Everything You Should Know About Moving in Winter

When you’re planning a move, there are a lot of things to think about. But if you’re relocating during the colder months, there are a few extra things you need to consider. Here’s everything you need to know about moving in winter.

Moving in the winter can be a challenge due to cold temperatures, icy conditions, and shorter days. Even with professional international moving services, it could get a bit tricky. But the extra effort required to move during this time of year should not discourage you, because there are many reasons to move in this season. One of them includes the availability of movers and lower prices are the other. There are several ways to make your move efficient, successful, and safe. With careful planning and preparation, moving internationally in the wintertime can be an enjoyable experience.

When Moving in Winter, Be Prepared to Be Flexible

Cold weather can be erratic, with one day being clear and the next being covered in snow or rain. You might also experience winds, hail, or other extreme weather. So, what to do if your move is supposed to happen during such a time to avoid making any catastrophic relocation mistakes? Here are some winter moving tips for making your moving overseas a success:

• Pack warm clothing and blankets for the journey. When you are relocating in cold weather, it is important to keep yourself and your family warm during the process. Be sure to pack extra sweaters, jackets, hats, gloves, and blankets so that everyone stays comfortable throughout the move.
• Purchase plastic bins and storage bags to protect your items from the cold. Plastic bins are ideal for helping to keep your belongings insulated from cold temperatures. Additionally, use vacuum-sealable storage bags to ensure that clothes and linens don’t incur any additional water damage during the move. These types of bags are also the easiest way to pack for a move and can make even last-minute moves a breeze.
• Make sure to keep pathways clear. When the ground is covered in snow and ice, it can be very dangerous to move furniture and other items through icy paths. Make sure you have placed salt or de-icer on the walkways to avoid any slips or falls during your move.
• Give yourself extra time for the journey. Relocating to another country in the winter may take a little longer than usual due to slippery conditions. Make sure to give yourself adequate time for the move and plan accordingly.
• Hire professional international movers if you can afford it and if you’ve saved some money to move with assistance. If you are relocating abroad alone or have many heavy items, hiring professional movers can be an excellent way to ensure that your move is safe and efficient. They will offer overseas vehicle shipping for your car, and provide you with a packing service and even storage service if you require it.

Although this to-do list may seem a bit extensive, it will help you a great deal when relocating in the wintertime.

Extensive Planning Is Vital

Relocating may be stressful at any season of the year, but it can be especially difficult if you have to do it in the winter. It presents its own set of difficulties, including the presence of snow and extremely low temperatures, but eventually – it doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right planning, preparation, and relocating abroad checklist, you can make your move an enjoyable and successful experience.

Watch the Weather News

Make sure to check for weather updates before traveling. Before beginning your move, be sure to check the latest weather reports so that you know what to expect from the journey. This will help you to plan accordingly and stay safe during your move.

Take Frequent Breaks During the Move

Relocating in cold weather can be physically demanding, so make sure to give yourself plenty of breaks throughout the process. This will ensure that you stay energized and don’t become too exhausted from all of the work.

Have a Moving Party

After all of the hard work is done, celebrate your successful move by having a small gathering with friends and family. Not only will it be an enjoyable way to wind down, but it can also give you an opportunity to thank those who helped you along the way.

Once You Arrive, Inspect the Home

Make sure to inspect your new home before settling in. When settling into a new home, it is important to check for drafts and other potential problems caused by cold temperatures. Be sure to check for any areas that need repair or insulation so that you can stay warm and cozy in your new home.

Hire a Professional Cleaning Company

Consider hiring a snow removal company to clear the way. If you are relocating to an area with heavy snow accumulation, it may be best to hire a professional snow removal service to help get your driveway and pathways cleared for easy access. Not only will this make moving out for the first time more efficient, but it will also help to keep everyone safe.

Start Packing Early

Before the cold season arrives, start packing up your belongings and making plans for the move. Wintertime is a difficult period to relocate due to weather conditions and other factors, so it’s important to plan ahead. Make sure you have all of the necessary supplies organized and packed in advance so that you can quickly get started when the time comes. Make sure to label all of your boxes clearly, so that you can easily identify them when unpacking.

Additionally, organize any documents, paperwork, or financial information ahead of time, so that you don’t have to worry about searching for it during the move. Finally, make sure to have an emergency kit prepared before relocating in case of extreme weather conditions or unexpected circumstances. Include flashlights and blankets, bottled water and non-perishable foods, first aid materials, and any other items you may need in case of an emergency. Having this kit readily available can help make your move much smoother and more efficient.

