It’s a fact that more than 50% of all moves take place during the summer months. Unfortunately for some people, this is not an option. If you find yourself moving in the colder months, then the following tips will help make moving in winter easier.

Items Subject to Damage from the Cold

If you are moving in winter, it is especially important to recognize that some items require special preparation. The temperature inside a moving van will be extremely cold, and if it will be on the road for many days then there is the chance that some items may get damaged during transit. If you are only moving short distance, taking vulnerable items in your own car is preferable.

  • Fine China – If you include items made out of fine china in your moving day shipment, make sure that it is extremely well protected with both packing paper and bubble wrap. If it is very valuable, you may want to consider packing the item inside a smaller box that is then placed inside a larger box for extra protection.
  • Plants – It is highly advisable to not move plants long distance in the winter months. If you have very large and valuable plants, arrange for climate-controlled service. Make sure to contact your local Premiere Van Line centre before this happens however, as the service is not readily available at all centres.
  • Liquids – Dispose of all liquids before moving long distance. When liquids freeze they expand, and their containers can burst. Imagine the damage that an exploding bottle of bleach can do to your other possessions.
  • Lacquered Furniture – This type of finish is very susceptible to the cold and is likely to crack if moved in the winter. Usually items with this finish are very expensive to purchase so rather than take a chance, talk to your moving company representative about storing them and shipping them when the temperature is warmer.

Protecting Your Home

  • With all of the in-and-out that is involved in moving, your floors, carpets and other flooring surfaces require extra protection. A professional mover will put down floor runners, and will likely also lay large pieces of cardboard throughout the house to provide extra protection from ice and snow. If you are doing your own move, make sure you do the same, otherwise you may end up having to pay for carpet cleaning from the new owners of your house.
  • All furniture items need to be carefully wrapped in moving blankets. Light coloured upholstered goods should be stretch wrapped or covered in plastic covers then wrapped in moving pads. This is normal practice with a professional mover but if you are doing your own move, make sure you rent or purchase these protective materials.

Having the Heat and Lights Turned On

  • Don’t have utility companies turn off services until at least a day or two after you move out. At the same time, arrange to have the utilities connected at your new home before you move in. If you can gain access to the residence before your move-in date, make sure the furnace and lights are on before the truck arrives.

Clearing Driveways and Walkways

  • Make sure all driveways and walkways at both the old and new property are shovelled and salted before the moving truck arrives. If possible, have extra salt or sand available. Sometimes certain items won’t fit through a front door and have to be moved through a set of patio doors at the back of the house, so make sure side walkways and decks are also clear.

Wait to Use Appliances and Electronics

  • When moving in winter, make sure your appliances and electronics have at least 24 hours to sit and warm up in the new home before turning them on. Freezing temperatures causes condensation to build up. TVs are especially vulnerable which can cause serious damage to plasma, LED or LCD televisions.

Communicate with the Mover

  • Unexpected storms can be a factor when moving in winter so stay in communication with your moving company. Make sure they have your working cell number and also an alternate number so they can reach you about any weather related delays. Be reasonable in your service expectations during bad weather. If many streets haven’t been plowed it is unreasonable to expect the moving van to arrive precisely on time. Moving in winter requires a little more patience and flexibility than at other times of the year.

Whether you plan to move locally or long distance Premiere Van Lines moving experts are here to help you. Find Premiere Branch closest to you or request no-cost, no-obligation moving estimate online.