The groundhog says six more weeks of winter, so If you’ll be moving in the next several weeks, don’t let Old Man Winter put a dent in your plans. There are a few extra things you’ll want to take into consideration when the weather is at its most unpredictable.
First and foremost, you’ll want to prepare the walkways, sidewalks and parking spaces on both sides of the move to ensure they are clear of snow, ice and debris. Professional movers suggest you keep some sand or road salt and a shovel handy. Unexpected snowfall or a sudden buildup of ice can hinder the movers’ ability to work quickly. The last thing you want on a chilly winter day is to have the move take longer than necessary.
You might be tempted to pack up most of your bulky cold weather clothing, but it’s wise to make sure you have plenty of gloves, hats and warm socks for everyone who will be helping out with the move. Even if you have professional movers, you and your family members will likely be making scores of trips from indoors to outside throughout the long moving day. It’s also nice to have a thermos or two of hot beverages on hand for those frequent breaks you’ll want to take.
Another important precaution is to keep floors dry and undamaged during the move. Having lots of cardboard, sheets or even newspapers to protect high traffic areas at both the old place and new will keep dirt and mud tracks to a minimum. It’s also a good idea to have mops and rags handy for any cleanup. It might sound basic, but you’d be surprised how many forget to set them aside for easy access.
Planning for a move during the winter may seem difficult, and in some ways it can be due to the unpredictable nature of the season. If you properly prepare for it, you can avoid many of the pitfalls that are commonly encountered during winter moves. Keeping these essential items prepared and within easy reach goes a long way to ensure a stress-free move.
