Moving during any time of the year can be overwhelming with so many things to do, but during the winter there are many other things to factor in like weather hindrances and making sure your home is ready to move into on your moving day. Here are some tips to help make your relocation this winter run smoother.
Make Sure Utilities Have Been Turned On
Ensuring that your utilities are running prior to your move-in day is important for two reasons. The first reason is that there are fewer daylight hours to work with during the winter, so you’ll want to make sure that your electricity is turned on so you don’t have to be moving in the last of your belongings in the dark. The second reason is winter temperatures. Nobody wants to move into a cold home with no heat or water, so making sure that your heat, gas, water, and electricity are running at least two days before your move-in day is a great timeline.
Double Pack Fragile Items
Fragile items become more brittle in cold weather. Double packing them will ensure a better chance of not breaking during transport. We recommend any items that can be damaged not be packed in the truck as the truck may have to sit out overnight.
Make a Plan for Your Pets
Your animal will need to stay somewhere warm while you move so planning to have them stay in a boarding kennel overnight can ensure they’re in a safe place during the move and you won’t have to worry about them getting cold.
Keep Winter Essentials with You
Keep an extra set of mittens, hats, boots, etc. with you in the car. Depending on the weather they may get wet, and you’ll need a change of clothes, or you may need to layer up. Planning ahead by packing enough winter items will help ensure the day runs smoothly. It’s also great to have extras just in case the movers need to change or layer up as well.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Ask your moving company about weather hindrances and rescheduling policies that way you can have a backup plan should weather postpone your date. Check the weather regularly a week before your moving day and check in with the company. Some companies will continue to move even during weather while others won’t, so it’s good to check in to see what their plan of action is.
Have Sheets, Towels, and Blankets on Hand
Having extra blankets and sheets to cover furniture that may get ruined if it starts to snow is a great idea. You won’t have to stress about your items becoming ruined and the moving company can keep things running on schedule.
Clear Your Driveway and Walkways
If you’re able to visit your new residence prior to move-in day, do so. Make sure all walkways and your driveway are free of snow and/or ice. Salt or sand the pathways to make sure the movers have a safe way to move in your belongings without having to worry about slipping on ice. If you’re unable to visit your new residence prior to move-in day because you’re moving long-distance ask your realtor to stop by to ensure your driveway and pathways are cleared for the movers.
Do the same things at your current residence to ensure your movers have a safe way of moving your items into the truck.
Take Care of Your Movers
Moving during the winter is tough because it can get cold after hours of going inside and outside. Having a pot of hot chocolate or warm apple cider on hand for your movers to warm up is nice gesture to show your appreciation.
These are just some tips to help prepare you and ensure things run smoothly on your move in day.
-The BDAR Team