Moving to a new home can be stressful. 

The planning, packing, cost, and physical labor are all overwhelming. Throw in some cold temperatures, snow, hail, road hazards, and delays, and your anxiety may be through the roof.

Whether you are moving in the winter suddenly for a job offer, family issue, or other reasons, hiring a moving company will ease your anxiety. Professional movers are used to inclement weather and know what to expect during a winter move. 

Even with the help of movers, you’ll still want to plan ahead. 

Continue reading below to learn more about the considerations and unique challenges you may experience during your winter move. These tips can help you and your family get through your move stress-free.

 

How to plan your move in the winter

Planning your move will be the first step in making sure your move goes smoothly. 

While all plans may not go accordingly, knowing what could go wrong gives you a chance to build a second plan. Having a backup plan will assure a successful move and help you adapt to different situations and challenges.

 

Find a Moving Company

Rather than trying to move alone, find a professional and reliable moving company. They will have the right moving equipment, a truck, and experience. With the help of movers, the weather won’t stand in your way. They will have experience with moving in the winter. 

While there will always be the possibility of delays, your belongings will reach your new home safely and in a timely fashion. Professional movers have been trained to care for their customer’s items and know how to handle them properly. 

Ask About Discounts 

Winter is not the most popular season for a move, which means some companies offer lower rates during these months. Some moving companies may also offer discounts to their customers if they purchase several of their services. 

For instance, if you have storage needs, or need to buy moving supplies, using the same company may save you a few dollars. 

Transfer Utilities

Before moving day, contact your utility service providers. Make sure you have your account numbers and new address ready. It will be easier and quicker to have everything transferred if you are prepared. 

It is especially important to have utilities transferred ahead of time during the winter months to ensure that your home has heat when you arrive. 

Begin Packing Early

It is never too early to start packing. There are likely many things in your home that you don’t use regularly — start there. Be sure to pack similar items together and label your boxes. Many moving companies also offer packing and unpacking services, so you can always leave the big stuff to the movers.

 

Prepare for Colorado’s coldest months

While Colorado is known for its beauty, It’s also known for its intensely cold and snowy winters. If you are moving in the winter long-distance, you’ll want to purchase warm clothing and keep your eye on any winter storms that may be on their way. 

Keep Track of the Weather 

Keeping track of the weather is the best way to prepare for your winter move. With the different weather applications available for phones, staying ahead of the weather is easier than ever. 

While you may not have control over mother nature, knowing what is coming can help you take extra precautions. Your movers are experienced in safely driving the moving truck to your destination in snowy weather. That should take some burden off your shoulders, so you can just worry about getting you and your family there safely.

Schedule Your Move for Morning

Moving in the winter means it gets darker outside earlier. No one wants to move in the dark, so it’s a great idea to schedule your move early in the morning. Starting early can also help you stay ahead of schedule if there are delays, such as road closings. 

Dress Appropriately

If you are unfamiliar with Colorado winters, know that it is essential to dress in layers. While dressing in layers, keep in mind that you will be moving, so you don’t want to dress too bulky. 

Wearing hats, gloves, thick socks, and scarves to protect your extremities from the cold can help you stay warm and prevent you from needing bulkier clothing.

 

Moves in inclement weather

Mother nature is unpredictable, but you can prepare for inclement weather. Keep following those weather reports and ensure you have the proper clothing and equipment to handle a winter move. 

Clear Pathways 

You will want to clear all pathways and stairs of debris, snow, and ice at your old and new home. Have shovels and salt on hand so you won’t have to make any extra trips to the store before the movers get there or during the move if it begins snowing. 

Lay Down Plastic

To protect your carpet or hardwood floors, lay down plastic. Shoes and moving equipment may drag in dirt, mud, snow, and salt, and these are likely to stain or warp your flooring.

Get Your Car Ready

Before your move, take your car in for a tune-up and maintenance. This is especially important for a long-distance move. You will feel more confident driving if you know that your vehicle has good tires, brakes, and windshield wipers.

It is also essential that you carry a car emergency kit. Some things you may want to include: 

  • Jumper cables
  • A spare tire
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • A phone charger
  • Warm blankets
  • Warm clothing 
    • Hats
    • Gloves
    • Scarves
  • Non-clumping kitty litter for traction if you get stuck in a snowbank 

The best way to prepare in case of delays

In the case of delays, remain patient. 

While it may be difficult, it can help you stay on track and think more clearly. You may worry that the longer your move takes, the more likely your items will be damaged, but your items will arrive safely at your new home if you take precautions. 

Keep Your Items Safe

Taking extra care of your belongings in the winter months is critical, as some items are sensitive to the cold. 

For appliances that use water, it is necessary to drain them and make sure they are completely dry before the move. Not doing this increases the chances of them needing to be repaired after the move. 

As electronics are delicate to temperature, taking the time to insulate them will help keep them safe during your move. 

Cover all types of furniture, musical instruments, and artwork with thick blankets to protect your pieces from extreme cold and moisture. Even wrapping your items heavily in plastic can prevent wood and leather from cracking and plastic from warping.

If Moving For a Job, Move in Advance

If the reason for your move is to begin a new job, don’t schedule your move close to your starting date. Weather can change quickly during the winter months, and a severe enough weather storm can put you days behind schedule.

When you schedule your move, allow for extra travel time and mishaps. This will make it less stressful for you and guarantee that you are all settled in before you are expected to start your new job.

 

Moving in the winter can be smooth and stress-free

While moving to a new home and location during the winter can be stressful, it doesn’t need to be. 

When you hire a professional moving company, your residential or long-distance move can be quick and stress-free.

Road Scholars Moving Company takes great pride in its services and professional movers. We respect our customer’s items and transport them with care, and this is why our past customers have given us such excellent ratings and reviews

Contact us when you are ready to schedule an easy and stress-free move!