Winter Moving Rates & Tips

Moving as an experience has its positive and negative sides – a new environment and a new, fresh beginning coming with a huge change in your life. And if you are thinking in terms of best time to move you may decide it is summer. On the one hand moving in summer is easier but on the other – a lot more expensive. To the contrary, winter is the time when moving companies do not have so much movings to take care of and their rates drop considerably – with up to one third. So if you are willing or open to making a moving that can get you to have your relocation expenses cut effectively you can take a loot at our tips for moving during the winter.

Winter Moving Out Tips to Consider

Ok, it’s cold outside and you may be feeling like staying in and having a cup of hot chocolate but the truth is like moving at any other time through the year this one requires a good organization, too, even more – moving in winter means a few extra steps you will have to take. Snow, rain and ice are some of the things that can make moving more difficult.

Winter Moving Tips

1. Firstly, clean the snow from the area around your home before your cold moving day comes and again – around your new home also – before you have your luggage shipped there.
2. If there are walkways near your house’s entrance that are in mud you may wish to be prepared with some planks, too – in this case sand won’t do and at the same time relocation companies do not have such supplies at stock and you don’t one anyone to slip and cause himself a health issue. Place the planks over slippery areas outside on which you will walk to carry boxes and furniture to or from the truck.
   

   When moving during the winter prepare enough sand and salt to cover the driveways and walkways after you clean them from the snow.

3. When moving in winter the snow will narrow the driveway so after you take care of it use some sand for the road and the walkways around your old and new home. You can do that yourself or have it arranged someone else to do it. Either way plan this for the day before you move out unless you can be sure it won’t be snowing until your moving day.
4. It is very difficult for large vehicles like trucks or vans to move on ice so if the road is frozen cover it with enough sand as well – not just the roads with snow on. Your moving day will go much faster and in time in this way.
5. Unfortunately even with enough snow on the driveways and walkways winter moving days go certainly slower than any others so plan well and have plenty in time for everything.

Moving During the Winter – Tips on Packing

1. You may think packing in the winter is the same as in any other time in the year but no. Remember to not pack any liquids in your luggage. Due to the low temperatures liquids will shrink causing its containers to deform which is a potential threat to the other belongings you have packed.
2. Also instead of buying boxes you may consider using plastic boxes – there is no risk for your things even if it snows – you can rent them the movers. What will the rates be? The prices of the companies vary so just ask by requesting a quote and have it calculated by professionals.
3. After you receive feedback from the experts you can ask them any question that’s on your mind about your move.
4. When your moving day comes, ask the movers to carry everything into one area of your new home near the entrance. You don’t want all the dirt from the shoes to be distributed to every room in the house, do you?

Moving Day during Winter

1. Before the movers arrive at your new home with your belongings you need to be ready and wait for them there. Go earlier to your future home and bring with you sand, a shovel and some salt. Cover the roads and walkways near your new living place so that when the movers arrive they can start unloading.
2. Give yourself enough time for traveling: whether this is a trip of acquainting yourself with your new living place area, preparing your next home for the movers or moving day itself – this rule may save you time and fuss.
3. You may wish to take these measures also because if there are circumstances which make the driving and unloading more difficult for the movers – you may be charged extra. For example, if the roads to your new home are very narrow snow will make things even more difficult and this is a potentially extra charge for you for moving in winter.
4. What you could do to prevent such things from happening during your winter move is to acquaint yourself with the hidden costs and fees and secondly, ask the moving experts you’ve hired what services they offer and at what price. In that way you can avoid some unpleasant surprises.
5. For your winter move use water resistant boots with grapples – they won’t slide and you will keep your feet warm and dry.

What else would you like to know for the specifics on moving during cold weather? Give your opinion or ask your questions as a comment below.

Author: Pamela Smithon April 24, 2012
An expert contributor to My Moving Reviews.