Although winter is not the friendliest time of year to be doing a move, rates are actually lower in the winter than they are in the summer and with the right amount of preparation, it can work out quite well! Here are some things to consider:
- Clear all Driveways and Walkways of Snow and Ice
At the best of times, icy and snowy surfaces can be hard to navigate, especially if you’re carrying an armoire! Plan to make sure that all paths are super clear at origin and destination. This includes paths to garages and out buildings, if goods need to be moved to or from there. If you have space in the garage or elsewhere, bring any outside items indoors in advance of the move so they will be free of snow.
Our crews use floor runners to protect your floors inside the home, and clearing snow prevents it from getting on the floor runners and into your home. Have shovels and salt at both ends of your move should a surprise bout of snow show up on move day. Large sheets of cardboard are ideal to use in entranceways to help keep the snow outside where it belongs.
Country homes, long driveways and cottage country - Be sure to clear out a large area where your driveway intersects with the road, to allow a large truck to access your driveway. Start plowing it out wide well in advance of the move. Long or hilly driveways should be cleared out at least 24hrs beforehand and salt should be laid down to dissolve any ice buildup.
- Be Mindful of Daylight/Weather Limitations
If you have a large-sized move to undertake, or both of your homes are closing on the same day, you may want to consider doing the move over 2 days. Bear in mind that daylight fades away in the early evening this time of year, which means it becomes more difficult to move your belongings in the dark. If you have both your homes closing on the same day, you can load up your existing home on the closing day, and hold your goods on our truck overnight. This would allow you to go over to your new home, clean and make any other preparations you would like, then the following morning your goods arrive at your new home, leaving you the whole day to unpack and get settled.
- Don’t Pack any Liquids, Plants or Canned Goods
Any liquids will freeze if on the truck for any extended period of time, so it’s not a good idea to pack them. Also, any canned foods should also not be packed, since if they freeze this will affect the sterilization of the food and there is a good chance it will become contaminated.
- Protecting your Appliances
Any items that have been on the moving truck for an extended period will be subject to freezing temperatures, and when they are brought into your new home they will begin to thaw out. Condensation and moisture will then build up, so it’s a good idea not to use electrical items for 24hrs. after they are unloaded into your home. If you are moving dishwashers, front load washers, fridges with icemakers, pressure washers etc., you will need to take special precautions to drain all water from these units, or run plumbing antifreeze through them. This can be a tricky process, so if you’re not sure, we can direct you to some appliance service professionals in your area.
- Have Extra Gloves, Sweaters, Warm Clothes & Hot Liquids
Bear in mind that when moving, your door will be open more often then closed, so have extra clothing on hand, especially gloves, hats and sweaters. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are all options of hot beverages you can have on hand during your move. Your movers will thank you.
- Have Rags, Cleaner and Mop Handy
Before you depart the origin residence, there may be some minor cleanup required if there’s snow on the ground. Keep mops, rags and cleaner on hand to give floors a quick wipe.
Here’s wishing you a safe, worry-free and successful winter move! Please do not hesitate to give me a call if you would like a free in-home estimate.