Moving in Winter

The process of moving can be a stressful one without weather and colder temperatures playing a factor. Moving during winter months, however, can be unpredictable. Here's a list of things you can do to ensure you are prepared.

Prepare for the Move
Did it snow or go below freezing? Be sure to create a safe environment for everyone helping with the move. Shoveling all walkways, driveway, and the porch - as well as salting can prevent serious injuries and the breaking of fragile items.For the inside of your home, lay down plastic sheeting to protect your floors. Moisture, snow, and dirt will be tracked into the house no matter how careful you try to be, so protect your floors from stains, scratches, or the need for excess cleaning. Turn off the heat in your house. During the move, the doors will be open for quite a while and there’s no reason to heat the outside. You can place a space heater in the bathroom and keep the door closed so you have an accessible spot to warm up.

Protect Your Things From the Elements
Breakable items, like dishware and glass, are particularly susceptible to temperature changes and can crack or break if the temperature shifts too quickly. Double-wrapping everything in thick blankets can help ease the transition from the warmth of your house to the cold. Electronics are another item that should be packed in your car, as they are also easily affected by the cold. Wait until you’re about to leave before loading these items to keep them as safe as possible.

To avoid any of your animals running away from home or freezing out in the cold, board your pets with a friend, family member or professional facility for the day. This is the best way to keep them warm, cared for, and safe.

If you have any houseplants, you may want to find a temporary home for them as well. Most indoor plants will not survive cold winter temperatures for too long.

Work with the Weather
The weather can be unpredictable in winter. In the weeks leading up to your move, keep a close eye on forecasts and potential conditions. If there is a large storm coming through on the day you plan to move, you may want to contact your movers or truck rental company to reschedule. This may not be possible for you, but with their lighter workload in winter, this shouldn’t create too much of a problem for the service provider. Driving in snow or in inclement weather always takes longer than driving on clear roads, so allow plenty of extra time to get to your destination. 

Ensure Your Vehicles are Ready for Travel
Whether you're going back and forth between houses, or you're moving a long distance away, having your car serviced before the move can help your moving day along. Just in case anything does go wrong, pack warm winter clothes in the car rather than with the rest of your belongings in the moving container or truck. Load up anything else you’ll need for driving in cold weather, so you’ll be prepared for anything that might happen while on the road. 

Is Your New Home Set Up for Unpacking?
As you did with your previous home, make sure that all walkways are clear and ice-free, and lay down protection for your floors before you start moving things into your new home. Since it gets dark much earlier in winter, you should also plan the time to unpack your things. If you’re moving with a container, find out when it will be delivered to your new home. If it’s later in the day, you may want to leave your things in the container overnight rather than starting to unpack right away. That way, you can start fresh in the morning when you have plenty of light. If you have to unload in the dark, make sure you check exterior lighting in advance to make sure they’re all working. 

Professionals who have experience and are equipped to move during all seasons may be a good idea. Check our Preferred Suppliers page to find companies available to help you take the next step this season.