Moving during the winter or the holiday season can be stressful and hectic! This time of year can be crazy enough without adding a move into the mix of things. The weather, the amount of people traveling, and road conditions can all bring hazards when you are trying to move. Being safe during a move should be top priority and we want to ensure that you and your belongings are in good hands.
Here are some safety tips for moving in the winter.
Weather Updates
Make sure while you are packing, loading cars/trucks, and transporting your belongings that you are checking the weather conditions. At any time, there could be a hail storm, snow, heavy winds or downpour in the Pacific Northwest. Weather can change on the drop of a hat, and you surely don’t want to get soaked on moving day. Follow forecast trends and lookout for a clearer weekend.
Road Conditions
Are you moving farther than just across town? Depending on where you are going, the road conditions could be a little dicey. Snow, ice, and rain can all cause a threat to your move. Make sure your cars have the proper chains and tires needed for driving in less ideal conditions. Before your move, you can check the roads to see if maybe you need to change your route or postpone transporting your belongings.
Winter Supplies
In the haste of packing and trying to get everything done before your move, make sure that you don’t pack up the stuff you may need while moving! This could be ice scrapers, chains for your tires, shovel, and whatever else you may need in case of snow or icy conditions. It is also a good idea to keep extra towels around if you need to wipe down any boxes or belongings that you don’t want to be damaged from rain.
Make a Plan B
We all know that things don’t always go the way that we imagined them. Especially when moving in the winter time, it is always important to come up with a backup plan. Snow storms can come from any moment, heavy rains can induce flooding in the area, and ice can prevent you from driving to your new home. In case any of these things were to happen or anything else for that matter, it is always good to have a second plan ready to go.
Packing
Just like you shouldn’t pack your ice picks and shovels, make sure that you don’t pack your winter clothes! Even though you think you will be warm and working hard while you are loading and unloading everything, very easily could you catch a cold or hypothermia. When it’s raining it is even worse, and it is smart to plan for things like gloves, jackets, and boots. Another thing that doesn’t hurt to have on hand is tarp covers. Heavy-duty, waterproof tarps are essential for keeping mud and stains from your furniture and belongings.
Weather can be unpredictable and unfavorable during moving day. Always prepare for the possibility of heavy rain, wind, or snow. In any case that precautions have not be fully taken, our professional movers at West Coast Moving and Storage can help you transition swiftly and safely. Contact us today for a free estimate.
Knowing the road conditions before you drive off in a big truck with all your stuff is a really smart idea. You don’t want to end up sliding around or anything with that. The cleanest roads are going to be the route you want to take.
I definitely agree, having a plan b is an absolute must when it comes to moving, especially if you have to move during the middle of the winter. As the article points out, there are a myriad of reasons as to why you might not be able to reach your new home on the day of the move. If this is the case, it helps to have something set up in advance whether it be staying another night at your old home, or staying at a hotel if you’ve already driven out towards your new home before being cut off.