10 Tips For Moving During the Winter

Summer is usually considered prime moving season, but people move year-round, including during the winter months. A winter move isn’t taboo but there are certain things to consider should you decide to relocate when the temps cool down.

1) Keep Clothes and Furniture Dry

Winters in New York almost always have snow and ice, so you’ll want to ensure your personal belongings remain dry as snow can damage fabrics and wood. Use extra towels to help keep items dry while loading and unloading moving trucks. You also need to take extra care of moving boxes as they are more vulnerable when wet.

2) Thoroughly De-Ice Stairs and Walkways

Moving can become quite risky when there is snow on sidewalks and driveways. If Mother Nature decides to snow on your moving day, take plenty of time to shovel away snow and pour salt or sand on walkways that you’ll use for loading and unloading your belongings.

You may also consider asking your new apartment complex manager to splash salt on the sidewalks leading to your new apartment a night before your scheduled move-in day. Doing so would help provide a safe passage for moving your belongings.

3) Take Safety Precautions

No matter what season you choose to move in, always observe all safety protocols to help avoid personal injuries. Place cardboard over uneven surfaces to help avoid tripping and use dollies to move heavier objects from one place to the next.

4) Treat Electronics with TLC

Electronic devices tend to be temperature sensitive, so arrange for special handling of devices like TVs and gaming equipment so that moisture and extreme temps don’t damage them.

5) Hire Professionals

Sure you could move on your own.  But the truth is no one does it better (and faster) than professionals. There are hundreds of moving companies in and around the city, and some offer free quotes or credits towards moving costs.

And most major moving companies are licensed and insured, which means you would be compensated in case of any damage.

6) Keep a Flexible Schedule

Understand there will be factors beyond your control that could delay your move. Consult your local forecast before your moving day arrives so you can prepare accordingly. Also, consider consulting traffic apps for any scheduled road construction or traffic tie-ups along the route to your new place.

7) Allocate Extra Time

Along with being flexible, allocate extra time for shoveling snow, de-icing, etc. when moving during winter months.

8) Stay Energized

If you have invited your friends to help you with packing and loading your belongings, make sure you provide snacks to help everyone stay energized during the move. Refreshments and productivity go hand in hand.

9) Take Frequent Breaks

With drier air and colder temps, energy levels are less than average. Make sure to take short breaks in between loads when necessary. Avoid taking longer breaks as it’s easier to do work when the body is warm.

10) Wear Warm Clothes

Your protection is the first thing that you must care about when moving in cold temperatures. In snow, it is a lot easier to catch a cold, so bundle up to the extent that you’re still able to comfortably and safely lift and lower objects during the move.

Conclusion:

There is no “best” time to move.  With the right planning and precautions, a winter move can be just as ideal as a summer one.