Moving during winter is probably not something you hoped you’d ever do, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. However, moving in winter has some perks. Since fewer people move during the cold season you’ll likely get more personalized attention and lower rates from your moving company.  You’re also likely to enjoy more flexible scheduling.

If you find yourself confronted with a winter move, don’t fret. Follow these tips to make sure your move is as effortless as possible.

Check the weather – and then check again

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and poor weather can wreak havoc on your moving plans. Keep checking the weather in the weeks leading up to the move, and then check every day in the few days before. If it looks like a big storm is going to bear down, it might be better to delay a day or two if possible.

Keep paths clear of snow and ice

Carrying furniture from the truck to the house can be hard, but it’s doubly so when there’s snow and ice. Keep winter supplies like shovels and ice scrapers handy and clear sidewalks and driveways. Make sure there’s a spot cleared in the driveway or street for the moving truck, and that’s there is a clear path to the door.

Protect the floors

Winter weather often churns up mud and debris, and you don’t want to be tracking that into either your old house or your new one. Make sure there are mats in front of the door and cover floors with tarps or heavy cardboard to keep them clean.

Keep sheets and blankets on hand

Sometimes there’s no way to avoid bad weather. Keep sheets and blankets on hand, that way if it begins to rain or snow while you’re moving your belongings inside, you have something to cover them with. This is especially important if you have any antiques or other valuables that could get damaged if they get wet.

Stock up on extra gloves

Your hands will be the first things to get very cold on moving day, and your gloves could easily get wet or dirty before the day is through. Keep spare pairs of gloves on hand so that you can treat your fingers to a warm, dry pair as needed.

Make sure the utilities are on

It may go without saying, but make sure the utilities in your new home are connected when you arrive. However, don’t turn on the heat on moving day. Your furnace will work overtime to keep the house warm, while all that toasty air blows out the front door. Instead, hook up a space heater in the bathroom and keep the door closed. When you need to get warm, take a bathroom break.

Have plenty of warm drinks at the ready

Nothing warms a chill like fresh coffee or hot chocolate, so be sure to keep warm drinks available all day. Not only will up it warm up your insides (and your hands), it can do a lot to warm your spirit on a busy and sometimes stressful day.

Compliments of Virtual Results