Moving during the winter season can have its pros and cons.  If you are using a furniture mover, this is usually the best time to save money when hiring a professional moving company, or if you are doing it yourself these helpful tips can help you be safe or your mover safe when the weather is against you.

FLOOR PROTECTION:

It is important to have floor protection laid down if you are moving yourself, this will protect your floors from getting dirty and wet, and also help from anyone slipping.  A lot of times your mover will offer it to you, there is usually an additional charge for using it.

SHOVELED AND SALTED:

Make sure you have a clear path for where the truck will be and to where the door is.  This will add time to your move if it is not easy to get from the truck to your door, also you want to make sure you, or your furniture movers do not slip due to unsafe conditions.  Also it’s a good to have extra bags of salt and shovels in case your new home is not prepared already.

DRESS PROPERLY:

Make sure you dress in layers.  Have gloves, hats, scarves, extra layers prepared and nearby in case it is snowing or colder than you expected.  Having items on hand will make it less stressful in case you need an extra layer and don’t have to figure out what container extra clothing is in.  Also while working sometimes removing a layer helps from getting too warm

If you are taking your plants, remember your plants will not survive in bitter temperatures, so it’s a good idea to transport them to a warmer area right away, or leave them behind or give them away.  Also if your movers allow you to move them on their vehicle remember they will most likely not survive on the truck, and most moving companies won’t take them anyway.

WINE:

Wine should be transported in a warm enough vehicle, and kept out of freezing temperatures.  Remember wine should be kept at about 55 degrees while transporting.  Outside of this range can affect the taste, appearance, and value of the wine.

WARM FLUIDS:

During freezing temperatures, it’s a good idea to keep some warm liquids nearby.  Hot Cocoa, Tea, coffee.  Having these on hand, your friends or movers will appreciate this, and keep everyone nice and toasty during the move.

VEHICLES SERVICED:

If traveling long distance, make sure to have your vehicle serviced, oil change, tires, full tank of gas, especially during freezing weather.  Also make sure you keep salt in your vehicle along with an extra shovel, in case of blizzard weather.

FURNITURE:

Don’t leave your furniture outside too long, especially when it comes to wood if temperatures are below freezing, freezing temperatures can change the color of the wood, if left outside unwrapped too long, if you are not using professional movers.

UTILITIES:

Make sure to call and set up your electric and gas with the gas and electric company so you don’t walk into a home without power and heat.

FURNACE /HEATER:

Make sure the furnace and heat works at your new home prior to moving in, you don’t want to be dealing with this after a long day of moving.

EXTRA BLANKETS/QUILTS:

Have extra blankets, quilts, on hand in case of emergency during blizzard, or freezing conditions, in case there is a power outage or heater isn’t working at your new location.

All these tips will help you ensure you have a safe, move during the winter season.