How To Prepare for a Winter Relocation
The majority of people move in warmer weather; sometimes, however, circumstances warrant a wintertime relocation. When you can’t take advantage of warm weather and the kids being out of school, you’ll need to take extra precautions to ensure Mother Nature doesn’t thwart your plans. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Keep an eye to the sky. Whether it’s rain or snow, residents in Baltimore aren’t strangers to nasty winter weather. Stay tuned to the local news and keep an eye out for any potential storm fronts that could delay your relocation. You may need to alter your route to avoid traffic congestion caused by power outages or washed out roads.
- Get help. U.S. News & World Report notes that there are numerous benefits to hiring a moving company. These include having someone to do the heavy lifting for you and getting things done faster, which is especially important if you have young children and pets. Plus, if conditions are less than favorable, your moving labor runs less of a risk of injury due to slipping and falling on wet ramps and steps in and out of the home than you do. They have the equipment and proper gear to complete a move safely even if the weather isn’t cooperating. Before hiring a moving company, be sure to explore customer reviews and ratings and how much each service charges.
- Remove your pet from the property. Regardless of season, it’s a good idea to send your pet packing on moving day. Whether you send them to a friend’s house or enlist the services of a professional animal boarding company is a matter of personal preference. However, your pet(s) — as well as your movers — will be safer without little paws underfoot.
- Start early. The biggest drawback to any activity in the winter is simply having less daylight to do it. Schedule your moving truck to come at dawn so you can take advantage of the sun for as long as possible. If you can’t get to your new home before dusk, plan to stop and stay overnight before continuing your journey.
- Check the car. There are few things worse than finding your vehicle dead on the side of the road, especially when you’re in the middle of an already-stressful moving day. Andrew Grehov of HuffPostsuggests checking your tire tread and air pressure and stocking the car with an emergency kit, which includes blankets, water, and tools, before hitting the road. If you are not mechanically inclined, have your vehicle serviced the week before.
- Double-check utilities at your new home. Contact utility companies to ensure that your new home is ready to go with heat, lights, and water. You’ll want to make sure that everything is fully functioning before arrival to avoid accidents and injuries caused by an unlit interior or exterior.
- Keep an emergency contact list on hand. You probably have your emergency contacts listed in your phone, but that won’t do any good if your phone is lost, dead, or damaged. Keep a contact list available in your vehicle, preferably in the glove compartment or center console so that emergency services personnel will know who to contact in case of an accident if you are unconscious or unable to speak. This list should include your closest family member and both your and your children’s doctors’ contact information. Also make a note of any special medical conditions that must be considered before receiving emergency treatment. This emergency contact list template by Microsoft can help you gather the right information.
There is no way to guarantee that your moving day will go off without a hitch. However, if you’re moving in the winter, you can take extra precautions to safeguard your family while you get from point A to point B. Your best bet is to hire a professional moving company and make sure your own vehicle is up to the task. Soon, you’ll be settled, warm weather will return, and you can enjoy your new home both indoors and out.
