METCALF MOVING BLOG
Moving In Winter: Don’t Get Left In The Cold
When the snow falls, and the temperature drops, you might long to relax under a cozy blanket and sip hot cocoa in front of a crackling fire — but you can’t — because you need to prepare for your upcoming move! You have to make your checklists, pack, get ready for movers, and assemble your essentials kit!
Snow, ice, and chilly temperatures won’t stop the moving day from sneaking up on you. But winter moves require a bit more planning and consideration than moves during warmer weather.
Read on to learn how to make your winter move a safe success.
Build-in Extra Time
Sometimes it feels like everything just takes longer in the winter, from driving slowly during stormy conditions to walking carefully to avoid slippery patches (especially while carrying moving boxes). When you’re building a schedule for your move, be sure to build in time for delays due to weather.
Create a Safe Environment
Speaking of snowy conditions, make sure both your current home and your new home are safe and ready for movers. Depending on the weather, this may mean shoveling snow from driveways and sidewalks and clearing a wide path for movers to carry furniture, boxes, and appliances.
Remove ice from stairs and walkways, too. You may want to use a deicing solution, then sprinkle sand or gravel on the area to keep it ice-free. If movers will be spending time outside, consider protecting staging areas with a tarp or cover to keep snow, rain, and sleet at bay. Professional movers can advise you if they take care of this.
Protect Your Floors
On moving day (and during the packing process), you and your movers will be in and out of your home throughout the day. Check with your movers about protecting your carpets and floors from the snow, rain, and sand that will inevitably get tracked in from the great outdoors.
Professionals should have a plan for this. They will probably lay plastic tarps, sheeting, or another form of protection down on areas that will see foot traffic. Extra mats at each doorway will help trap moisture and debris before it gets ground into the rug.
Pro tip: Keep extra blankets or towels at the ready in case of sleet, rain, or snow. It’ll make it much easier to clean up!
Emergency Kit for Snowy Roads
If you drive on snowy, icy roads through winter conditions, pack an emergency kit to keep with you in your vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends keeping the following items in your winter road emergency kit:
- Cell phone charger
- Jumper cables
- Flares
- Ice scraper
- Sand or kitty litter to improve tire traction
- Water
- Snacks
- Blankets
- Tire chains
- First aid
- Prescription medications
Focus on Safety
Of course, putting safety first is always necessary, no matter what time of year you move. But in the winter, a focus on safety is vital.
Put your mind at ease by working with professional, trained movers. An experienced team will use best practices to keep your belongings safe from the elements, lift and carry your items carefully, and have experience driving moving vehicles in all weather conditions.
These winter moving tips will help you have a safe, stress-free move, despite the chill in the air.
Winter Move
If you’re planning a winter move, contact us. We can help with a safe, stress-free winter relocation.