Prepare the Home and Around It

Create a safe space before you begin packing anything into the car, truck, or container. Relocating can be more hazardous in the winter than it is in the summer, spring, or fall. Snow should be cleared by shoveling, making sure to leave a wide route so that heavy furniture may be moved out of the home. Make sure your pathways are clear of ice as well. On your steps and walkways, applying a de-icer or anti-icer is a good remedy. The very last thing you’d like to happen is to trip and fall, injure yourself, or shatter any delicate goods.

Additionally, you might want to think about building shelters near dangerous places. However, if you’re dealing with snowfall, make sure to pick something that can handle the weight or that has a slope to slide the accumulation off. Large tents and tarps make good rain protection.

Be Mindful of the Inside

Put down plastic sheeting inside your house to shield the floors. You’ll want to safeguard your flooring from staining, scratches, or a need for excessive cleaning. This is because you and any international mover helping you will be entering and exiting the property regularly and bringing wet, snow, and filth with them. The relocating day is stressful enough, so worrying about cleaning mud from your carpets after you’ve left shouldn’t be one of them.

Protect Your Belongings

When relocating during cold weather, it is important to protect your belongings from the elements. The most essential thing you should do is pack them in protective materials, so no harm can come to them in moist weather and freezing temperatures. It is also important to ensure that your belongings are secure during transport – use straps, rope, or bungee cords to tie items down in the relocation vehicle. Following these relocation hacks can help protect your possessions and make sure they arrive safely at their destination.

Use Waterproof Materials

When preparing for a winter relocation, it is important to use waterproof materials for your packing. This is especially true if you are relocating during the coldest and wettest months of the year. Here are some packing tips that will help you keep all the belongings secured:

• Using water-resistant or waterproof materials such as plastic totes, sealable bags, bubble wrap, and shrink wrapping will help prevent any items from being damaged by moisture or cold temperatures. 
• It is also important to ensure that any items that need to be stored in the truck for an extended period of time are adequately protected against potential water damage. Glass and plastic can break at subfreezing and rapidly changing temperatures. 
• Avoid dropping plastic containers outside in cold weather and handle them carefully.
• Protect fragile goods like glass, china, and other items from the excessive cold by wrapping them twice. To protect your belongings, you can also apply additional padding like bubble wrap. 
• Before opening and utilizing the fragile item boxes once you get to your new house, give them a few days to warm up inside. 
• Additionally, you should use a heavy-duty tarp to cover the entire load if necessary and take extra precautions when packing electronics such as computers and TVs. 

Taking these steps can help ensure that your relocation is a successful and safe one. Also, the following video demonstrates how to close your sealing bag full of clothes.

Take Good Care of Movers

It may be preferable to employ professionals to carry and unload your possessions during the winter months as relocating is considerably more challenging than it is during the summer. They will be better prepared to handle the difficulties that arise because they will have much more experience than you do.

Make them a pot of coffee, hot cocoa, or apple cider to keep them warm when they need a break as a token of appreciation for all of their hard work. There is no question that they will value it immensely. You should also remember to tip the movers more than you would during a summer relocation.

Employ a Babysitter for Your Kids

There’s a considerable probability that the doors to your house will be kept open while the movers load your goods onto the vehicle. Your home’s heating system might not be able to maintain a reasonable temperature for kids, the elderly, or pets if your move occurs during really cold weather. During movements in cold weather, look for warm places for vulnerable family members:

• To take older children to the movies, hire a babysitter.
• For a few hours, ask a close relative to watch your children.
• Find childcare facilities for children, older folks, and pets if you don’t have any relatives close by.
• Request suggestions from friends and colleagues for companies offering temporary childcare, and don’t let it be one of the things you forget to do.

If no one is available to watch individuals and animals while the van is being loaded, you should close off a portion of your house. Allow children to have a lot of quilts in the warm room, and assist children and adults in adding layers of clothing. Employ a responsible adult to monitor TV viewing, games, meals, and space heaters while remaining in a room that is warmer.

Dress Warmly and Appropriately

During wintertime relocations, it’s important to dress warmly. This is even more crucial if you’re planning a move to a colder climate. Make sure you have the essentials like coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. Layers are also essential in cold weather, so layer up with thermals, sweaters, and jackets. 

Your feet will also need some extra protection, so ensure to include boots and thick socks for the move. Lastly, don’t forget a warm cup of something hot with you in your bag of relocation essentials. This small addition can really help keep you comfortable throughout the journey.

Brace Yourself and Dare Into the World

Though it may seem daunting, there are actually many benefits to relocating during the winter months. With careful planning and execution, your move can go off without a hitch – and you may even save some money in the process. If you’re considering making a move across the world when it’s cold outside, remember to budget for potential weather delays, take steps to prevent freezing pipes, and pack warm clothing and blankets for your trip.

And of course, don’t hesitate to call an international moving company to help lighten the load. With their expertise and experience, they can make sure your belongings arrive safe and sound, and you experience all the benefits of relocating – no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.