Most Canadians do not consider moving in the winter as most of the country experiences freezing temperatures, snow, and ice for several months. However, there are a few benefits. Moving companies are generally less busy during this season. There is more flexibility on dates, and the costs could be significantly lower. Movers have more time on their hands, so you are more likely to get personalized service. Indeed, moving in the winter is challenging, so read on for our tips to overcome those obstacles.
Hire a Moving Company
Consider hiring a moving company with a truck and driver. Drivers have experience in handling big vehicles on snowy and icy roads. Moving companies also have contingency plans if trucks break down due to bad weather. Truck drivers are prepared to deal with emergencies should roads become impassible due to blizzards or other incidents.
Pack Your Belongings for Cold Weather
Exposing items to temperature fluctuations can cause damage – either from the temperature change itself or moisture build-up caused by temperature changes. Musical instruments and artwork need special care and attention. Temperature changes can cause ceramics, pottery, and wood to crack. Exposure to moisture can ruin fabrics and paints.
Electronic components of computers, televisions, and even some appliances can short out because temperature changes cause moisture to accumulate on circuit boards. Unplug these items at least 24 hours before packing to allow all inner components to cool to room temperature. Make sure they are well wrapped to insulate them from the cold.
Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines have water in the pumping system even after disconnecting them. You may need to completely drain the pumps and add some plumbing anti-freeze, especially if it is a long-distance move. Check your appliance users’ manual or contact an appliance technician for advice. In addition, fridges and freezers may contain water in their defrosting system. Ensure they are unplugged and at room temperature before they are moved. Give all appliances a good cleaning – and drying – before they are packed and loaded.
Avoid packing liquids when moving in the winter. Canned food can freeze and damage the can (potential for food poisoning when defrosted!). Cleaning and personal care products can freeze – so can snow globes and lava lamps. If you must pack these items on the truck, wrap them well to keep them insulated. Label the boxes and load them near the centre of the moving van to minimize exposure to extreme temperature changes.
Some plastics crack and break easily at cold temperatures. Wrap them and pack them inside cardboard boxes. Avoid using plastic totes for cold weather moves unless they are specifically designated for such purposes.
Preparing for the Move
Clear the snow and ice from sidewalks, driveways and walkways. It may take some time for thick ice to melt, so start clearing a few days before the move and keep on top of things until move-out day. Keep shovels and ice-melting salt handy. Tell the movers that those should be the last things to go on the truck.
Prepare your car. If it is a long-distance move, service your vehicle in advance. Store your winter emergency kit in the car and include extra windshield fluid, scrapers, shovel, etc. Pack your winter outerwear in the car, so the movers do not load it on the truck.
Arrange daycare for children and pets on move-out and move-in days. It will be very hectic with people coming in and out of the house, not to mention cold. Let your children and fur babies enjoy a warm day away from the chaos.
Check the snowplow and parking schedule in your parking area or street. You may have to schedule your move around snow clearing days. Check this information at your new home too.
Get your new home ready. If possible, go to your new home and clear snow and ice or hire a company to do it on your behalf. Be sure your utilities are all working before you move in. There would be no point in unloading your belongings if your furnace or hot water doesn’t work. If you can’t do this personally, contact your realtor. Often they can arrange this for you.
Check the weather daily. Weather and road conditions can change quickly. Confirm details with the moving company but be flexible. They do not want to put their crews in danger or leave them stranded somewhere. Prepare for some adjustments in dates and times.
Moving Day
Have a few blankets and towels handy. Use them to dry off, keep warm, or cover furniture and boxes going to and from the house.
Cover your floors. Wet, muddy boots will be tracking across the floors. Moving companies have non-slip floor runners to protect the floors. If you are moving on your own, consider using carpet protector tape or picking up some carpet remnants from a local flooring store.
Wear non-slip gloves to keep your hands warm and dry. Tuck an extra pair or two into a pocket so you can change gloves if your first pair gets wet.
Turn off the heat. The doors will be open most of the day, and you don’t want to be heating the whole outside world. You may wish to keep a small space heater running in the bathroom. Besides making the bathroom comfortable, a space heater will stop the pipes from freezing. If you are worried about your kitchen pipes freezing, leave a tap dripping slowly. Take breaks from time to time, close the doors, and turn the heating back on for a while.
Fill a slow cooker with soup, put the coffee pot on, and keep the kettle at the ready. You and the moving team will need a little something to warm your bones during the day.
Exchange contact details. Give the truck driver your phone number and get the driver’s phone number. Also, save the moving company’s contact information in case you need to contact them in an emergency. As an additional measure, give your emergency contact the moving company’s phone number in case they need to call the moving company on your behalf.
Make it a Stress-Free Move™
Let Out of Chaos manage moving in the winter to minimize stress and disruption in your life. To find out more, visit our Move Management Services or contact us through our website today.
Image by David McCaughey from Pixabay
