Moving in the winter can be a challenge, especially in Canada due to ice, snowstorms, and strong winds.
A winter move can take much longer due to cold, ice and snow. There is also the potential for getting injured on a DIY move, so it makes sense to consider hiring a professional mover. The good news is movers are generally less busy in the winter months and their rates are usually lower.
Here are some useful tips to help you plan and prepare for winter moving:
Hire a Professional Moving Company
Professionals have the equipment to protect your home and furniture and move it safely from your home to the truck and into your new home. Moving personnel are also fully trained in professional moving techniques to get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Bad Weather
Your moving schedule will be set days or weeks in advance so it will be impossible to predict what the weather will be on move day. Your moving company will call a day in advance; if really bad weather is in the forecast, you may want to reschedule if possible.
If a blizzard or hazardous conditions happen on move day, your mover may be late arriving as they will be dealing with bad road conditions and congested traffic. Professional moving companies like Premiere Van Lines will notify you if there will be a delay due to the weather.
Driveway and Walkways
If there is snow or ice your moving crew could slip or fall, which could result in a serious injury or damage to your belongings. Shovel and sprinkle de-icing salt before the moving truck arrives. Make plans to have your new home property cleared for move in day.
Protecting Your Carpet and Floors
If you are doing your own move, cover your flooring with flattened cupboard boxes. Moving companies will come prepared with proper, non-slip floor runners to protect your flooring from snow or dirt being tracked in from outside.
Utilities
Do not have the utilities disconnected until the day after you move out and plan to have them connected at the new home before the moving truck arrives.
Protecting Your Furniture
A professional mover will carefully wrap furniture in moving pads before placing them on the truck. Light-coloured upholstery items will be shrink wrapped first, then wrapped in the moving pads. These steps are necessary to protect your belongings before moving them in and out of the truck.
Pets and Children
Moving day will be hectic and cold. Plan to have children and pets looked after by a neighbour or relative. If you decide to keep them with you, try to limit them to one room. The movers will be carrying large furniture items and having children and pets underfoot can be dangerous. The front door will be open during the move and pets can esacpe if they are not confined.
Hot Drinks
Keep a coffee maker out and keep it going, or plan to make a few trips to the local coffee shop throughout the move. Your movers will be working hard in cold conditions and will really appreciate a chance to warm up.
Moving in winter may not be ideal but with the right moving company it will be a lot less stressful. For more information about moving in winter or to get a quote on your move contact Premiere Van Lines at 1-877-671-6683.