If you decide (or you are forced) to move in winter you are likely to pay less and book high quality movers much easier than during the high season. Also, rental truck agencies are not overbooked during the winter, so you might even negotiate about the price of their services.
However, there are some details you have to pay attention to, so make sure you are fully prepared for your January move.
– Prepare your new home for your arrival. Make sure that all utilities are set up in advance. Have hydro and heath turned on a few days in advance. Also, check whether lights are working properly, in case you reach your new home late at night.
– Clear walkways and parking area. Make sure that walks and sidewalks in front of the current and new house are clear on the moving day. Also, parking space should be clear and easily accessible, so that movers can park the truck and operate smoothly. Visit your new home before the moving day and make sure that area is clear and free of ice.
– In case the moving truck gets stuck, have sand or salt on hand.
– Keep checking weather conditions all the time and act accordingly.
– If terrible weather conditions are keeping you from moving, come up with an alternative strategy. If you have arranged a long-distance move with a moving company, discuss with your interstate movers about their cold weather moving policy and possible options. Some movers have a lot of experience in moving in winter, so they won’t postpone the move, while others may be able to pick up your belongings, but not deliver them. In that case you should consider short-term accommodation while your items will be stored.
– Whether you are hiring movers or moving yourself with the volunteers, prepare some hot drinks. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate could be very appreciated during the move in cold weather.
– Have your car serviced and equipped properly for winter conditions – top up all fluids, have tires and brakes checked.
– Have all important phone numbers on hand on the moving day (like highway patrol, road assistance,…)
What do you need for a winter move?
Moving in winter requires special attention, because it is nothing alike moving in any other season. Here is the list of items you need to keep handy during the move:
-Cardboard or plastic sheeting In order to protect interior of the house use large pieces of cardboard and place them on areas where movers walk most frequently. Plastic sheeting can be using for protecting electronics, wooden furniture, plants,…
– Warm clothes Keep some extra warm clothes on hand just in case. You may need dry socks or gloves at any moment. Also, dress in lawyers.
– Salt or sand You may need it throughout the move in order to make slippery area safe to walk on. Have an extra bag of salt in your car, because you may need it once you arrive at the new place. – Snow shovel and other winter accessories The snow shovel should be available even if the sidewalk is perfectly clean. Maybe the walk at your new home will need cleaning, too.
– Snacks and hot drinks Prepare coffee, tea and sandwiches for your movers and people who are helping with the move.
– Cleaning supplies Before you leave your old home for good and after the truck is loaded wipe the floor once again. A clean house is one of the steps towards getting your security deposit back.
Winter is known as very slow season for apartment hunting, so you are likely to buy one at an affordable price. The same goes for moving companies. People are rarely moving in winter, so you are likely to make a great deal with a moving company, hire cheap movers and get high-quality service.
