Prepare Your Belongings for the Cold

Our truck trailers don’t have climate-control systems. Temperatures inside the container may be at or below the outdoor temperatures. For this reason, it’s important not to pack any liquids that can freeze, or other materials that can be altered and damaged by dropping temperatures. Snow, sleet, and wind storms and other winter elements cause chaos for transport routes, meaning your winter move could face unforeseen challenges.

Prepare Your New House Ahead of Time

Be sure that the new house is ready for the move before you head over with your belongings. Verify that lights and plumbing are operating. Make sure the heat will work as well, or bring space heaters.

Turn the Heat Off While Moving In

If your living space opens up to the outdoors, you should consider turning your heat off. It can be a huge waste of electricity to try to keep the place warm while people walk in and out of your apartment or home all day. Instead, close the door to your bathroom and keep it warm with a small space heater. It will be a luxurious experience.

Clear the Snow

Slipping on snow and ice can change a simple transfer to a disaster. Before you even begin, make sure all walkways at both old and new homes are clear; de-ice or add sand if necessary. Keep shovels, salt and sand on-hand.

Parking

One of the most significant challenges of moving in New York City is parking. A winter weather event can make this roadblock even more hazardous with snow banks, unpredictable roads, and parking bans for plowing. Metropolis’ team of moving professionals has plenty of experience parking in some of the busiest locations in the country, however make sure you’ve got somewhere else if you’re bringing your own car as well.

Guard Your Floors

Winter’s snowfall, ice and salt are notorious for dirtying and scratching some types of flooring. It would be impossible to take shoes on and off every single time a mover comes in and out, so instead cover your floors for the day. Floors and carpets can be protected with big pieces of cardboard boxes or plastic sheets for the big day. You can use duct tape if the floors can withstand it, and small tacks work well on carpeted areas.

Have a Plan B

With the regular threat of winter storms, almost always there is a chance that your move must be rescheduled. If you’re by using a moving company, call and see what their store policy is, as some may want to reschedule the move, meaning you can’t move out and new renters or owners can’t move in. Check with the owner or real estate broker to see if it will be alright to stay a few more days. If you can’t, you may have to arrange a couple of days of short-term housing.

Monitor Mother Nature

If if you’re moving long distance, keep an eye on the weather along your travel route, checking with local authorities by phone or online if the forecast is ominous. Scout out overnight accommodations in the event you need to make an unforeseen stop. If you are moving locally, simply keep a close eye on the weather report.

Prep Your Automobile

Make sure your car is serviced and winterized, with brakes and tires checked and fluids topped. Carry salt or kitty litter just in case you get stuck and pop a compacted snow shovel and blanket in the trunk. Consider joining a roadside assistance program such as AAA as you never know when or where you might need a hand.

Keep an Inventory of Belongings

Using an app like Sortly can help you keep inventory of all your belongings. You can also print the checklist (shown below) provided by Metropolis Moving when you submit a quote. By keeping an inventory of your items, you’re ensuring that everything is found, packed, brought to your new place, and accounted for.

Extra Clothes

Staying warm and dry is crucial during a winter move. Carry a bag of gloves, caps, sweaters and socks in case of changing weather or wet clothing. If you plan to stay in your new place as soon as you arrive, notify the utility company ahead of time and have your electricity or gas turned on so that you’re settled in as soon as possible. Also pack as many warm clothing options as possible, just in case.

Feed the Gang

Obviously, it is not required that you provide food and drink for us. However, a reasonable gesture such as providing the moving crew with hot drinks such as cider or tea, and warm comfort food like chili or soup, is something that is highly appreciated and goes a long way in showing gratitude and appreciation for a job well done. For more info on tipping movers, check out our how-to guide.

Winter moving is stressful, but you can ease your troubles by planning, and making use of these tips. Winter weather will affect the move in some way or another, so be flexible and prepared for change. Hiring professional movers will also lessen the burden, and ensure that your transition is relaxing and enjoyable. Request a quote today to get the process started