While most people move during the warmer summer months, there can be benefits to moving during the winter months including off-season rates and better availability for moving dates. There are some unique things you will need to keep in mind when moving during the winter.
- Make sure utilities are turned on in your new home. This one is probably the most important tasks because this can become a matter of safety for both you and your movers. Heat and light are crucial to a successful move, especially with less hours of daylight and unpredictable levels of cold. Ensure your heat, gas, water, and electric are set up and running a week in advance, so you can be sure they are functioning before your move in date.
- If you are moving a washing machine or a refrigerator with an ice maker, be sure to drain water from them before they are loaded. Washing machines have a special drain to let the water out of the hoses and the water pump. If they are not drained, the water might freeze and crack the pump housing, potentially ruining the appliance. We can help you arrange for servicing of washers and ice makers so they don’t freeze while they are in transit. Just ask your contact at MiniMoves about appliance servicing during the quote.
- Clear the roads, driveways, sidewalks, and pathways that lead to the house. You may even need to hire someone for snow/ice removal. If you can visit prior to move in day, it can’t hurt to go check on the state of your new residence for any safety hazards. If you need to shovel/salt the walkways/driveways, try to do this the day before moving. Ensure there is parking for the moving trucks that will need close access to your home. If you are unable to check these things because you are arriving on move-in day, see if your realtor/landlord/property manager can go assess the safety situation of your home. If you are moving from a cold area, sure to clear any snow/ice from your current home as well!
- Keep warming items like clothing and other winter supplies on hand. Make sure coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and boots are available for everyone in your home, and if you have space heaters/hand warmers, it is a good idea to keep those handy for moving day as well. Winter weather can be unpredictable so having extra salt and shovels nearby can be helpful when faced with any unexpected snow or ice. If you haven’t purchased those things yet, it’s a great way to meet your new neighbors and borrow a shovel for the day. Check the weather days in advance and keep an eye out for any changes leading up to moving day.
- Plan to protect your home during the move in process. Floors can be damaged from snow and salt brought in during a move. If you can, obtain floor protectors prior to your move and use them for main thoroughfares. Big box hardware stores sell rolls of paper you can use to protect flooring.
- Let electronics come-up to room temperature after unpacking before plugging them in and using them. The cold circuit boards inside the item will draw moisture from condensation as they get warm, and that moisture could short-out the circuit. Wait a couple of hours after the movers have left to let everything get as warm as the air in your home.
These moving tips should help to keep you, your belongings, and the movers safe and warm throughout your winter relocation. Happy moving!
