Moving during winter requires careful preparation. According to the American Moving & Storage Association, nearly 20% fewer people relocate during the colder months due to increased challenges.
Cold weather, slippery roads, and limited daylight can complicate the process. However, with the right approach, you can avoid common pitfalls and keep everything on track.
One major challenge during a winter move is staying flexible with your schedule. Weather conditions can change quickly, causing unexpected delays or hazardous driving conditions. It’s important to monitor forecasts closely and have backup plans in case you need to adjust your moving day.
This guide will share the essential dos and don’ts for a winter move. With these tips, you can stay organized, safe, and ready for a fresh start.
5 Things to Do When Planning a Winter Move
Moving during the winter season presents unique challenges that require careful planning and consideration. Adverse weather conditions, limited daylight, and potential delays can complicate the process. To ensure a smooth and efficient relocation, it is essential to take specific precautions.
The Following are key steps to consider when planning a winter move –
1. Do Keep an Eye on the Weather Forecast
Winter weather can change rapidly. Begin monitoring the forecast at least a week in advance, paying close attention during the final two days. Use reliable weather apps or websites for updates.
If bad weather is expected, contact your St Albert moving company early. Ask about backup dates or a rescheduling plan. On moving day, check road conditions before you leave. Stay flexible with your timing. It’s safer to delay a move that risks accidents or injuries.
2. Do Choose Movers Experienced with Winter Conditions
Not all Edmonton moving companies are equally equipped for snow and ice. When booking, ask whether the team has experience with cold-weather moves.
Experienced movers will be better prepared with the right tools, such as tire chains, insulated blankets, and waterproof coverings, as well as established safety protocols for slippery conditions.
Their expertise can minimize risks, prevent damage to your belongings, and keep your move schedule despite winter obstacles.
3. Do Prepare Your Property for the Conditions
Before moving, clear snow and ice from walkways, driveways, and entrances to ensure safe access for movers and prevent accidents. Shovel thoroughly and apply salt or sand to slippery areas.
Additionally, place durable floor coverings, such as heavy-duty plastic sheeting or old rugs, inside your home to protect flooring from slush, salt, mud, and heavy foot traffic. This not only maintains safety but also helps preserve the condition of your home during the move.
4. Do Pack a Winter Essentials Bag
Set aside a bag containing critical items you’ll need easy access to throughout the moving day. Includes gloves, hats, scarves, extra layers of warm clothing, snacks, bottled water, necessary medications, and a phone charger.
You may also want to include a flashlight, hand warmers, and basic first-aid supplies. Keep this bag with you rather than placing it in the moving truck to ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected delays or emergencies.
5. Do Keep Utilities On Until the End
Make sure heat, water, and electricity remain active until the move is fully complete. A warm, well-lit home is not only more comfortable but also safer, preventing risks such as frozen pipes or hazardous conditions from cold and darkness. Having utilities functioning allows for easier cleaning of your old home after the move and ensures that movers can operate efficiently without interruption.
5 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Planning a Winter Move
To ensure a smooth transition, it is important to be aware of common moving mistakes and avoid them. Here are several things you shouldn’t do when planning a winter move.
1. Don’t Let Your Belongings Get Damaged by Moisture
Winter weather introduces additional threats like moisture damage, warping, and freezing. Protect your belongings by using heavy-duty plastic bins for important items, especially electronics, books, and clothing. For standard boxes, reinforce them with packing tape and cover them with waterproof plastic sheeting or tarps.
Use moisture absorbers or silica gel packets inside boxes containing sensitive items to guard against condensation. Additionally, the schedule moves during mid-morning or early afternoon hours when temperatures are usually warmer, minimizing exposure to extreme cold.
2. Don’t Procrastinate Packing
Packing always takes longer than expected, especially during winter. Weather disruptions can compress your timeline unexpectedly, so aim to have everything packed at least two days before your scheduled move.
Label boxes clearly with waterproof markers and color-code them to streamline the unloading process. Prepare a “last-on, first-off” box containing essentials like a kettle, blankets, cleaning supplies, and basic tools to survive the first night at your new home without needing to unpack everything immediately.
3. Don’t Underestimate Road Conditions
Winter road conditions can delay even the best-laid plans. Monitor weather updates closely starting a week before the move and check again the night before. Confirm that your moving company has contingency plans in case of severe weather.
If you’re driving, equip your vehicle with a winter emergency kit including jumper cables, extra clothing, non-perishable snacks, bottled water, and a fully charged power bank. Communicate with the long-distance moving company early on the moving day to adjust timing if conditions deteriorate.
4. Don’t Forget Proper Footwear and Safety Supplies
Foot injuries and falls are among the most common accidents during winter moves. Prioritize safety by investing in insulated, waterproof boots with non-slip soles designed for icy surfaces. Stock up on ice melt, sand, and sturdy snow shovels a week ahead of time.
Set up a “safety station” at both the old and new homes with items like a first-aid kit, extra gloves, hand warmers, and a flashlight. Doing so keeps everyone prepared for unexpected weather changes during the move.
5. Don’t Overlook Pet Safety
Cold temperatures and moving chaos can be overwhelming for pets. Create a pet care plan that includes a warm, secure room away from the action, complete with bedding, food, and water. For longer moves, consider travel-specific pet carriers that offer insulation and ventilation.
Remember that pets can easily escape through open doors during the hustle of moving, so ensure they are microchipped and wearing updated ID tags. If necessary, arrange a visit to a veterinarian before the move to get advice on handling stress and cold-weather concerns for your pet’s breed and health condition.
Conclusion
Moving during the winter months comes with its own set of challenges, from unpredictable weather to safety concerns. By carefully planning, choosing experienced movers, and taking extra precautions to protect your belongings and loved ones, you can turn a potentially stressful experience into a smooth and successful transition.
Ready to make your winter move as smooth as possible? Start by creating your personalized winter moving checklist today! Contact trusted professional movers who specialize in winter relocations for expert assistance and reliable service.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to move during the winter?
Yes, moving in winter can be safe if proper precautions are taken. This includes monitoring weather conditions, preparing your home and pathways, and hiring movers experienced with winter relocations.
2. How do I protect my belongings from moisture and cold?
Use waterproof plastic bins for sensitive items, reinforce cardboard boxes with extra tape, and cover them with plastic sheeting or tarps. Use silica gel packs inside boxes and avoid letting items sit in cold vehicles for extended periods.
3. What should I include in my winter essentials bag?
Pack gloves, hats, scarves, extra layers, snacks, water, medications, a flashlight, a phone charger, and basic first-aid supplies. Keep this bag with you rather than in the moving truck.
4. Can moving companies reschedule due to bad weather?
Yes, reputable movers usually have flexible rescheduling policies in case of extreme weather. It’s best to discuss backup plans when booking your move.
5. How can I keep my pets safe during a winter move?
Set up a warm, quiet room for them away from the moving activity. Ensure they have food, water, and familiar items. For long moves, use insulated carriers and ensure pets have updated ID tags or microchips.
