter precipitation, but sometimes you don’t get to choose when you move, and we all know that you can’t always predict when freezing temperatures, snow, or ice will hit.
Moving in the winter can be difficult, but it isn’t impossible. With careful planning and preparation, you can get through your winter local or long-distance move with minimal issues. Take a look at some of our tips for moving in winter weather.
Winter Moving Tip #1: Plan for Potential Delays
No matter the season, putting in the time to plan the details of your move is the most critical key to a successful transition. It is especially crucial during the winter months when the temperature and precipitation can create a hazardous situation. Obviously, if you are in a position where even the snow plows are struggling and your driveway is completely buried, your move will need to be delayed. Some things are just out of your hands, but these potential delays should be built into your move. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast, and be prepared to change your moving timeline if necessary. Remember, if your move is delayed, you must reschedule your utility cut-off dates. You don’t want to be left with no gas, water, and electricity in freezing temperatures. You will also want to ensure that the utilities are turned on in your new home before you get there.
Winter Moving Tip #2: Prepare Winter Supplies
Moving during the winter will require unique supplies for success. If you live in an area where you are used to a lot of snow or ice, you will probably already have most of what you need. Here are some things you should make sure you have in your supply inventory before your moving day:
- Salt, sand, or ice melt for your walkways.
- Snow shovels
- An accessible emergency kit (flashlights, batteries, bottled water, first aid kit, etc.)
- Warm beverages like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
- Chains for your vehicle
- Extra cardboard or floor coverings
Winter Moving Tip #3: Prepare Your Home and Walkways
If you have snow and ice around the home before your moving day arrives, you should plan to prepare the driveway and walkways ahead of time. Then, you can remove all the snow, melt the ice, and use a de-icer to try and keep the ice from forming again before moving everything out of the home. You should also have rugs for wiping feet and something like cardboard or mats throughout the house to protect the flooring from wet shoes. Of course, that would require you to clean the floors before the new homeowners arrive. It’s better to take the time now to protect your floors than to get them dirty or stained.
Winter Moving Tip #4: Prepare Your Stuff
Some items, like electronics, certain appliances, or plants, should be prepared to be moved in the cold. Devices like refrigerators and freezers will need ample time to drain all water before they can be loaded and transported. Electronics will need to be wrapped in heavy blankets to help protect them from extreme temperatures. Plants are incredibly picky about low temperatures. Therefore, they should be covered, boxed, and kept in a warm home as long as possible. You can also purchase heat packs to put in the boxes to help them make it to your new home without freezing.
Winter Moving Tip #5: Don’t Forget Your Pets and Children
Packing and moving are difficult tasks if you have pets or small children in the home. When loading up your mobile storage unit, the door will likely be left open enough for a toddler or pet to run out and get lost or hurt. The best option is to have a trusted friend, family member, babysitter, petsitter, or a reputable boarding facility look after the smallest members of your family. If you cannot find someone you trust to keep your child or pet, consider creating a safe area in the home where they can be looked after during the stressful moving process.
Winter Moving Tip #5: Wear Appropriate Clothes and Shoes
You will want to wear layers to be comfortable going from your warm home and outside in the cold temperatures and back again. It is essential to stay warm if you are working in an area that is below freezing. You should also wear nonskid shoes or boots to be extra careful not to slip on any ice or wet areas.
Winter Moving Tip #6: Be Prepared for Short Days
You will not have as much daylight during the winter months, so you should prepare to be up and working as soon as the sun is up. You can also set up lights outside if you need to work after sunset. You can check the sunrise and sunset times online to plan your moving days accordingly.
Zippy Shell Can Help You Move
If you have a move coming up this winter, Zippy Shell can help. Whether you need temporary storage or you are making a local or long-distance move, Zippy Shell has a solution for you. Skip the moving truck, and let us do the hard part for you. Call us at 888-947-7974 for your no-obligation estimate today. We look forward to speaking with you and helping make moving and storage simple for you!