Preparing for a Winter Move? Here’s What You Need to Keep in Mind

People relocate for different reasons varying from job to student exchanges, all across the year. However, not everyone has the good fortune of moving in the warm and sunny summer season. Thousands of people every season, brave the chilly winds and frigid temperatures to shift to their new homes. Moving during the winter can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can also be successful. Self Storage India’s latest article on preparing for a winter move covers everything you need to keep in mind.

Most people tend to prefer summer relocation. This preference accounts for meager competition rates in winter move, and household companies offer rates that are much lesser than what they give in peak seasons. So a winter relocation can help you save money.

Apart from that, you get to choose from a wide range of movers, in comparison to the summers, where they get pre-booked quickly. The lacking ability to have a selection of movers in the summer means your chances of hiring an experienced moving agency are less in the summer.

Moreover, due to the fewer number of customers in the winter, these agencies also have more dates available for the moving options, and you can choose a time according to your convenience. You might even get to benefit from the fact that winters see roads less cramped and the traffic is lower. So you will be able to travel quickly to your new place.

These advantages are desirable. But there are also some precautions you must take. If you are traveling to icy areas with sub-zero temperatures, you might also have to face the snow and ice that also impact the road conditions. Moving during winters might also help you save some money but mostly has quite a few challenges associated with it. Most people even opt for self storage and for bracing yourself with the winter chills and planning an efficient move, here are a few things you could keep in mind.

1. Plan well in advance.

If you have decided to move in winter, ensure that you plan the route ahead of time. As winters have considerably shorter days, it would be a good idea to start early in the morning. Especially for those staying or planning to move in the northern climates, it is advisable to begin as soon as possible to have maximum daylight while moving. If the weather conditions seem inadequate, dress appropriately. Put on your warm jackets, hats, coats, gloves, scarves, and snow boots.

While on your way, try to choose the main roads over the deserted back-roads. In the scenario of snow or ice, the main roads get cleared sooner than the back-roads. If the distance you are traversing is more, get your car prepped and serviced before the move. Examine all the tires and if possible, replace them with winter tires that are designed for better traction while driving in icy conditions.

Bad weather can strike anytime, and whether it’s heavy snow or an ice storm, you wouldn’t want to get stuck on the road without emergency supplies. Pack some food, water, blankets, and even a first-aid kit. It would also be a warm idea to pack a thermos with some hot beverage!

2. Adopt weatherproof packing.

When packing your stuff, keep in mind the possibility of freezing temperatures and precipitation. Just in case it is snowy or icy outside, you need to take special care of your belongings and keep them protected. Use packaging material like plastic bins, plastic wraps, waterproof moving labels, mattress wraps, and bubble wraps to keep your stuff waterproof. Electronics stand at a higher risk of being damaged in the wet weather. You could put all small electronics and cables in sealed plastic bags before you put them into boxes. The larger ones could be handed over to a moving company for professional care.

Always pack essential documents like birth certificate, passport, financial papers, and other files in weatherproof cases. Things like jewellery, photographs, and other sensitive items could be packed in a sealed container to protect from snow an ice in transit. While packing, also remember to keep some winter supplies in your car and some handy emergency lights, power banks, cell phone chargers, windshield scrapers, bottled water, snacks, and road salt, if possible.

3. Hire a weather savvy moving company.

Moving in the frigid temperatures can be a task, and it is strongly recommended to hire movers that can help you with heavy-lifting and quick packing-unpacking. Find reputable movers who are licensed. There would be nothing better than finding movers who also insure your stuff, while in-transit, for any damage. Once you have finalized the mover, also discuss with them an alternate date in case things go wrong. Say if bad weather hits your area, the company must have a back-up time to meet the emergency.

Under all scenarios also make sure to keep a tab on the weather conditions and keep yourself updated with significant developments in the weather. Make sure you are not caught off-guard in a winter storm. You will find it more conducive to move when the road conditions are apt, and the chilled weather does not add to the trouble with winds.

4. Do not forget about the option of self storage

In the winters, roads don’t make it easy to move things from one place to the other. Most people have to move on an urgent basis and want to keep their stuff safe until the bad weather passes. Under such circumstances, it would be best to take advantage of self storage units. There you could keep your things for as long as you want. You can get it tucked away in a storage unit to keep them protected from the elements. It is also very convenient if the storage facility also has the option to provide experienced movers and packers to help move your things. Self storage units come in a variety of sizes and can provide a measure of comfort as the dedicated staff is willing to give the best service possible.

5. Prep your new home.

A few weeks before you plan to move-in, call up the utility provider of your new place and get the electricity and heating system set up in the area. Try to get the sidewalks, stairs, and driveways shoveled, especially if they are covered in ice, making them more dangerous. You could also protect the floors and entryway with plastic film or flattened cardboard. By safeguarding the floors, it will help to keep your home dry and free of icy slush.

After you have moved in, put in some time to properly set up your house to brace the cold winter months. Try to use warm floor carpets and bed dressings to avoid substantial electricity bills.

6. Enjoy the chill.

Relocating is never easy, but if you systematically plan things, the whole process can become smoother. Relocating your home in winters has numerous perks that are overlooked by the majority of the people. Execute the tips given and plan well to be the ultimate gainer.