Moving can be a lot to handle at any time of year, but that’s especially true during winter months like December and January. Here are some of our top tips for your winter move. We’ll go over ways you can take advantage of reduced demand, remain flexible, prepare for the weather, and pack appropriately.
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There’s Less Demand
There are some benefits to moving during winter months like January. Not as many people do it, so you’ll face less competition. Moving companies and storage facilities will probably have more availability and may even have cheaper rates.
Winter also affects the housing and rental markets. It’s a cheap time of year to buy a home, and you might avoid bidding wars—but you’ll probably also have fewer options to choose from. If you’re renting, you’ll typically find better prices in the winter as well.
Flexibility Is Key
Winter moves demand flexibility that summer moves do not. You might have more scheduling flexibility during the winter. For example, if you move during the December and January holiday season, you might be able to avoid taking time off work.
The need for flexibility in the winter can also pose challenges, though. For example, inclement weather can hinder your plans. Keep checking the weather forecast in the week and days before the move. Stay in touch with your moving company and other services in the event that weather disrupts your move.
Keeping up with holiday celebrations in the midst of a move also demands flexibility. The move might interfere with your plans to decorate, host, or attend celebrations.
Lastly, if you’re moving with kids in the winter, you can take advantage of their holiday breaks to move, but they won’t have as much time off as in the summer. Changing schools in the middle of a year will also demand a lot of flexibility that some kids may not be willing to adjust to.
Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather can affect your plans in many ways. The first is that it might make travel difficult, especially during January moves. If you drive during the winter, stock your vehicle in advance with blankets, water, food, and gas, just in case you get stuck en route. Check the weather before you leave to make sure you’ll be safe on the roads.
On the bright side, cold weather can be nice for moving since you can avoid getting sweaty. Just make sure you bring warm clothes and plenty of hot drinks!
However, with less daylight, you have less time in the day to move. Start early so you can finish your move before dark!
In addition, prepare for slippery and icy driveways. Keep sand, salt, and shovels on hand. Clear all walkways before you move, so you and your movers avoid slipping.
Alongside preparing your walkways, another winter moving tip is to protect your floors! Salt and slush can damage your hardwood floors and carpets. Put doormats in front of all the entrances to your old and new homes, and lay plastic tarps over your floors.
Lastly, it’s important any time of year to set your utilities up in advance—but it’s crucial in the winter to make sure you have utilities like heat when you arrive in your new home. Plan ahead for this!
Pack Appropriately
Winter affects your packing. When packing, make sure to keep your winter gear easily accessible.
Winter weather can damage your belongings if you don’t take precautions. Waterproof possessions that shouldn’t get wet, such as books, clothes, and appliances. For example, you can pack books or appliances in plastic bins, and you can shrink-wrap your clothes or put them in garbage bags.
Electronics require special care in the winter. Keep them in plastic coverings and bubble wrap, and put small items like cables in plastic bags. Try your best to limit their time outdoors, After you bring them inside, let them warm up before you plug them in, as sudden temperature changes can damage them.
Some types of items are more likely to crack in cold temperatures including glassware. For these items, wrap them in bubble wrap and pad them with towels to keep them warm and protected. Another tip is to load them last and unload them first to minimize their time in the cold. Pack especially delicate belongings in your car rather than a moving truck.
Hire Movers
Since moving during the winter requires precautions and flexibility, it can be stressful. Consider hiring movers during your winter move to make your life easier. For example, UniMovers can help you with packing and waterproofing your belongings, as well as with loading and unloading, minimizing the time you spend in frigid conditions.
If you do hire movers in the winter, make sure there’s easy parking for the moving truck, especially given that parking restrictions can change seasonally. Keep the path that the movers need to walk clear, and have hot drinks ready to help them stay warm during the move!
Conclusion
Now you have some tips for mastering a winter move! There are ways to harness the benefits of reduced demand and save money. The flexibility needed in winter can disrupt your plans, but it can also make your move more convenient.
You need to prepare for winter weather, protecting floors from damage and outdoor walkways from ice. You also need to pack your belongings carefully to avoid damage. However, hiring movers can make these steps easier. Whichever route you choose, stay warm and stay safe!
Sophie Pollack-Milgate has a day job as a bioethics research assistant. In her free time, she likes to read books critiquing psychiatry, complain about how either ice or heat are ruining her runs (depending on the season), and modify recipes beyond recognition.
