Winter is upon us and moving during those months is going to be tricky - especially during the holidays. You'll be encountering unexpected weather, snow storms, and for my fellow Canadians, bone-chilling cold. Although a move in the winter is not so common, sometimes it simply can't be avoided, so if you find yourself in a snowy situation here are 5 tips to help you get by.
Hire Movers
If there is any time to hire professionals for a move, it's the winter season. You're going to need to have your goods professionally packed and a team of well-equipped professionals to transport your heavy furniture through the slush, snow, and ice. Moving during the winter times can cause injuries, so try to stay away from the outdoor lifting as much as possible. Moreover, driving in the snow and ice is dangerous and difficult as is, now imagine driving an unfamiliar, heavy moving truck in that same terrain. Best leave it to the pros.
Shovel and Salt the Driveway
Although you're moving out, and you can't care less about the snow covering your driveway, you might want to consider your movers. Let's face it, though they are professionals they're still human, you would hate it if they slipped while carrying your fancy dinner set. Plus, it's the ethically right thing to do and it could speed up your moving process.
Utilities Are Hooked up in the New House
This tip could be your life saver, set up your utilities first, before you move. You wouldn't want to be stuck in a freezing cold home with no electricity or hot water.
Protect the Floors
Walking in an out with salt infested boots can ruin your nice/new hardwood floors. Tape down some tough cardboards to the ground in high traffic areas to avoid anyone stepping on your home floors with their boots. Preferably, place a layer of plastic under the cardboard, so the water that goes through doesn't get to your floors. The cardboard is mainly for salt scratch protection; it won't protect your floors against the water.
Dress the Part
Remember you're moving not going out for dinner; make sure to bundle up as much as possible since you will be spending plenty of time outdoors. Snow boots, ski pants, and especially gloves are a MUST. Exposed hands grabbing on to your metal furniture can be painful.