Tips for a Successful Winter Move
Navigating a move can be a stressful experience for anyone–especially during the wintertime. A winter move presents additional challenges due to the potentially cold and hazardous conditions, school vacations, and the busy holiday season. However, you can have a successful winter move with proper planning and preparation. Here are some tips that will help you along the way.
1. Locate a mover you can trust.
The first step to a successful winter move is to locate a moving company that you can trust. Do your research and read reviews from previous customers. Look for a company with experience with winter moves and can provide references. It’s important to work with a professional mover who has the necessary equipment and expertise to handle the challenges of moving in winter weather.
2. Consider packing and unpacking services.
Also, consider using packing and unpacking services to ensure your belongings arrive clean, dry, and undamaged. Problems with poorly packed or sealed containers spilling their contents are worse when it snows and freezing outside. The surfaces may be muddy or slushy, which could seep into boxes or damage your furniture. Professional movers can quickly and efficiently pack and unpack your belongings, leaving you with more time to focus on other aspects of your move. Additionally, they have the experience and expertise to pack your belongings in a way that will protect them during the move.
3. Ensure surfaces are safe and accessible for movers.
Winter weather can create hazardous conditions, so it’s important to ensure that all surfaces are safe and accessible for your movers. This includes clearing snow and ice from your driveway, sidewalks, and walkways. Use salt or sand to provide additional traction and prevent slips and falls.
4. Protect floors.
During a winter move, snow, mud, and salt can get tracked into your home, damaging your floors. To prevent this, cover high-traffic areas with resin paper or ram boards to protect your floors. By taking these precautions, you can avoid costly floor repairs.
5. Keep winter clothes close at hand.
Winter moves require more preparation than moves in other seasons. Keep your winter clothes, boots, and accessories close at hand so you can easily access them during the move. You want to avoid being stuck searching for warm clothes in the middle of a move.
6. Make arrangements for children and elderly.
During a winter move, it’s important to make arrangements for children and elderly family members. Since doors are likely to be open during the move, it may be cold inside the house. Consider having children and elderly family members stay with friends or family on moving day to keep them safe and warm.
7. Plan for delays
Winter weather can be unpredictable, and planning for delays is important. Watch the weather forecast and be prepared for unexpected snowstorms or icy conditions. Ensure you have a backup plan if your move is delayed due to the weather. This may include reserving a hotel room or making alternative travel arrangements.
8. Provide hot coffee or tea to the movers.
Lastly, it’s important to keep your movers comfortable during the move. Winter weather can be harsh on the body, so consider providing hot coffee, tea, or cocoa to your movers to help them stay warm and energized. This small gesture can go a long way in making the move more pleasant for everyone involved.
In conclusion, a winter move requires additional planning and preparation, but it can be a success with the right approach. Although moving in the winter presents additional challenges, there are positives to relocating during this time. Some benefits include more flexible dates, additional time dedicated to your move, and potentially less expensive moving costs.
If you have any questions or concerns about your next move, contact the New Jersey Warehouse and Movers Association – njmovers.com.
Blog submission: Mark Quinn, NJWMA Board of Director and President of All Jersey Movers.