Relocating season is well behind our backs and those who have successfully relocated to their new dreamed dwellings might happily enjoy the cold, gloomy winter sitting in front of the warm fireplace with a pleasant book in their hand. All the stress is already forgotten, carefully swept in the dark corners of the memory , only the funny moments are those who has left as a sweet reminder and a cause for funny jokes with the folks of those times of transition. There is one thing, though, which those who have moved during the warmest days of the year does not realize and it is how lucky they were accomplishing it in that period. Yes, moving is stressful in most cases but can you imagine if we have to do it in the harsh winter days, when even the simple survival of human being , fighting the raw, raging elements can be really challenging? No matter how unimaginable this may sound but moving during winter times is not such a rare event, provided that the changes in our lives does not come as we expect them or at the time when it will suit us. So if you are one of those are faced with such an extreme task don’t panic – we have prepared a set of moving tips that will prepare you and help you understand that when you act systematically and in accordance with the circumstances even the unthinkable winter relocation can go as smoothly as one have ever imagined.
- Safety first, moving second! This rule applies to all industries and areas of life and it is very important to be strictly observed unless you don’t want to end-up in a hospital for the rest of the winter. The cold weather that will accompany your move will most certainly guarantee you slippery pathways, icy streets and snowy pavements. The sub-zero temperatures can also make the floor of the moving truck sleeker than usual. If you are moving by yourself or with the help of friends, have in mind that even during the Summer season hauling heavy furniture or personal items bares a risk of injury, imagine how this risk is increased when you are carrying heavy stuff on an ice rink. The second risky situation is driving the moving truck itself. If you are not an experienced driver and you a renting a large truck, be twice as cautious as usual – winter conditions are challenging even for the most experienced professionals. Best thing to do is not to chase your schedule – simply drive as careful as the road condition demand and make sure you reach your destination safe and sound, no matter if it is few hours later than planned.
- Melting the ice. This one is tightly related with the previous tip: make sure that the path where you or your movers will carry all your belongings is clear of snow, water or ice. Clean your home entrance, driveway and sidewalks from the snow with a shovel and if there is in ice crust underneath, melt it down with ice melting products. If you are going to drive the moving truck yourself, make sure it is well equipped for the winter road conditions: put deep tread grooved winter tires for optimal traction, tire chains, large shovel, pulling rope, extra food supplies, window scraper etc. Resent servicing of the truck is also a must.
Knowing how the weather will change may help you take the right decision during your relocation
- Follow the weather reports. If you don’t have a strict date for your upcoming move then you can choose the most appropriate weather conditions according to the weekly or monthly weather forecast. Plan your move for the first day of the best suited time interval. Once on the road, it is vital to follow the forecast too, especially if you are going to pass through mountains or other difficult terrain. Listen to the car radio, check your phone as often as possible and even ask your friends or relatives to follow the forecast for you and get back you if there are any changes. Remember that weather can change quickly from bad to worse. Sometimes it is better to stop and rest until the bet weather conditions pass away.
- Keep the winter tools handy. Prepare an easy-to-access box with winter supplies such as shovel, ice melters, warm clothes etc., and arrange it as last item in, first to come off the truck. If you a driving, do not get tempted to warm yourself by consuming alcoholic beverages – you’ll quickly become a life threat to yourself and the others on the road. Eat warm food and drink hot beverages instead. A large thermos for coffee or tea will become really handy.
- Service your vehicle. Even if you a hiring professional movers for your long-distance winter relocation (which is undoubtedly the recommended option) you still might be driving to your new home with your own personal car. Automobiles are quite sensitive machinery when it comes to cold conditions so you need to service it before your journey. What applies for the truck is valid for your car too – put the appropriate tires and keep the fuel tank close to the top, you’ll never know how long you’ll have to stay with engine on a stuck winter road.
- Temperature controlled transportation. There are days during winter when outside temperatures are much lower than in your refrigerator so some items, like your precious wine collection, may not make it during the move. In this case a good idea is to take those items with you in the car or if necessary, hire a temperature controlled transport vehicle. Most of your home electronic devices can withstand sub-zero temperatures but not too extreme.
Arrange heating with the new utilities provider at your destination ahead of time. Nobody likes to enter in a freezing cold home.
Condensation, which appears in-between temperature changes can also harm your electronics so you have to protect them accordingly – pack them well in their original packaging, put them in plastic bags to minimize humid air penetration or wrap them in moving blankets for better insulation.When finally at home, allow your devices a full day of acclimatization before plugging them in.
- Warm new home. It could be very unpleasant if your new dwelling welcomes you with an arctic shill instead of the anticipated warmth and cosines of a dream home. Do not forget to prepare in advance and call the new utility company to connect your house. If it has a central heating system call the local service company to check if it is fully functioning and filled up with fuel.
No matter how challenging it may look, moving in winter months can go smooth, especially if you follow those simple but handy tips above. Of course, our advice is to hire professional movers – this would be the best time to do so, indeed. Not only they are more experienced and use professional drivers who can handle even the harshest road conditions. The prettiest part is that movers are less busy during winter time so your move will be handled without delay and at lower rates. Your winter move may save you a lot of time and money, compared to the high-season summer relocation.
