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There are advantages to moving during the winter months. Those who have no choice in the matter will find the information here useful. Those who have the luxury to choose a time for their move may want to reconsider their schedule.
So what are the two biggest advantages for moving during winter?
- More moving services are available
- It’s cheaper
The moving business works mostly during summer with a peak in September (thanks to college students) – people prefer to move house when it’s warm. As a result there’ll be hardly anyone looking for moving services in winter (except you of course). Consequently companies have the tendency to reduce their prices.
If you’re going to move in winter anyway without the aid of professionals, here are ten additional things you’ll need to take care of:
Moving During Winter #1. Additional Essentials
Warmth
Make sure the heater in your vehicle is working properly and bring along additional warm clothing and drinks.
Lights
Days are shortened during winter and it gets dark after 16:30. Ensure all your lights are working before you start out.
Moving During Winter #2. Weather
It’s inadvisable to start your trip if the weather forecast is stormy. Watch your local weather reports or check the news on the Internet. Try and match your move to a day with a decent forecast.
Moving During Winter #3. Prepare for the Unexpected
When you’re moving in winter the first thing you need to prepare is your vehicle. Take it to your local garage for a full check-up – you don’t want to break down in the snow! Don’t hesitate to ask the mechanic whether they think your vehicle is up to the long drive.
As aforementioned you should consult with a weather report, but remember this is not guaranteed, weather is unpredictable. Make sure you use a route with a high number of motels so if a snow storm occurs you’ve got somewhere to stay.
Keep a list of emergency contacts on paper. Phones lose their charge rapidly in the cold. Having these numbers handy is a good idea because if your phone goes dead and you have to use a landline or payphone how are you going to remember the contact details?
Remember to take equipment that can help you on the move – a shovel, salt or sand (kitty litter also helps), car maintenance tools and tyre chains.
Save a few cardboard boxes when it’s time to load the baggage onto your vehicle. Cut them into pads and make a pathway with them from the living room to the car. This way you’ll have a firmer footing on the ground when walking out with a heavy box and you don’t have to take off your shoes when going back in the house.
Keep the pads – you can use them when you unload in your new place.
Moving During Winter #4. Drive Safely
Obviously driving in winter is more dangerous than driving in summer. Remember to change to winter tyres and needless to say be careful on the road.
- Drive slowly
- Apply brakes gradually
- Accelerate gradually
- Be constantly alert
- Never drink and drive!
Moving During Winter #5. Moving During the Holiday
It’s one thing moving in winter quite another moving between December 20th and January 1st. The time between Christmas and New Year is considered a holiday. Moving during the holiday season is a bad idea and things can go very wrong.
How wrong?
- The traffic will be maddening
- If you book professional removals they’ll surely charge extra
- Any utility specialists (electrician, plumber, roofer etc.) will charge extra and may not even answer your call
How do you avoid this? Prepare your new home in advance. Ensure every utility is set up. Do a deep cleaning beforehand. It would be even better to gather some essentials in there such as toilet paper, a few dishes and utensils, towels, cleaning equipment and anything else you can think of.
Hopefully this will ensure you have a safe move – Merry Christmas!
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