Moving home can be a stressful time and it can get tough during the winter for many reasons. The cold temperatures, rain and snow present many challenges on top of everything else.
If you’re moving in winter between November and February, this blog is for you.
We’ve outlined what you can expect and solutions to the possible issues you may face.
Give Yourself Time
As all of us know, winter causes havoc on the roads and travel delays can be expected. The best way to avoid these delays that can severely interrupt your moving plans is to give yourself plenty of time by starting early and perhaps you should get the removal van a day before.
Daylight
It’s important to remember that the sun sets from around 4.30pm in these months and without the proper equipment, moving house in the dark can get dangerous. You should buy portable battery-powered led lights in case your move runs into the evening.
Clothes
Don’t pack away all of your clothes without leaving a few jumpers, jeans and a thick jacket out for the big day. It sounds obvious but we’ve had to help a few clients open boxes to find their winter clothes on some jobs.
Don’t wear thick clothing when moving your items. It might be very cold at the start but you’ll quickly get warm with the heavy lifting. Some of our staff wear shorts all year round, even on snow days.
Good quality steel tow-cap boots are a must for any move but it’s much more essential for cold icy days. Check the tread on your boots and if you don’t have any sturdy footwear, buy a pair! Wearing trainers when lifting a washing machine is a gamble. Value your feet!
Medical Kit
Moving in winter will increase the likelihood of an accident and that’s why having a first aid kit to hand for those unfortunate situations is an absolute must. You can find them online for around £20 and keeping one in your house for the future is just a good idea.
Logistics
As we discussed before, icy roads and delays are common in winter and it’s a good idea to plan your route from A to B before setting off in a heavy van. Avoid narrow roads, and steep hills and if you can, find out which road the council grits. A fully loaded van can weigh up to 3.5tons (it’s illegal to be over that weight for most vans) and sudden breaking will most likely cause it to skid if the road hasn’t been gritted.
Check for accidents and road closers on your route. The last thing you want is to sit in traffic with the thought of unloading a van afterwards.
If you’re using a removal company, ask for their policy of not being able to move you due to bad weather and if they have a contingency plan. This is particularly crucial if you’re buying and selling on the same day and need to be vacated by 1pm.
The Weather
Start keeping an eye on the weather forecast a few days before the move and look out for severe storms. Not only will your belongings get very wet but it might become dangerous to move.
Food & Drinks
This is arguably one of the most important points in this blog. Moving is like a workout and you’ll burn calories fast and that’s why you need fuel for your body. Don’t rely on cheap corner shop sandwiches and sugar-laden drinks, your body needs carbs and protein to keep you going throughout the move. Prepare healthy food the night before and keep it to one side so you don’t accidentally pack it away.
When moving in winter, hot beverages like tea and coffee not only taste good but will help to keep you warm and that’s why we recommend buying a flask or keeping the kettle unpacked until the last minute. Also, you can treat the removal team or your friends and family to tea breaks. They’ll appreciate it!
Your Vehicle
Driving in winter can be hazardous and you should have the correct kit to hand. De-icer, windscreen scrapper and snow shovel will help you on the day. Also, buy a pack of grit or salt for the driveway. You want a clear de-iced path to the front door.
Energy Suppliers
Imagine moving into your new home and only finding out that you don’t have a pre-arranged energy supplier. This is essential when temperatures are in the single digits. Once you’ve exchanged the contracts and booked a moving date, make that phone call. You’ll be thankful!
Also, there’s no harm in asking the vendors to keep the heating on a low level for your arrival.
Protect Your Belongings
Protecting your furniture is imperative for any move but when moving in winter, it’s much more so. Get some eco-pallet wrap and wrap every item of furniture where possible. This protects against rain, snow and damp environments (like the back of the van or truck).
You should invest in high-quality double-walled boxes. Not only do they stack well and high due to their strength, but they also offer higher protection against rain and dampness. You don’t want your boxes to fall apart like mush.
Floor Protection
We mentioned using grit for clearing a driveway but there are downsides to this. Grit can get stuck on shoes and easily brought into the property which can cause a mess and even damage the floor. With this in mind, use thick mats with a non-slip rubber bottom (similar to door mats) and create a pathway throughout the house. This allows you not to remove your shoes when carrying items into the property.
Children & Pets
If you have kids or (and) pets, you’re most likely guessing what we’ll say next and you’re probably right. Kids and pets are great but you shouldn’t have them freely roaming around the property when you’re moving house. Either find someone who can look after them or leave them in a room with entertainment. Trust us, it’s the best way! In fact, read our blog about moving home with a dog.
Hire The Professionals
After reading this blog, you’re no doubt thinking it’s a lot to do when moving in winter and yes you’re right. If you have little or no experience of moving house, should give the task to a professional removal company like us. We at Macro Removals in Bristol will happily do everything for you. From providing the team and the vehicles to floor protection and furniture wrapping, we’ve got you covered!
Disclaimer – This blog should only be viewed as a guide. Macro Removals Ltd cannot be held responsible for any injuries, loss of earnings, or death as a result of following this guide.
