Moving in the cold, snowy winter months can lead to some unique challenges, from staying warm to navigating icy sidewalks. If you're planning a local move during the winter, use the following tips to help make everything go smoothly while staying warm in the process.
Coordinate Moving Truck Parking
You'll want to work with your local movers to ensure you have the right amount of space cleared for the truck. This is critical in snowy weather, as you'll need to make sure there is a snow-free, ice-free space for the movers to park as they move your items out of your old home and into the new one. If you don't have a driveway, make plans to clear the street in front of your house. For houses with a back alley, consider contacting your local government to ensure the entire alleyway will be plowed in the event of a snowstorm. You don't want to plan to have the movers park in the back alley only to find out it's inaccessible.
Stage Shovels And Salt
Be prepared for surprise snowstorms by staging shovels and salt at both your current and new residences. When the white stuff starts falling from the sky, you can be ready to start prepping the sidewalks and driveways before your local movers arrive. Make sure you have extra salt on hand in case the sidewalks need to be touched up throughout the day. If you have a snow thrower, be prepared to use it at both locations.
Buy A Few Boxes Of Hot Coffee
Chances are, you'll have your coffee maker, mugs, and other essentials already packed away in preparation for your move. Purchasing catering-style boxes of coffee and hot chocolate can help you and your family stay warm as you direct the movers throughout the day. Purchase disposable cups and individual packets of sugar and creamer, ensuring you have a supply at both your new and current homes. It's a good idea to purchase extra so you can share with the moving crew, as they may also want a hot cup of goodness to help them warm up too.
Lay Down Tarps
When the weather is snowy and slushy, your floors might become dirty and damaged during the move. One way to avoid this is to lay down basic plastic tarps throughout your home. The plastic creates a barrier to prevent dirt and moisture from coming into contact with carpeting and hard flooring surfaces, and they can be thrown away at the end of the move for quick, easy cleanup. The tarps don't have to cover every inch of floor space in your home, so purchase enough to cover hallways and main walkways through each room. Be sure to leave your welcome mat on each porch so you and your movers can stomp out extra snow and ice before walking into your home.
Talk to a local moving service for more advice.