Moving in the winter months can come with many benefits, especially financial ones. But it can also present unique challenges as well. If you’re relocating in the snow, sleet or cold, here are just five ways to keep things running smoothly.
Cover Your Floors
Invest in a couple of tarps or plastic sheets to spread across your floor on moving day. Not only will this protect your carpet while muddy boots stomp in and out of your home, but it will also offer traction to keep people from slipping. You don’t want anyone to take a tumble when they’re holding a box of grandma’s fine china.
Insulate Your Packed Goods
It might seem silly to triple-wrap your belongings when you’re still in a nice, warm house, but remember that they’ll be exposed to freezing temperatures for hours as they’re being transported to your new home. Insulate fragile items with extra padding in their bags and boxes, and pay particular attention to the well-being of your electronics.
Use a Furniture Dolly
Furniture dollies are wheeled platforms that can help you transport large objects like couches, refrigerators and TVs. They’re especially useful for winter moves since you won’t have to rely on your own careful footing as you pick your way across the slippery ground with a heavy burden in your arms. Furniture dollies are available to both buy and rent, and they’re offered as an extra service by companies like Elite Truck Rental.
Take Care of Heating Matters
You’ll want to turn the thermostat down since people will be moving through open doors all day. Space heaters can provide a little warmth without running up your utility bill, and you can even calculate their exact cost if you’re on a budget. Speaking of utilities, don’t forget to call the power company and double-check that your new place is ready for habitation. You don’t want to move into a cold, dark house with no heat.
Clear a Path
Break out the shovel before you ask your movers to navigate down an icy driveway with your washing machine in their arms. You can also salt or snow-blow it. You don’t have to clear the entire driveway: Just make sure that there’s a wide, dry path between your door and your truck. This will prevent falls, increase your moving speed and eliminate potential liability issues.
These are just a few tips for a winter move. It might take some extra planning, but if you play your cards right, it shouldn’t be more stressful than a move at any other time of the year.
