No matter what time of year you’re moving, it can—and will be—a strenuous process. However, when you’re looking at a moving date during the winter, there are a whole host of additional things you will have to keep in mind, like the weather!
Here are some tips to help you make your winter move and keep the process as stress-free as possible.
Before the Move
Get a good price
With a winter move, you’ll have to take a few extra precautions, but you should also be able to get a good deal on the price of the move.
Winter isn’t a popular time of year to move, so most vendors that you deal with, including moving companies and storage companies, may be a little more generous with their prices. Ask the moving supplies store if they offer off-season discounts and take advantage.
Turn the utilities on—right away
Usually, when you move into a new home, you can wait until the day of the move to call the utilities companies to make sure heat and gas are turned on: if you’re without a stove for a day or two while they flip your account over, no big deal, right?
- When it’s the middle of winter, you’re going to want to make sure the heat is fully functioning before you move in!
Give the utilities company a call about a week ahead of the move to make sure everything is turned on and ready to go. You may also want to stop by a few days before moving day to make sure temperatures are comfortably set, and water is running smoothly through the pipes.
Clear the snow
It may go without saying, but try not to forget to clear the driveways and walkways of snow!
If it’s cold but you don’t expect rain, a little salt on the driveway can’t hurt to make sure there’s no icy spots that could cause a ruckus.
You’ll also need to clear the pathways at your current place and sprinkle a bit of salt to make sure the movers don’t slip when they’re carrying your couch into the van!
Have a Plan B for your winter move
If you live in an area that typically gets a lot of snow, you may need to have a contingency plan if the weather is too bad to pull off the move. Ask your moving company about rain—or in this case snow—dates, and make sure you get the fees for those dates in writing as they may be slightly different than what you were originally quoted.
If it looks like the weather is about to take a turn for the worst, try to wait it out. If you really can’t stay in your current place, place your belongings into a local storage facility as fast as possible, and then get off the roads: the last thing you want is to get into a car accident caused by bad weather when you’re trying to move!
During the Move
Occupy the kids and pets on moving day
Kids can be a lot to look after during a move—pets, too.
With winter weather and colder temperatures, it’s best if you remove your kiddos and pets from the moving equation entirely and drop them off with friends or family for the day.
Moving during a school day or asking for a bit of babysitting help from friends or family will make your moving day exponentially easier.
Wear the proper clothing to move
On the day of the move, check the weather, and dress accordingly. If there seems to be a serious wind chill, cover your face and hands as much as possible to stay warm!
You’ll be back and forth to the truck quite a few times, so it’s best to be dressed for the weather. Warm, waterproof boots are always a good idea for winter moves.
Check the traffic
Winter weather has a reputation of causing road closures, so check your route if you’re expecting inclement weather. Keep in mind that the moving vans don’t exactly have great traction in wet and snowy conditions, so stick to highways and avoid windy back roads as much as possible.
Prep the car
If you’ve hired movers, then you’re probably following them to the new place in your car. Stock it with clean towels, extra winter gear like hats and gloves, and things like ice scrapers and shovels. All these items will come in handy when you arrive at your new place!
Remember, moving in the winter isn’t impossible; you just need to prep accordingly!
When you’re ready to schedule your move, Highland Moving & Storage Vancouver is here to help. Click here for more information onlocal, Greater Vancouver moving services or call us today at 604-581-2300 for a quote!
