Storytime: Several years ago my wife and I prepped for a move to our new home in January. We carefully kept our eyes on the weather and selected a day that was warm (for January) and precipitation free. On the day of the move, we awoke to ice pellets hitting the windows. Thus began a very long day of moving during ice/snow showers. While it wasn’t fun, we did learn a few things about moving in the winter. Learn from our experience and use these tips for moving in the winter to make your transition a little easier.
Clear the garage
If it’s cold outside or snowing/raining/icing, then having the garage as a landing spot is awesome when moving in the winter. It provides shelter from the elements and having someone move things from inside the home to the garage and another person bring boxes from the garage to the moving truck can cut down on getting the floors wet inside the your Locust Grove home. Clear a wide path in your garage so that people can walk back and forth loading items without bumping into each other. Pull the moving truck as close to the garage door as possible so you don’t have to walk in and out of the cold precipitation as you carry boxes on to the truck.
Confirm Utilities Ahead of Time
Transferring utilities is one of those last minute things you don’t want to forget to do. No one wants to walk into an unheated home after a day of lugging boxes in the cold. Make sure to contact the utility companies and have the transfers ready for closing day. Sometimes the current home owner has to contact the utility company to complete the transfer, so it’s good to call in early and find out how the transfer is done. This way you can ask your REALTOR® to contact the sellers if they have not done their part.
Start Early
Winter days are short. Plan to start early with the sunrise when moving in the winter to take advantage of all the daylight that you can. It always seems to take longer than planned to move.
Get some tarps and mats
Use tarps to protect the seats and trunk of your car if you plan to put boxes in it while it is snowing outside. Have some rubber mats near the entrances of your home to help cut back on all the wet shoes going through your home and to prevent slips or falls. You can tape down tarps to protect your floors. Keep a few rags handy to wipe off anything that gets wet.
Keep the heat low
If it is cold outside, then chances are you will be carrying boxes in your coat. To cut down on your heating bill, turn the thermostat in your home down while the door is open and everyone is coming in and out of the home. As grandpa used to say, “I’m not paying to heat the outdoors.”
Clear the Walkways
If you’ve snow or ice on the ground, work on clearing the walkways at both homes before moving starts. Add some salt to help melt any ice or refreeze on sidewalks when moving in the winter.
Pay attention to any fragile items
Sudden changes in temperature can cause glass items to crack. When packing boxes, add some additional wrapping papers or towels in the box to help insulate the items.
Warm Drinks are a treat
We all appreciate the people who help us move. Show them a little more love when they have helped in frigid temperatures. Pack your coffee maker or slow cooker in your “open me first” box that you physically bring with you to your new home. Set up a hot cocoa or coffee station so that everyone can grab a warm drink when they need it.
Hopefully these tips will help you when you are moving in the winter.
