3 Tips For People Planning A Winter Move

by Derrick Gordon

Many folks plan their moves during the spring or summer so that the weather is warm, sunny, and dry. Unfortunately, moving on a nice day isn't always an option. If you're planning to transport your possessions to a new home during the blustery months of winter, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Try these simple tips to ensure that your move goes smoothly from start to finish.

Schedule Your Move in Advance

Weather can be unpredictable when winter rolls around, and some moving companies may take the day off if the roads are covered with a thick layer of ice or snow. If you know that you need to be out of your current place by a certain date, make sure to request a team of movers at least two weeks before you want to leave. Otherwise, you may end up missing a day of work or paying additional fees to your landlord because the move is rescheduled.

Turn on Utilities Before You Move

Don't wait until the last minute to schedule a gas, electric, or water installation. Bad weather may make it difficult for techs to visit your new home, and you don't want to ask the moving company to drop off boxes in a cold, dark rental. Sleeping in a cold house also puts you and your family at risk of developing hypothermia, a dangerous medical condition.

Delaying utility installations can cause numerous other issues, including:

  • Frozen pipes that crack -- or even burst into pieces -- when you use them for the first time
  • Excess wear and tear on your appliances, as they have to work extra hard to heat your home after being shut off for an extended period of time
  • Higher-than-usual utility costs as your furnace attempts to warm up an ice-cold home

Stock up on Packaged Snacks

Your new city may handle heavy snow and brutal wind differently than your current area, so don't assume that grocery stores will be open or restaurants will deliver. Prepare for the worst by packing granola bars, bottled water, canned goods and other easy-to-prepare items that do not require refrigeration into a large container or box. Pack enough food and water for two weeks, and consider adding plenty of aspirin, bandages, toilet paper, and feminine products to your stash.

Moving during the winter can be stressful, but there are things you can do to make the move easier. Try the tips above if you decide to relocate when it's chilly outside, and contact a reputable moving company like Francis Moving Movers with your questions if you feel like you're forgetting something important during the process.


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