5 Tips for Moving During the Winter Season

Congratulations! You’re closing on your new home!

After weeks—or maybe months—of waiting to move in, the day is finally approaching. But if you’re moving during the winter season, there are a few things you should do to prepare for the challenges that come with snow, ice, and cold weather.

1. Create a Gameplan

Whether you’re moving a few blocks away or a few states away, you’ll want to have a gameplan for move-in day.

Mark your calendar for the day or days you wish to move in. Make sure you check the weather forecast for rain, snow, or ice a few days prior, and pick a backup date just in case the weather derails your plans.

In addition, make sure you’ve transferred your utilities and have electricity and running water in your home the day of your move. Because the sun sets earlier in the winter, you’ll have less daylight to work with and won’t want to move your belongings into a dark home if you happen to arrive at your new residence later in the evening. You’ll also want to make sure the heat is on prior to arriving to make your move more comfortable.

2. Make Arrangements for Pets and Children

You’ll want to have a safe, warm place for your pet(s) to stay in your current or new home during the move.

Make sure they are secured in a room with food, water, bedding, and a litter box (if applicable). Keep the heat on, and make sure the door is closed all the way so you won’t have to worry about your pet(s) escaping as you carry furniture and boxes in or out of the house.

If you’re moving further away, you may consider making accommodations with family or friends or leaving your pet(s) in a kennel.

If you have young children, consider hiring a babysitter or asking a friend or family member to watch them at their place while you move your belongings into your new home. Remember to ask in advance, as people often have holiday plans during the winter season.

3. Prep Your Car, Walkways, and Floors

There’s nothing worse than waking up on a wintry morning with someplace to be, only to find your car won’t start. Make sure you prep your car for any upcoming winter weather so your moving plans aren’t delayed. Common vehicle issues to look out for in the winter include:  

-Corroding car parts

-A cold car not turning over

-Low tire pressure

-Dead battery

-Failed sparkplugs

-Frozen windshield wipers

You’ll also want to prep your walkways and floors before you begin moving boxes and furniture in and out of your home. If it’s recently snowed, shovel your front steps, walkway, and driveway so you have a clear path to your moving vehicle. You should also salt your walkways to avoid slipping on ice.

Lay down tarps or tape cardboard to your floors to protect them from wet shoes. It’s also a good idea to move boxes and furniture to the foyer before loading up your vehicle so you don’t have to track wet shoes all over the house or repeatedly take your shoes off.

4. Properly Pack and Protect Items

Make sure your belongings are safely packed away and protected from the elements. Some items, like electronics or glassware, can become damaged by colder weather. These items are likely better off packed in your personal vehicle, where they can be kept warm in a heated car.

Make sure you wrap furniture in tarps or blankets to keep it from getting wet during the move. You’ll also want to bubble-wrap or thoroughly protect any fragile items you have, in case of an accident.

5. Get Professional Help

Sometimes, it’s best to hire a moving service, especially if you aren’t in the proper shape to move heavy furniture in bad weather.

Do your research to find a reputable company, and make sure you ask them about their winter weather policies. If inclement weather is forecasted for your move-in date, make sure you communicate with your moving company to ensure you’re on the same page and can reschedule if needed.

If you're looking for a local moving company, there are several that service Jefferson and Berkeley Counties, including Herb's Hauling and Moving, owned by one of our very own realtors, Anthony Herbert.