Eight Tips to Make Moving in Winter Easier

Eight Tips to Make Moving in Winter Easier

Moving is a big job even in the best of conditions. But when it comes to moving in the winter, there can be a lot of extra challenges. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan a winter move, it just means you should be prepared. With decades of experience as real estate agents in Ottawa, we’ve helped our clients through many winter moves. And as a result, we’ve learned a few things along the way. Here are our top eight tips to help make moving in the winter as easy and stress-free as possible.

1. Don’t Count on the Weather
If you live in Ontario, you know the weather can be highly unpredictable. And it can also change multiple times over the course of a day. So even if the forecast is clear, it’s always wise to prepare for all types of weather. Make sure to have shovels, salt or sand, and both warm and waterproof clothes on hand. You don’t want to have to unpack boxes to find what you need on moving day.

2. Start Early when Planning a Winter Move
Winter days are much shorter than summer days, and even a small home can take many hours to move. If you start too late in the day, you could get stuck moving furniture in the dark. Ensure everyone gets home at a decent time by planning your move for first thing in the morning.

3. Make Your Move as Safe as Possible
Snowy sidewalks and blustery weather can create mobility challenges on any winter day. But when you’re moving in the winter, snow and ice can be especially challenging to navigate. To avoid slips and falls, take extra care when clearing the walkways around your home on moving day. Try to get the ground as level as possible and be sure to put out salt to break up any ice.

4. Weatherproof Your Belongings
Not only do you have to prep your home for a winter move, you also have to take a little extra care when packing your belongings. Most of your items will be fine in their boxes, but there are a few things you should prepare for the elements.

• Electronics do not fare well when they get wet. Always fully wrap electronics in plastic to protect them from any damage from snow or rain.
• Delicate items can become even more fragile when frozen. Double wrap delicate items and consider moving them in your car rather than the moving truck.
• Always transport liquids in a warm vehicle if it’s really cold out. Most liquids expand when they freeze and can burst causing damage to other items.
• Plants are extremely susceptible to cold temperatures. Be sure to wrap plants well and transport them in a warm vehicle.
• Wood and leather furniture should also be well covered to avoid water damage.

5. Check Road Conditions
Getting your furniture on the truck is only half the battle. You (or your movers) then have to navigate snowy streets with an oversize vehicle. Take the time to check traffic and road conditions to plan the safest route. Make sure your movers and helpers are aware of the planned route so you won’t have to worry about anyone getting lost on the way.

6. Prep Your New Home for Arrival
Make sure the driveway and walkways at the new home are clear of snow before you arrive. You don’t want the movers to have to wait for you to clear the snow. Snow, salt and sand can be very damaging, so be sure to lay runners to help protect your new floors. But keep in mind, plastic sheets can be very slippery when combined with wet boots, so rent moving runners if possible.

7. Allow Extra Time when Moving in the Winter
Everything seems to take a little longer in the winter. From donning winter gear to navigating snowy roads and walkways, each task can require a few extra minutes. To keep the day flowing smoothly, allow extra time in your schedule for these common winter delays.

8. Take Care of Your Movers
For those doing the heavy lifting, moving in cold or snowy weather can be quite draining. Make sure to have snacks and drinks on hand to keep the movers nourished and hydrated throughout the day. To ensure everyone stays comfortable, a supply of hand warmers and extra gloves may also come in handy.

Moving in winter may be a little daunting, but with some preparation, your day can go off without a hitch. Contact us if you’re looking for a real estate agent in Ottawa who can help with your winter home purchase or sale.