Moving during the winter can be a hassle. Between unexpected weather and holidays, it’s challenging to be prepared for surprises that come along with moving in the winter months. You’ll likely see some snow and maybe even a few ice patches on your move, but there are ways to handle the conditions successfully. To help you out, we’ve compiled this list of 10 tips that will help you survive winter moving day.
Careful Where You Step
As you approach the house where your belongings are waiting to be loaded into the moving truck, take extra care when stepping off the sidewalk or porch. Your front porch could be slick from the melted snow combined with freezing temperatures overnight.
If this is a problem at your new home, you can always ask someone to bring you some sand to dump on the stairs. This will provide you with a safe, non-slip way of reaching your belongings.
Dress Warmly
When you’re trying to keep warm, it’s tempting to wear as little as possible. Don’t make this mistake! You’ll be outside for an extended period, and your moving crew won’t think twice about stripping off a layer or two to stay cool. Stay warm by wearing multiple layers and making sure that you have warm clothing suitable for the weather that day.
The Darkness Factor
The winter sun doesn’t rise until about an hour after you wake up. This means that you’ll be forced to move during the early morning hours, and you could encounter some extra dark work conditions. If possible, hire a moving company or day laborer willing to start their day a little earlier than everyone else.
Don’t Ignore the Weather Conditions
You might be tempted to tough it out if your forecast predicts some snowfall. Please don’t do it! Even a light dusting of snow mixed with sleet can make your move downright dangerous. If you see that conditions are likely to get worse, don’t hesitate to reschedule for another day or hire additional laborers to assist the moving crew. Your safety is more important than completing your move on time.
Ask Your Movers to Protect the Floors
Your moving crew is jumping through enough hoops to make your move happen; they may not think twice about what they track into the house or apartment. If you’re worried about the carpets, consider requesting that the movers put down plastic sheeting to protect the carpet and hard floors. This way, you can keep an eye on any damage and take care of it immediately without having to wait for the movers to leave.
It’s Colorado – Hydrate!
You’re likely to be thirsty after a long day of moving, but don’t forget to take in extra water before you get started. As much as you’d like to avoid it, there’s a good chance the labor will tire you out more than usual, and when that happens, it’s easy to let your hydration go by the wayside. Add an extra bottle or two to your load and keep drinking throughout the day.
Fill Your Tank
If your vehicle is anything like mine, it doesn’t want to start when the temperature dips below freezing. Don’t put yourself in this situation by waiting until the last minute to fill up with gas. Head over to the nearest gas station the night before you move so you can get an early start on filling your tank.
Carry the Essentials
Comfort and safety, the small things in life, should be your number one priority when moving during the winter months. To help out, we’ve created a quick list of essentials that you should always have with you:
- Flashlight with fully charged batteries – If you find yourself stuck in the dark for an extended time, it’s nice to be able to see. A simple flashlight will do the trick.
- An extra pair of gloves – It’s never a good idea to get your hands cold, and if your moving crew doesn’t have warm gloves, keep a backup pair in your pocket! It may not be necessary for the move itself, but it could make a world of difference when you’re walking to and from your new home.
- A cell phone or walkie-talkies – You may need to get in touch with someone on the move, and without a good signal, it could be challenging to use your cell phone. Walkie-talkies can help you communicate with everyone involved in the move.
- A fully charged phone – If your cell phone doesn’t have a good signal, it’s always a great idea to have a backup. Make sure your cellphone is fully charged before the move begins so you can adjust to any weather-related issues as they pop up.
- A first aid kit – You never know what could happen during a move, so it’s a good idea to have something on hand in case of an emergency.
- A reusable water bottle – You’ll be burning lots of calories during the day, so hydration is critical! You can find some great options in-store that are environmentally friendly at companies like S’well Bottle.
Help Your Movers Stay Safe and Warm
If you’re hiring a moving company, it’s important to remember that they are working for you all day. That means you need to make sure they’re comfortable and safe. Ask them if there’s anything you can do to help them stay warm throughout the move and offer extra food or drinks if they’re having a tough day.
Make A List of Things You Might Need
When you’re moving from one state to another at this time of year, it’s so important to have all your tools in one spot. Take some time to go over everything and ensure that nothing is missing. Along with the usual items like screwdrivers and tape, keep shovels nearby if you live in an area that might have a lot of snow.
Be Safe!
Everyone should be safe during the winter move! Crews will work diligently to get you moved in; however, they cannot foresee every issue that may come up. Be safe and constantly aware of your surroundings as you work with movers to complete your winter move.
If you’re looking for the best long-distance moving company In Denver, contact us here! We are always happy to help.
Our Denver moving company offers all kinds of services, including
- Packing services
- Loading and unloading Services
- Furniture disassembly service
- Moving and storage
For more information on our moving services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at (720) 370-3455. Our moving company in Denver, CO, operates seven days a week, and you can also get in touch with us online to book or ask about pricing for your specific move! We look forward to helping you out!