Moving from one home into another can be stressful, and the process is even more tumultuous in the winter. If you are moving homes during the coldest months of the year, you need a winter moving plan to keep you organized and prepared for anything that might happen along the way. How can you make sure that your winter move is free from complications? Here are 5 tips for moving in winter.
When Moving in Winter, Check the Weather
Weather patterns can change quickly in the winter, so check the forecast on moving day multiple times as you prepare. Winter moving can be done even with snow on the ground, but you’ll want to adapt accordingly and confirm any changes with your moving company. If you are moving a long distance, you should also check the weather along your drive to make sure you won’t be driving through dangerous conditions.
Protect the Floors
Hardwood flooring, tile, and linoleum can get scratched from road salt and stained or discolored from ice melt. On moving day, place plastic sheeting, tarps, or towels on the flooring. These will help to minimize any damage from your family or the movers and the chance of slipping and falling on slick floors.
Plan Ahead to Accommodate Pets and Kids When Moving in Winter
If you have pets and children, moving day is often even trickier. Make sure that you have a dedicated space in each house where they will be supervised while you take care of packing and unpacking. If possible, board your pets until the move is over.
Confirm Utilities are Turned On
You don’t want to arrive at your new home only to find that it is freezing cold and dark. Make sure that your utilities are all set up and that they will be turned on before your winter moving day. If you aren’t sure how the utility transfer will be handled, talk to the current homeowner or landlord to confirm what you need to do.
Keep Things That are Temperature-Sensitive in Your Car
It’s a good idea to keep anything fragile, sentimental, or temperature-sensitive with you in your vehicle rather than loading it on the moving truck. Electronics, medications, and fragile items can be damaged in extremely cold temperatures. When you are packing up things to keep in the car, include essentials that you will want right away, like toilet paper, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and any medications that you’ll need for the first night.
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