It's cold out there!
There's a reason why winter isn't most people's first choice for a move, but sometimes these things can't be helped! Here are our tips for making your winter move!
Be Prepared: Rent Beforehand
It's a good idea to rent a storage unit before moving in all seasons, especially in winter. The same applies to the U-Haul rental and locking in a commitment from friends, family, or professional movers.
It's essential to have somewhere to store items that might not fit in your new place and that you just haven't decided what to keep, donate, or throw away.
Trying to cram and organize everything during the move adds a lot of stress. Best to have the storage unit just in case, so you can get the move out of the way, then do the organizing afterward.
In the winter, this is especially true: not only will an indoor storage unit protect your items from the elements, but lousy weather adds variables like extra time on the drive and extra caution when loading and unloading, as well as fewer hours of daylight to move in. Better to rent your unit beforehand and just eliminate all those extra variables.
Watch the Weather
Remember Murphy's Law: "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong." This includes the weather! During winter and even early spring, it's always a good idea to watch your weather app and prepare for flexibility. That way, if the weather turns nasty and moving is not possible, like with Portland's annual ice storms, you can reschedule without the deadline creeping up on you. Check with your storage professionals about changes due to weather and book movers and a truck that has flexibility with fees for rescheduling if you're planning a winter move.
Pack Extra Carefully
In heavy rain or snow, plastic boxes will be better than cardboard, especially for electronics, art, or books. Anything that can be damaged by liquid should be coated in plastic, as well as the standard protection against bumps and drops. Consider packing extra blankets and loading with additional care: not only can water damage your things, but the cold makes breakables even more fragile, and with cold hands and slick surfaces, even the most experienced movers are prone to accidents.
Double Check Your Transportation
If you're using your own or a friend's mode of transportation for moving is fussy, take your car in for a tune-up before the move if you're going to use it; a little extra work beforehand is much better than needing a tow on a moving day. Do a quick refresher on driving in bad weather: your vehicle will also be heavier than usual, so check your brakes, and remember to brake early!
Budget Extra Time
Even if you're a pro at driving in the cold, there are those on the road who definitely are not. Budget a lot of extra time on moving day to account for taking extra time on the streets. It's a good idea to take extra time while loading and unloading. Better to be slow and cautious than to move fast and break things.
Prep the New Place
Pay a visit to your new place and make sure everything is in order before the U-Haul arrives. Make sure walkways are clear, the sidewalk salted, and things are generally hazard-free before the heavy lifting begins.
Take Care of your Movers
Whether they're professionals or not, a winter move can be grueling. Make sure a hot meal is part of your day for you and your crew, and anyone moving in winter will appreciate a warm drink available throughout the day. Make sure to keep water and a few sticks of chapstick around as well. The cold dries the lips like nothing else. A first aid kit is a good idea, especially if you've drafted friends instead of going with professionals. Pros will likely have their own kit, but your buddies or cousins might not.
We've got even more great tips for moving in cold weather—or any time of year! ❄️🚛 Check out our previous blogs for all the moving wisdom you need!
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