While most of us Midwesterners dislike the winter, we expect it. We all have our routines in late Fall of swapping out the lawnmower for the snowblower, winterizing water lines, and battening down the hatches. But if you are moving during the winter months, you’ll want to share some of your focus on winter prep towards your winter move. Long before your local movers or cross-country movers walk up to your doorstep, you need to be ready for the day. Pour a warm cup of cocoa and let’s write down a checklist of ways to make sure you’re all set for a moving day that even Jack Frost will not mess up!
✓ Dress in layers
During the loading and delivery process, the exterior doors to your home will have to be open for most of the day. It will get pretty cold in your home! Be sure you dress in layers to remain toasty warm!
Bonus tip: Keep an extra blanket or space heater in an interior room, like a bedroom, and plan on spending most of your day in there while the movers work.
✓ Truck access
If your scheduled move is just after a substantial snowfall, you should look around your neighborhood for large snowdrifts or snow piles. If your neighborhood is professionally plowed, some places, like cul-de-sacs, might have big piles of snow blocking parts of the street. This could affect how local or cross-country movers can access your home. Take note of any major snow piles or drifts that were not there when you had your in-home or virtual estimate and let your local mover or cross-country mover know as soon as possible in order to prevent any issues.
✓ Have driveway and all walkways cleared and salted
Our movers will be back and forth to and from the moving truck all day long. Being sure there is a safe, shoveled path to walk is crucial to manage their safety, as well as the safety of your belongings.
✓ Utilities
Be sure to follow your area’s extended forecast, particularly for temperature forecasts. If a cold front is headed your way, you might want to keep your utilities, such as gas or water, on. Conversely, make sure those utilities are turned on at your new home before the temps drop too low that can cause damage. Nobody wants to move to their new home with pipes bursting!
✓ Floor Protection
The movers will handle protecting your home, with items like flattened cardboard boxes on wood and rug runners to protect carpet. That said, you may want to lay down some small rugs or extra carboard just outside your exterior doors, to cut back on the amount of slushy mess in your house. Even an old, flattened box from your attic can become a nice buffer for wiping off shoes before entering!
✓ Pack Strategically
There are certain things you will want to pack separately, or even pack last. Things like sweaters, socks, boots, gloves, winter hats and your snow shovel could be things you’ll like to keep accessible. This way you are always prepared for the cold weather!
✓ Plan for Darkness
Most of your packing will happen indoors, but don’t forget about your yard, garage, shed, and attic! Because the winter brings shorter, darker days, make sure to plan ahead to pack those outside areas to times that you have lots of daylight left.
Also, local movers have a unique challenge in the winter. For a lot of customers, their local move transpires over the course of one day, i.e. your local movers load, drive and deliver the same day. But with reduced daytime hours, some moves simply aren’t able to be finished the same day in the winter months. If your local mover is suggesting you have to split your move over the course of two days, this is likely the reason why. It’s dangerous for local movers to move heavy belongings in darkness, so it’s a good idea to move your items over the span of two shorter days instead of one long day.
✓ Take extra care packing breakables
Fragile items, like snow globes or wine, may be sensitive to large temperature fluctuations. Be sure to wrap fragile belongings carefully, adding even extra protection using newspapers, wash rags, towels or bubble wrap.
✓ Keep extra towels handy
One of the last things the movers will load on the truck are your rugs. This means once your local movers or cross-country movers leave your house, anyone walking into your house will have nowhere to wipe their feet. Put down some old towels so people can wipe their feet, reducing the snow, slush and salt from being tracked inside!
✓ Expect the Unexpected
If your cross-country movers have the hit the road to your new place, then now it’s your turn. But don’t get caught off guard on your journey to your new place. If you have a long drive during the winter, you will want to make sure you have your emergency kit and supplies ready. We’ve read the horror stories of highways getting jammed up for hours, resulting in hundreds of stranded drivers. Do not let this happen to you! Here are the essentials for your winter weather car safety kit:
- Bottles of water
- Flashlight
- Towels
- Blankets
- Short, handled snow shovel (this will fit easily in your trunk, and handy if you get stuck!)
- High protein snacks
- Empty, clean bottle or bowl with a lid (for, bathroom emergencies, especially if you have small kids)
- Baby wipes
What is the right way to prep for your upcoming move this winter? Partnering with Corrigan! We’ll be there through each step of the process, resulting in a simple, no-hassle experience from start to finish. Do not hire a mover who will leave you stranded in the cold. Contact Corrigan today!