It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But if you’re about to start a winter move, you may think the opposite. Sure, it’s cheaper and less busy but the cold weather and hazardous conditions might just seem to outweigh the advantages of winter moving.
But don’t lose hope. Moving in these cold, dark winter months isn’t all doom and gloom. By applying these tips to prepare for your winter move, you may just end up pleasantly surprised!
1. Plan for Inclement Weather
Plan ahead. You don’t want to be stuck in a situation where the day of your move takes place during the worst blizzard of the year. Schedule a backup day for your move because the weather can be unpredictable.
Free Ultimate Moving Checklist
Say goodbye to moving stress with our 2023 residential moving checklist for Canada—it’s the ultimate time-saver!
Download NowAs the day approaches, check the weather frequently. Ideally, you’ll want to move on a day when it’s relatively warm, but isn’t raining. Many truck rental companies will allow you to reschedule your move up to the day before.
2. Clear Walkways & Driveways
Excess snow and ice is a dangerous hazard for you and your movers. Since ice isn’t very easy to detect, you or your movers can slip and potentially hurt yourselves. Not to mention the possible destruction or damage to your belongings. Large amounts of snow will make it hard to walk around, so clear your walkways and driveways by thoroughly shovelling and sprinkling salt.
3. Create Easy Parking For Moving Trucks
You don’t want your movers walking miles to pack their truck. Give the moving truck easy access to your home. Clear any plowed snow that could be trouble for a large vehicle. Park your car away from your home to give your movers the ability to get as close to an ideal parking situation as possible.
4. Turn Off Your Furnace
Unless the temperature is below freezing (-30°C), turn off your furnace. Your furnace won’t be heating very efficiently with the front door wide open and movers continuously transporting boxes in and out of your home. You’ll be constantly letting in the cold air while releasing heated air. Doing so will save you money on your energy bill as well as avoid your furnace from running nonstop for hours.
5. Plan For A Morning Move
Since days are shorter during the winter, you want to plan for a morning move rather than during the afternoon or evening. Moving in the dark isn’t fun, especially when you can’t see the hazards winter has to offer. When you’re preparing for your move, choose a morning move so that your movers don’t work into the evening.
6. Protect Expensive Items
Expensive items can be more likely to break in winter weather because the cold air can make many small pieces and parts extremely brittle. Make sure to double wrap your expensive items in bubble wrap and keep them well insulated. Pembroke moving companies recommend you pack your most delicate and expensive belongings inside your car.
7. Don’t Rush
Moving in a hurry may work in the summer, but for a winter move, you need to slow it down. With slippery driveways and slushy walkways, not rushing yourself or your movers will keep everyone and everything safe and one piece. Instead of packing in a rush, follow these packing tips to get you organized.
8. Protect Your Floors
Movers are frequently coming in and out of your home, tracking in snow, dirt and salt with their winter boots. To keep your carpets and hardwood clean and protected, lay various plastic sheets, tarps, blankets or old carpets on the floors around your house, creating a path to the front door.
9. Check Snowplow Schedules
Make sure your car or moving truck isn’t in the way of snowplows. The last thing you want is to have your car or moving truck trapped by walls of plowed snow.
Check your snowplow schedule to make sure the plows won’t arrive during your move. If they’re scheduled to drive by your street, find another place to park your car and moving truck or reschedule another day to move.
10. Take Care of Your Pets
Moving can be a stressful time for your pet if they aren’t handled with care. Although your first reaction may be to board your pet in a kennel, this isn’t always the best solution to make your pets move easier. Isolating and surprising your pet with unfamiliar locations can cause undue stress.
Choose a room in the house to keep your pet while the move is conducted. Make sure it’s warm by setting up a heater or blankets. During the move, spend time with your pet and do your best to keep them from getting too excited or stressed.
11. Winter-Proof Appliances & Furniture
If it’s snowing or raining, you will want to keep your bigger appliances, furniture, artwork etc. protected from water damage. Place extra sheets, plastic or towels over these items to keep them safe and winter-proof. Ensure any materials that are covering your appliances or furniture are securely attached and won’t make transporting to the truck a slippery endeavour.
12. Keep Your Electronics Warm
Do you ever wonder why your phone battery drains faster during the winter? That’s because the winter cold slows or stops chemical reactions that are needed to work in your electronics. Keep your electronics safe by packing them well insulated and store them inside your car. It’s essential to pack them safely and securely.
Are your electronics still cold? Not to worry, just let them warm up to room temperature before turning them on or charging them. Charging or using your cold electronics can damage them and reduce their longevity.
13. Create A Winter Survival Kit
It’s always best practice to be prepared for anything. By keeping a winter moving survival kit in the back of your car, you’ll be ready for any issues that could arise on your way to your new home. Your winter moving survival kit should consist of:
- Packing Tape
- Extra clothing
- Touques
- Snow boots
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Blankets
- Flashlights
- Antifreeze
- A tool kit
- Window scraper
- Shovel
- Sand, gravel or kitty litter (if your car is stuck)
- Jumper cables
14. Keep Everyone Warm
While the heat is off, you’ll need alternative ways to keep you and your movers warm during this winter move. Providing everyone with hot chocolate, coffee, tea or hot apple cider makes for warm smiles. Wearing jackets and blankets can also keep you warm.
15. Anticipate Possible Complications
The weather can be unpredictable. One moment it’s all sunny, and the next, you’re buried in snow. If you’re hit with bad weather during your move, listen to your movers.
Not only are our mover’s well versed in occupational safety measures, but they have been down this road before and know best on how to efficiently move a home with minimal complications. Whether you’re experiencing freezing rain, a blizzard or freezing weather, be flexible and don’t stress.
16. Check That Your Utilities Are Working At Your New Home
Before your move, check-in at your new home and make sure your utilities are working – especially the heating systems. It wouldn’t be pleasant to arrive at your new home to find you’ll need to wear your jacket to bed.
17. Service Your Car Before The Move
Servicing and maintaining your car before your move can go a long way to prevent any accidents along the way to your new home. Especially if you’re travelling a long distance, you don’t want to be left stranded with a broken-down vehicle in an unfamiliar area with all of your most expensive possessions in the back seat. Have your mechanic check over your car well in advance of your move, in case there are any lengthy repairs.
18. Plan A Safe Transport Route
Plan for a worst-case travelling scenario. Strategize a transit route to your new home that you know will be snow plowed and with minimal traffic. No road is perfect, but planning your journey will give you a better driving experience rather than being met with unforeseen road issues. The fastest route may not always be the safest, so stick to well maintained, major routes when planning the drive to your new home.
19. Treat Your Movers
Moving can be a strenuous job on its own. But when you throw cold, snow and ice into the mix, your movers are under extra pressure to do an exceptional job quickly. Show your movers how much you appreciate their help by either tipping them generously or giving them something warm to eat. Showing gratitude goes a long way.
20. Hire Movers
Winter weather can be downright treacherous. Hiring a professional moving company adds a sense of security to the winter moving process. Moving crews have been through the worst weather conditions, gathering experience from previous jobs and developing successful strategies to handle your belongings with speed and care.
If it’s time to move, choose Cassidy’s. Our professional movers are experienced in handling all kinds of weather and moving situations. Whatever season you’re planning on moving in, Cassidy’s does it best. Get your free estimate today!
