Moving to a new home during winter can be a complicated endeavor. There are challenges that come with safely moving your household and family when it’s cold outside. Here are tips to keep in mind as you’re preparing for a winter move.

Preparing for a Winter Move Ahead of Time

One positive about moving during the winter is that it’s the off-season for most moving companies. You should have plenty of dates available when booking your movers.

Pay attention to the weather as it gets closer to moving day. If it looks like inclement weather might interfere with your scheduled time to move, then call the moving company and adjust the date.

Cover the Floors When Preparing For a Winter Move

Get some plastic tarps so that you can lay them out to protect the floors in your old and new homes. You can pick these up at your local hardware store. This keeps your floors protected as you and the movers are coming in and out of the house with heavy furniture that could scuff the floors.

Keep the Heat Low On Moving Day

Running the heater on high on moving day won’t keep the house warm because the doors will be opened and closed often, and you’ll end up wasting a lot of energy. Keep the thermostat at a lower temperature so that the heater isn’t constantly struggling to raise the temperature. Bundle up in layers so that you can stay comfortable even though the house won’t be as warm as usual.

Keep the Bathroom Warm

Turning down the heat means the bathroom gets cold. Your family and movers will appreciate it if you place a small space heater inside the main bathroom. Keep the door closed so the heat stays inside the bathroom.

Clear Off the Driveway and Sidewalks

Accidents are possible when walking on icy pavement. Use salt to prevent ice from forming on the driveway, sidewalks, walkways, and even the street outside your home. Shovel any snow away that might cause issues as you move your items into the house.

Board Pets When Preparing for a Winter Move

It’s tough to keep your animals calm during the commotion caused by a move. Schedule a trip to a local kennel the day before the move to make sure your pets stay safe. If you have a room in the new home to put them in for the day, it will keep them more comfortable and out of your way.

Prepare a Winter Survival Kit

Make sure to think about safety issues that could come up as you’re preparing for a winter move. Keep the following items in your vehicle so that everyone is safe during the move or traveling to your new house.

• • Boots
  • Flashlights
  • Window scraper
  • Packing tape
  • Antifreeze
  • Extra clothes
  • Blankets
  • Gloves
  • A shovel
  • Jumper cables
  • Gravel or sand

Keep Warm Drinks On Hand

Even with the physical activity required for moving, you and the movers will likely be cold during the move. Use a crockpot to keep hot apple cider or hot chocolate on hand. Halt the move if someone becomes too cold and needs to take a break to warm up.

Protect Furniture and Appliances

Keep your belongings from getting damaged by rain or snow during the move by using towels, plastic, or sheets to protect appliances and furniture.

Use these tips when preparing for a winter move, and you’ll find that everything will go smoother on moving day.

PRIME Home Inspections provides home inspection services to Western Washington state. Contact us to schedule an inspection.