When I think of the winter season, I think of jingle bells, New Year’s celebrations, and resting by the fireside.
Moving your apartment is probably the last thing on your mind at this time of year. Nonetheless, if you’re reading this, you’re probably more concerned with moving preparations than with New Year’s resolutions.
Don’t worry; study our guide for winter moving tips and tactics before you are ready to relocate. It will relieve the stress of your relocation, allowing you to focus on the holidays or simply enjoying the cozy season.
THE BENEFITS AND DISADVANTAGES OF WINTER MOVES
Relocating in the winter, like moving at any other time of year, has its advantages and disadvantages. Making a list of benefits and drawbacks might help you determine whether or not a winter relocation is worthwhile.
Unfortunately, the moving season is often out of your hands due to lease expiration and start dates. There is no optimum time to relocate, but compiling a pro and con list will help you plan for your move so you aren’t surprised by anything.
There are several advantages to relocating during the winter. The first benefit is that it is less expensive. Summer is the busiest moving season, resulting in increased demand for moving firms and rental vehicles, as well as higher rates.
Winter is a quiet season for moving firms, so you’re more likely to get a good bargain or a discount. Moving businesses and truck rental companies will also be more accommodating in terms of availability. For a summer relocation, it’s nearly hard to get a weekend time frame, but this shouldn’t be an issue in the winter.
The number one warning on your cons list is the unpredictability and severe weather. If you live in a location where there might be a lot of snow and ice, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Because of the snow and ice, you’ll need to take extra steps to waterproof your luggage. Because it gets dark early in the winter, you may need to split the move into many days or prepare ahead of time to ensure you get everything relocated before the sun sets.
Another difficulty with a winter relocation is that it may fall around the busy holiday season; thus, schedule your move around the holidays. If you have school-aged children and are relocating outside of their school district, it may be tough for them to adjust to a new school mid-year.
While listing all the disadvantages of relocating in the winter may sound gloomy, it will help you prepare for the worst-case situation.
GET READY FOR YOUR WINTER MOVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
While you have a little more freedom during a winter relocation than you would during a summer move, you still need to plan ahead of time to ensure a seamless transition.
You’ll probably be able to get better prices if you move in the winter, so look around and see what’s available. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to find a moving firm just to find out they’re completely booked, so arrange movers or hire a truck a few weeks ahead of time.
Check the weather (and keep checking). You’ll have to schedule your journey around the weather. Don’t take any chances.
It’s critical that you make the transfer as safely as possible, so keep an eye out for snowstorms, slippery conditions, or cold temperatures in the forecast. It’s also a good idea to inquire about cancellation and severe weather policies with your moving company. If you need to reschedule a relocation, don’t be concerned. Your primary concern should be your own safety.
Make a list of everything you’ll need for your relocation, including safety equipment and packing supplies, and stock up on supplies. For melting ice and removing snow, kitty litter, salt, and shovels will all come in helpful.
Furniture and floors must be protected with moving blankets and plastic tarps. Be aware of the effects of cold weather on your furnishings. To avoid freezing and water damage, wrap fragile furniture and things in plastic and then cover with a moving blanket.
Grab a couple extra plastic drop-cloths to place over your new rental’s floor so you don’t damage it while you’re moving furniture in. If you live in a snowy area, replace your cardboard boxes with plastic ones to avoid water damage.
Make sure you have everything you’ll need to get you and your belongings to the new location safely. Make sure you have a first-aid kit on hand on moving day, and double-check that it includes warm blankets and a flashlight.
Set aside a warm, layered wardrobe, as well as non-slip boots and gloves, to wear on moving day before packing your belongings.
TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AND PETS
Because moving day may be stressful, make sure your dogs and young children are in a secure and warm location out of the way.
Check that your pet has a collar and an ID tag with your name and phone number written on it before you relocate. Make sure they’re microchipped, and that the information on their microchip has been updated with your new phone number and address.
If you’re relocating locally, consider boarding your pet or having a trustworthy family member or friend keep an eye on them while you’re gone. If you decide to board your pet, be sure the facility is climate-controlled.
Have a trusted individual babysit your children for the day if you’re relocating locally with youngsters who won’t be assisting with the move.
If you’re relocating a long distance, keep in mind that you’ll need to plan for the travel to your new rental while you’re packing. Set aside all of your pet’s essentials for the trip, including food, medicine, water, and comfort items.
If you’re traveling with your pet, make sure to stop frequently to allow them to stretch their legs and go pee. Your small children are in the same boat. Set aside their personal belongings and make sure they have enough of snacks and toys to keep them amused during the journey.
You may board your animal at a nearby facility or place them in a room of your new house with the door closed and the heat on until you arrive. Animals get stressed when they move into a new apartment.
Make sure they’re comfy if you’re leaving them in a locked space. Set out water, give them access to their box or cage, and furnish it with blankets, a bed, and their favorite toys. If you have an older child, provide them modest jobs to make them feel included in the moving process.
If your child isn’t ready, make arrangements for them to be left with a trusted person or bring someone along to keep an eye on them throughout the transfer.
TIMELINE FOR YOUR WINTER MOVE
- Begin packing
Check your packing two weeks before the big day to make sure everything is in order. Everything should be packed prior to moving day so that it can be put into the truck and unloaded as quickly as possible at the new location. Keep in mind that it becomes dark early in the winter. While you’re meant to be relocating, don’t waste time packing. - Move your utilities.
Check that your utilities have been transferred and are ready to be turned on at the new location about a week before you move. In the winter, even one night without heat may be deadly. By moving day, you’ll want to make sure that your water, power, electricity, and gas are all operational. - Gather your packing materials.
Make sure you’ve ticked everything off your safety and packing supplies list. While you’re relocating, you won’t have time to stop at the store. Save yourself the trouble and collect everything you’ll need ahead of time. - Verify the information.
Make sure everyone who is assisting you with the move is clear on what they need to do and when they need to do it. Confirm your moving day strategy and timetable with your movers. Any pet sitter, boarding facility, or babysitter may check you in. - Place fragile objects in a safe place.
Set aside any things that will not be loaded into the vehicle in a box. It’s not a good idea to leave electronics out in the cold. It’s ideal to store them in a secure container that will keep them dry and at a consistent temperature. - Make a weather prediction
The safety of both you and your movers is paramount. Make the decision whether or not to move if terrible weather is forecast. Keep an eye on the weather to ensure that nothing changes for the better or for the worse. - Finish up any last-minute preparations
To avoid damage, double-check that all products are correctly packaged and wrapped. Check your supply list to make sure you didn’t leave anything out. - Make a wardrobe plan.
It is critical to dress for the occasion, especially in cold weather. Make sure the clothing, jacket, boots, and gloves you want to wear during the transfer are separated from the rest of your belongings. - Make sure the walkway is clear.
If possible, shovel snow and spread salt a few days before the transfer. This is something you should do both in your present residence and at your new rental. Of course, if you’re relocating from afar, you won’t be able to accomplish this. In this scenario, simply ensure that the sidewalk, steps, and driveway are clear when you arrive. - Keep your new flooring safe.
Prevent water damage and slips on your newly installed floors. Place a plastic tarp in front of the doors and place mats in front of them. If you can’t get to your home before moving day, make sure to set everything out before the procedure begins.
English
Spanish