A winter move can seem like a nightmare, especially where the cold can be harsh and the snow piled high like it is here in New England. However, moving during the winter months does have potential benefits. Your moving company is likely to have a more open schedule, giving you the freedom to choose your ideal moving day and time. You may even get moving services at a discounted rate. And speaking of saving money, home sellers are extra motivated to sell during the winter, which may lead to a great deal if you close on your new home and move in over the winter.
Convinced to give it a try yet? Or maybe you don’t have any other choice, and ready or not, here comes moving day?
Before you book your move, here are some things you need to know about packing up and moving in the winter.
Watch the Weather
When planning your move, check the extended forecast for any potential storms. Keep your eye on weather reports as moving day approaches. If the weather is especially treacherous on the big day, you may have to be flexible and reschedule for safety. When scheduling your move, book it with an early start to take advantage of daylight hours (remember –it gets dark earlier in the winter, which means it will be colder and harder to see icy spots).
Pack Light
Navigating slippery stairs and walkways is enough of a challenge. Whenever possible, use boxes that are small enough to see around and are kept at a comfortable weight for carrying.
Keep it Clean
Consider placing carpet remnants, old area rugs or even flattened moving boxes on the floor of both your old and new homes. This will help protect flooring and provide extra traction. Make sure you also have old towels or rags available to wipe down boxes, furniture and other items if they get wet during the move. Keep your home’s stairs and walkways shoveled, sanded and free of ice and snow, both at your current home for packing the truck and at your moving destination for a safe unloading.
Layer for Comfort and Protection
Dress in layers on moving day. You can’t move well in a parka, and you might get warm from all the activity. Layers will give you the flexibility needed to maintain a full range of motion and a comfortable body temperature. Your belongings can benefit from extra layers too. Use extra bubble wrap or newspaper during a winter move because extreme temperatures can cause fragile items to break more easily. In addition, snowy boxes will melt once in your new house, and you don’t want your possessions to get water damage.
Hire a Professional Mover
It’s always a good idea to hire an expert, and there’s no better reason than a winter move. Now is not the best time to try driving a large moving truck, and you will have your hands full just scraping off your own car and keeping it warm. A professional mover can drive a truck in any weather condition. In addition, they know how to pack and haul your possessions things safely any time of year. The friendly experts at Bisson Moving & Storage are available to assist you with every part of the process and protect your belongings every step of the way. Contact us today to start panning your winter move, whether it’s across town or across the country!
