Winter Moving Hacks from Moving Companies in Ottawa
As if moving wasn’t hard enough, now that the snow is here and temperatures have dropped significantly you’re probably dreading it now more than ever. But even through the dead of winter, with the right tips and attitude, you can tackle any move with ease and confidence.
With a moving list in hand and these winter moving hacks, your move can be as stress-free as possible.
The Benefits of Moving in Winter
Lower Costs
Since winter is the least popular time of year to move, it’s usually the cheapest time to move. The costs of buying a home are often cheaper because sellers are more willing to negotiate in this slow home-buying season. Moving costs may also be cheaper since it’s a slow time for movers as well.
Get Desired Move Dates
Moving in the slow winter season means less competition for your desired moving date. Movers aren’t usually booked up months in advance for winter move dates. So you’re more likely to find movers to help you move on your preferred date.
Easy to Settle In
Life tends to slow down in the winter. Weekends aren’t booked back to back with road trips, cottage getaways, weddings, and BBQs. Instead, people hibernate, for the most part, making this the best time to unpack and settle into your new home.
You’ll have more time to decorate and make your new place home. And once the warm weather returns, you’ll be settled in your home and neighbourhood and have your routines in place.
Tips for A Smooth Winter Move
1. Pack Well In Advance
Packing is probably the most stressful part of moving. And if you’re rushed, it’s even worse. So do yourself a huge favour and start packing well in advance of your move date. This way you’ll have one less major stress hanging over your head in the days leading up to your move.
2. Protect Your Belongings From the Weather
Cold and wet weather can be harmful to your belongings, especially wood, glass, ceramics, and electronics. Freezing temperatures alone can cause these materials to become brittle and easily break.
So make sure to double wrap vulnerable items for extra insulation using proper packing materials. And make a plan with your movers so these items don’t get left in the cold for too long. If you have room in your car, consider moving these items on your own so they aren’t left in the cold truck.
3. Hire Reliable Professional Movers
Reliable moving companies in Ottawa will make your winter move go smoothly. They have the experience and equipment to handle winter moves, protect your belongings from the wet and cold weather, and complete the move with one truckload.
When shopping around for reliable movers, look for those who have positive reviews, good communication, and plenty of experience.
Make sure to schedule your move early in the day. You’ll want to make the most of the limited daylight in winter. Along with improved visibility during the day, daytime temperatures tend to be a bit warmer if the sun is out. And the earlier you finish moving, the more time you’ll have to settle in and prepare your home for your first night.
Also, confirm your moving details with your movers. Check in with them a week before your move date, and a day or two before as well. If a winter storm is in the forecast, your movers might suggest moving on an alternate date instead.
4. Clear Your Sidewalk, Driveway, and Street
Moving in snow is difficult and dangerous. So keep yourself and your movers safe by clearing snow from your walkways, driveways, sidewalks, and streets at both your old and new homes. Also add salt, crushed stone, and sand on these surfaces to prevent dangerous slips and falls.
5. Keep An Eye On the Weather
In the weeks and days leading up to your move, keep an eye on the weather forecast. If there is a high chance of bad weather that could close roads or make your move unsafe, contact your movers about your concern. You can choose an alternate moving date on a day with better weather.
6. Dress For the Weather
During your move, you’ll be moving around a lot both inside and outside. To ensure you stay comfortable throughout, dress in layers. Layers will keep you warm and protected from the cold winter weather.
And if you start overheating inside, you can remove a layer or two. Layers also prevent the need for a bulky winter coat. But do keep your winter coat nearby, like in your vehicle, along with your hat, scarves, and gloves.
Also keep a spare pair of gloves in your car in case your gloves get soaked during the move, or you remove your gloves inside and forget them at your old home. You don’t want to be stuck driving or going outside without gloves in winter, so an extra pair will ensure your hands stay warm.
7. Cover Your Floors
Winter weather can make a mess on floors during a move. So be sure to cover the floors at both your old and new homes to prevent damage and save you time and energy later. You don’t want to be stuck cleaning or repairing floors right after moving into a new house.
Use floor mats at the entrances and plastic sheets, tarps, or cardboard along your flooring. These protective layers will also prevent slippery floors that can cause slips and falls during the move.
8. Take Care of Your Pets
Moving any time of year can be stressful for pets. And in winter, there is the added issue of cold weather. So keep your pets safe and warm during your move by arranging to have someone (a boarder, friend, or family member) take care of them. This will also keep your pets out of the movers’ way.
9. Be Flexible and Err On the Side of Caution
Along with all the other problems that can arise during a move, winter weather makes moving riskier and unpredictable. There could be icy roads and delays due to traffic and road closures. And a major winter storm could make driving impossible.
So be open and flexible to changes to your moving schedule. And if your movers suggest moving on a different day due to a storm, take their advice. It’s better to be safe.
10. Have a Backup Plan
In case there is a storm on your moving day, have a backup plan for moving on a different day. See if you can stay at your old home for another night or two, and don’t arrange to shut off your utilities on your move date. If you do end up rescheduling your move, you’ll want heat, electricity, and Internet while you stay at your old home a bit longer.
If staying at your old home isn’t an option, speak to your movers about their moving and storage services. Maybe they can still pick up your belongings and keep them in storage if the commute isn’t too bad. And you can look for short-term accommodations, either with friends, family or at a nearby hotel.
Despite its unpopularity, winter moving can be done. And it can come with some perks. So keep this in mind if you’re thinking about moving in winter. And contact reliable moving companies in Ottawa for a smooth winter move.
