Earlier, we discussed some useful tips for moving in winter that mostly focused on the research and packing phase. Now, it’s time to think about moving day. As we noted before, trying to move during the snowy winter months can be a little tricky, but with our advice, you should be able to have a relatively stress-free and comfortable day.
-
Watch the Weather
One of our most important tips for moving in winter is to keep an eye on the weather forecast, and try to plan accordingly. New Hampshire in particular is known for random snowstorms appearing out of the blue. It might be frustrating, but try to keep a flexible mindset, and listen to the advice of your movers. They’re experienced with maneuvering full moving trucks in all kinds of weather, and know best when it’s safest to wait.
- Have a Winter Weather Kit Handy
Rather than pack away your winter supplies, put them together into an easily accessible kit. Stash the kit in whatever vehicle you’re taking, to be certain you have all your bases covered. It never hurts to be prepared. Some suggested supplies include:
- Snow shovel
- Sidewalk salt or sand
- Extra gloves, hats, etc.
- Warm blankets or sleeping bags
- Flashlight
- Jumper Cables
- Extra cash
- First Aid Kit
- Hand warmer packets
- Water and snacks
- Have Something Warm to Eat and Drink
Unless you’re fortunate enough to have one of our random warm days during winter, chances are it’s going to be pretty cold. Help keep yourself–and your movers–warm by having hot drinks and food on hand. Nothing helps to relieve numbed fingers and cold toes like a hot cup of coffee, cocoa, or tea. Soups and stews aren’t a bad idea, either. You can try using a slowcooker to keep your brew hot, or a good insulated thermos. If you don’t have time to make something, or have already packed your kitchen, try looking up local coffee shops and calling in an order for pick up.
- Have Towels and Sheets Ready
Sometimes, snow arrives in New England without much warning. Have some towels to help both your people and your possessions stay dry. Sheets are useful to throw over larger items while moving them between the truck and the home, so that more sensitive objects like antiques and plants don’t get coated in snow.
-
Turn the Heat Off (And On!)
Since you’re leaving your old home for your new one, you might as well turn the heat down or off and save yourself some money. All of that moving in and out will cause the heat to be sucked outside, so there really isn’t much point in keeping it on. However, we do recommend putting a space heater in the bathroom. A cold toilet seat is no one’s friend!
You might also want to consider turning the heat off in the home you’re about to move into, though you also run the risk of having a chilly house to deal with once the movers are gone. To counteract this problem, consider turning the heat off for most the day, but turn it back on when it looks like you’re nearing the end of the unloading phase.
- Prepare for Tracking in Snow
It’s pretty inevitable when moving in winter that you’re going to have some snow, salt, and sand tracked into your old and new homes. It’s just not practical for people to take off their shoes every time they come in or out with a box or piece of furniture.
You can try to combat this problem by buying some carpet remnants to put down as a path in both homes. You can also try dismantling cardboard boxes and laying them on the floor, though on some surfaces they might be slippery. Test them out before you commit to leaving the cardboard down.
We hope our tips for moving in winter help you to have a smooth, safe transition to your new home. If you have any additional tips or suggestions, please leave us a comment below!
