Moving in winter is nothing to be afraid of, as long as you’re prepared and working with the right residential moving professionals. Severe weather can make relocating a more significant challenge, but you can still enjoy a safe move if you’re following some of the tips below.
Shovel Snow
Shovel snow early and often to avoid a buildup of snow on your property. Pay special attention to the path that you and the movers will walk to and from the moving truck. Don’t wait for the snow to build up and become unmanageable – that will make it harder to shovel before the moving truck arrives. Waiting too long might also increase the likelihood that you’ll have to struggle with ice on your pathway.
De-Ice
This leads to another important task that can prevent serious accidents: de-ice walkways if they become slippery. There are many chemicals available at home improvement stores that you can use to de-ice your pathways. De-ice your sidewalks frequently, especially on staircases.
Wear Proper Footwear
Despite your best efforts to shovel snow and de-ice your driveway, you may still find yourself slipping on wet, cold, snowy sidewalks during your relocation. Wear footwear with proper treads. The boots you choose should also be waterproof and warm, to prevent injuries from cold.
Drink Water on the Day of the Move
Thirst often seems less urgent when the weather is cold. Don’t forget to drink water on the day of the move. This is especially important if you’re moving your own things without the help of a moving company. If you’re getting help from friends, provide them with drinks as well. If you’re using a professional moving company, you can expect them to bring their own water for the relocation.
Ensure Your New House Is Ready
Make sure the heat turns on at your new home before the moving truck arrives. If the gas or electricity is not on yet, it may not be safe to stay at that house. Moving in could also be challenging! If that’s the case, stay in a hotel instead. And wait to have your possessions delivered until your house is ready.
If the temperatures have been very cold in the place where you’re moving, test the water to ensure that the pipes are working. If the water isn’t running in some of the pipelines, this could indicate that the pipes have frozen. Thaw them and check for leaks before moving in.
Have a Contingency Plan
Weather can be unpredictable in winter, and the worst winter storms can create insurmountable hazards. Have a contingency plan in place if a big winter storm comes your way. This may mean maintaining a flexible moving date and could also mean re-arranging a start day at your new job.
Know who you need to contact and what you’ll do if something like this happens. If you’re working with a professional moving company, find out their plan if a big storm prevents them from loading, unloading, or transporting the truck according to schedule.
If your move gets delayed, remember to contact the appropriate utility companies to keep your services connected until the relocation is a go.
Hire the Experts
Moving in winter can be challenging, but it’s easier with the right moving company. Work with a moving company with experience with these issues to ensure that your moving day will go well. Call us today to get a quote.