Moving can be tiresome and stressful but it can be doubly so during the cold winter months. Aside from the usual concerns of moving, you’ll need to deal with snow and sleet, freezing temperatures, unfriendly road conditions, and low inventory on the real estate market.
If transporting furniture and hauling boxes outdoors is less than ideal, why would you want to move in winter?
Although the winter season presents some unique challenges, moving this time of the year actually has some benefits. With everyone safely tucked up at home, the road is entirely yours. You don’t have to worry about traffic jams or delays. Likewise, the demand for moving services is usually low around mid-September through April, so rates are also low. You can save a lot especially if you’re planning to hire movers, which can cost you anywhere between $730 and $1,800, depending on the scope of the project. And since movers are also less busy, they are more likely to accommodate your schedule and other requests.
Considering these benefits, moving in winter is not entirely a bad idea (and can even be a blessing!) With the right approach, you can make the relocation less stressful in spite of the less-friendly, cold weather.
So, how can you minimize the hassle of winter moving? Here are some tips and must-knows.
As much as possible, avoid moving during the winter break or around the holidays. Movers are busy around this time and will have less flexibility. Roads are also busier, so you can expect traffic jams. If you really need to move during the holidays, try to avoid the rush hours.
Before you start packing, identify items that can be damaged from extremely cold temperatures. Be ready with appropriate packaging supplies, such as boxes, crates, bubble wraps, or warm storage containers. Some items that may require special packaging in winter include old china pieces, mirrors, porcelain, wine, and other bottled beverages. Likewise, plants and pets require careful handling when moving in winter.
Planning is crucial in whatever move. But when it comes to winter moving, there are more things that you should plan for. Aside from planning the actual details of the relocation, there are a lot of unwanted things that can happen, such as unpredictable weather conditions, closed highways, and poor driving conditions. Hence, Toronto movers from Torex Moving company emphasize the importance of having contingency plans in case things go awry. You should identify alternative routes as well as safe rest areas, in case travel is unsafe.
When it comes to winter moving, one thing’s for sure – you’ll need help. Whether you’re hiring professional movers or asking family or friends, it’s best to have extra hands. Surfaces tend to be slippery which increases the likelihood of injuries and mishaps. Likewise, daylight hours are shorter, so you have to get the job done quickly. You’ll need help in many things such as packing the items, loading/unloading the truck, sweeping off the new or old home, etc.
Aside from the unpredictable weather, breakdowns are also fairly common during colder months. Vehicle engine won’t startup, tire pressure might drop, broken wipers, and various other engine troubles. Although you don’t want these things to happen, you need to be ready just in case they do. Make sure you have an emergency supply kit in your moving truck or car. You should also bring extra food and water, medicines, basic necessities, and cash at all times.
Expect lots of damp during your winter move, from drizzles of snow to blizzards. As much as possible, you don’t want to set your boxes on wet pavement. It can dampen the box, cause it to fall apart, and possibly damage its contents. To avoid this, make sure you have available tarps to keep the surface dry. Make sure tarps are laid out and floors are covered before putting boxes down. Likewise, it would also help if you cover the floors and carpet to protect them from damp.
Most importantly, you need to protect yourself from the extreme cold temperature when moving in winter. You’ll likely spend long hours outdoors, so make sure you put on layers to keep you warm.
Ideally, you should wear a warm, long-sleeved tee, topped with a puffy coat, jacket, or sweater. You can wear jeans, corduroy, or any pants with thick cloth material. In case you feel warm or sweaty, you can remove layers but don’t go bare as it can cause you to get hypothermia or even frostbite.
All said, moving in winter entails some challenges but it can be done. Follow the tips discussed above and start planning long before the actual move. This way you won’t rush and scramble once the punishing winter weather comes.