At first blush, winter may seem like a terrible time to pack up and move everything you own. It’s cold, the weather’s terrible, and if something goes wrong
… well, who wants to troubleshoot when it’s freezing outside? Winter’s an excellent time of year to plan a move. It’s generally less expensive to rent a moving truck or contract with a moving company (they’re far less busy than in spring and summer).
There are a few simple, common sense measures you can take to ensure everything goes smoothly on moving day. To start with, remember that winter is a good
time to hire a moving company. They’re experienced at moving under all conditions
and insured. There’s no need to do it all yourself and risk your belongings being broken, not to mention someone’s leg.
Prepare the way
Stay in close contact with your realtor, who can help make things easier for you. That’s important, considering how easy it can be to forget details amid
all the chaos of a move. Try to think through each step, what you’ll need to do once you arrive and how to make sure the weather doesn’t become a negative
factor. You’ll need lights, heat and water while you’re moving in, so make a point of getting your utilities set up ahead of time. Arrange to have everything transferred and up and running at least a day ahead of your move. Make
sure to check, or have your realtor check, to see that it’s all working properly before you pull up with the moving truck.
Check out the accessibility and logistics involved in getting all your stuff unloaded and moved in. If your new driveway is too small to accommodate a
full-size moving van, make sure there won’t be a problem taking up space out on the street. Let your new neighbors know when they can expect to maneuver
around the moving truck and when movers will be tromping around next door. It’s a good idea and a great way to get off to a good start with your neighbors,
especially if you’ll be relying on their patience and, possibly, their help on the big day. And keep a close eye on the weather. If it snows or sleets,
keeping the driveway and walkways clear will be essential.
Before you leave …
Don’t neglect the home you’re leaving as you’re moving out. Take steps to protect the carpeting, walls and flooring by placing plastic or cardboard for the movers to walk on. Spread ice and clear the sidewalks and
driveway of any snow that may have accumulated. Don’t forget to have your utilities transferred to your new home. Remember that it’s likely to be pretty
cold when you move, so make sure you don’t pack up the winter gear,
including heavy coats, gloves, scarves and hats.
Keep plenty of hot coffee, hot chocolate or some other warming drink in plentiful supply, for both you and whoever’s doing the heavy lifting on moving
day. Nobody likes moving, but there’s no reason everyone has to be miserable. Don’t forget to take along your salt and shovels, which may be needed
once you arrive at your destination.
Plan your route
If there’s a possibility of inclement weather, plan a route that avoids hilly or winding streets, if possible. If your move will take you on a longer journey
than going across town, take some kitty litter in case you get stuck, plenty of extra windshield wiper fluid, a blanket, and a shovel. If you have
a subscription to an emergency roadside service, don’t forget to take along your membership card or number. Also, keep a list of emergency contact
numbers if things go wrong while you’re en route.
Attention to detail
Preparing for a winter move is, like most moves, all about paying attention to detail. It’s also about planning for the unlikely and unexpected, such as
a winter storm or a traffic mishap along the way. Always plan ahead and leave yourself alternative options in case you run into trouble.
Courtesy of Pixabay.com.
