9 Essential Tips for Moving in Winter

January 5, 2018 / Posted in Moving Tips
Hannah Michaelson

Hannah is a freelance relocation writer from NYC that has become an expert on packing and unpacking

Every relocation is challenging, but moving in winter can be particularly demanding. Not only is the temperature low and therefore unpleasant, but these conditions can create various obstacles. Yet again, relocating off-season also comes with its share of advantages, such as affordability. Let’s go over some essential tips that will make relocating during this season much more manageable.

A snowy street in a city
You can relocate even when it is cold

How Difficult Is Moving in Winter?

So, how complicated is it to relocate during the coldest months of the year? Even though it probably seems overwhelming at first, moving in the winter can go smoothly when you plan adequately. It is quite different from moving in the summer, but do know that it does not have to be different in a bad way.

Nearly 60% of relocations in the US take place from May to August

It might not seem that way, but winter may actually turn out to be the best time to move long distance. The team behind Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving is here to provide you with some useful advice on how to do this right. Keep the following winter moving tips in mind to ensure a smooth and easy relocation no matter the temperature outside.

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#1 Start Early in the Morning

Considering that the daytime is rather short during this period of the year, one of the first moving day tips is to start as early as possible. Naturally, you don’t want to get stuck with loading your stuff when it gets dark. Plus, the temperatures go even lower after sunset.

A girl standing next to railings in cold weather
Days are shorter during this time of the year, so you need to start moving as early as possible

#2 Protect the Inside of the House

This cold period of the year brings snow, sleet, or rain at the very least. Now imagine the movers and you and your family members going back and forth all day. You can already see the floors being completely ruined, tight? You can stop that from happening if you use cardboard or plastic sheeting to protect the inside of your house.

A house in the mountains
Use sheeting to protect the inside of your home

#3 Have Hot Drinks on Hand to Stay Warm

You might be planning to hire a long-distance moving company or ask your friends to give you a hand. Either way, you’ll need to provide some hot drinks to keep them and yourself warm. Some tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or hot apple cider will do the trick.

A cup of hot chocolate
There’s no better way to fight the cold than to have a hot drink or two

#4 Wear Waterproof Boots and Multiple Layers

When relocating during this time of the year, it is crucial that you dress adequately. The golden rule is to wear multiple layers and waterproof boots, and chilly conditions can’t do you any harm. It would also be good to have other warm clothing items, like a warm hat, scarf, and a pair of gloves.

person wearing winter clothes
You’ll need to wear appropriate clothing items and boots so as not to catch a cold

#5 Keep the Walkways Clear

Having a safe relocation should be your primary concern. To avoid causing harm to yourself or damage to any of your belongings, make sure you clear all the walkways. Only then can you start carrying out the stuff and loading the truck.

A person standing in the middle of a clear pathway
Stay safe and make sure you’ve cleared all the walkways before you start loading the truck

#6 Get Your Car Serviced

Another crucial thing to do to ensure extra safety is to get your car serviced if you’re planning to drive to the future address. If you wouldn’t like to risk driving in this weather, you can always contact a professional car shipping company company and book auto transport services. And as for your stuff, get professional long-distance moving services to deliver your belongings to your new address.

#7 Don’t Forget to Check the Weather Before You Get Going

Even though you’ve been checking the forecast for days and even weeks before the relocation date, things might change in the blink of an eye. Be on the lookout for any weather changes that could affect your move.

A girl working on a laptop before long-distance moving
Check the forecast to be on the lookout for any last-minute changes that could affect your journey

#8 Ensure You Have Heating at the New Place

To avoid an unpleasant first day in your new home, one of the crucial things to do is to transfer all the utilities well in advance. Spending the first day without heat and lights in winter is not really a pleasant experience, to put it mildly.

A house in the suburbs
Before you move into your home, make sure you have the heating set up

#9 Have a Backup Plan

Getting organized to move is key to a successful relocation. We assume you would like everything to go perfectly, and you would rather not think about the worst-case scenario. But whether you like it or not, it is advisable that you do. Mistakes can happens, so have a backup plan just in case something goes wrong, and things change.

Make Sure You Plan an Alternative Route to Your New Home

Even though it’s good to have a plan, it is also necessary that you stay flexible. Delays are common when relocating during cold weather, so be prepared for changes in your schedule. What if the road you wanted to take to your new home is snowed in? You don’t have to put off your move if you prepare for such an event in advance.

It’s a good idea to talk to the local authorities and find out about other highways that could take you where needed. Whether you’re moving from a small town to a big city or another way round, think of an alternative route to reach your future home.

Bring an Emergency Contact List

Even if something goes wrong along the way, it won’t be so big of an issue if you have someone to give you a hand. Thus, you need to bring an emergency contact list, including highway patrol, roadside assistance, and a number for reports on highway conditions.

Bring All the Necessary Equipment and Supplies

You never know what kind of troubles inclement weather can cause, so don’t go anywhere without proper equipment. You might need to use a snow shovel, emergency blanket, salt or kitty litter, a gas can, and extra windshield fluid.

Make sure to keep your relocations essentials nearby. Set aside and pack anything you may need during the first day or two after relocating, such as:

A girl holding a list
Create a backup plan in case something goes south

With a Good Moving and Auto Transport Company, the Process Gets Much Easier

As you can see, even winter relocation can be a pleasant adventure when handled properly. Whether you’re relocating to a new city alone or with family, your cross-country moving experience will depend on how well you prepare for the move. If you wish to avoid all the unnecessary relocation stress, getting the help of professional cross-country movers is always a valid choice.

With excellent moving, car shipping, and packing services, Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving is here to ensure you have a stress-free relocation. All you have to do is contact us, request a free quote, and leave the rest to our incredible team of long-distance movers.

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