How to Handle Your Winter Move Successfully?

Moving during the colder months can be a real challenge. On the one hand, we associate it with changeable and often bad weather, and on the other, with more affordable prices due to the low workload of removal companies. Often winter move is urgent and it is impossible to postpone it for warmer days. Today, we will reveal how to handle winter relocation successfully.

Pros and cons of moving in the winter

To answer the question of how to successfully handle your move in the winter, it's worth showing the pros and cons of relocating during the colder months. We've already looked at the pros and cons of moving in different seasons, which we hope will be helpful to you when choosing which season to relocate to. And for those who have already decided on a winter move, the advantages of moving into a new home during the colder months include:

Lower rental prices

As traditionally fewer people move during the winter months, house prices are lower then. By relocating in the winter, you could sign a lease for a better monthly rent, helping you save money in the long run.

Lower competition when hiring a removal company

Demand for moving services is lower in the winter. This also leads to several benefits for movers during the colder months, such as a higher number of available companies, the ability to be flexible about choosing a date for the relocation, and lower prices on storage space.

The opportunity to move during your winter break

The winter months are also associated with a long holiday period, during which we often indulge in a longer vacation. It is during this time off that you can make your winter move. This will ensure greater concentration in coordinating the process, a lack of stress caused by other pressing commitments, and the opportunity to get on with furnishing and decorating your new home without overdoing it trying to fit it around your work commitments.

Avoiding the heat

Another advantage of moving during winter is that you don't expose yourself to the risks associated with hot weather, such as easy fatigue, dehydration and loss of concentration.

The downsides of relocating during winter include:

The short days

During the cold months, daylight hours decrease, meaning you would have more limited time when it comes to preparing, carrying and transporting your belongings. The process could take longer than originally planned especially if you don't rely on extra help or a specialist company for this purpose.

Risk of physical accidents

Snow and ice in winter can lead to unpleasant accidents, especially in terms of moving furniture, light fixtures and other specific belongings. In our guide to carrying heavy items, we have put together some useful tips on how to approach transporting bulky items safely. When it comes to reducing the risk of physical injury and successfully tackling winter moving, rely on sturdy winter footwear and special equipment such as slip-proof gloves and moving straps. In preparation for the relocation, make sure you have cleared snow covered driveways and that you have cleared enough space for free movement to the vehicle you will be using to transport your belongings.

The unpredictable weather

Changeable, wet and foggy winter weather can make moving difficult. Roads may be blocked by snow drifts. Although you have no control over the conditions, you can set a more pessimistic schedule for completing individual relocation activities. This will help reduce the stress and rush of relocating.

The need for a reliable vehicle

Winter weather comes with transportation issues. In this case, we recommend that you trust a professional with experienced drivers and vehicles suited for winter transportation. This way, you can be sure that your belongings are as safe as possible, and that the relocation process is smooth.

How to handle your winter move successfully: Tips for a smooth winter relocation

Be ready for changes

A successful move during the cold months requires you to adjust in advance so that not everything may go to plan. Due to bad weather, for example, you may have to change the original date. We advise you to bet on a company that can react quickly to changing conditions. Another key aspect of relocating in the winter is planning more days off to prepare and execute the move. The extra days ensure that you will be able to cope even with unforeseen situations such as increased pre-holiday traffic, inclement weather, or road accidents.

Get your home ready

Be very careful when preparing the space around your home. This applies when snowfall is expected or when there are icy conditions, making it difficult for movers to move and slowing down the process of loading belongings. Clear snow-covered areas, and scatter sand or salt to prevent icing. If necessary, repeat the process several hours before the arrival of the movers to ensure maximum mobility. Don't forget to remove the icicles as well.

Ensure good lighting

Among the tips for a successful winter move is to make sure you have excellent lighting (in the form of flashlights, portable lamps or even through the headlights of a car). This is because moving activities may continue during the dark part of the day (in case of an unforeseen snowfall earlier, for example). Lighting will improve visibility, reducing the risk of accidents and helping you to successfully manage your winter move.

Pack

Pack and secure your belongings in advance, ensuring you have more free time in which to take care of your team of moving helpers by having a hot drink or clearing newly accumulated snow, for example. Packing can take time, so start a few days in advance by familiarising yourself with the most common packing mistakes.

Prepare your car

Relocating in winter, especially for long distances, requires you to prepare your car. Winter tyres are a must, and you can reinforce them with chains to improve traction in icy conditions. Make sure your car is in good condition with working lights, heating, wipers and a window cleaning system. Among the additions to get before the winter move are:

winter wiper fluid
lock and window defrosters
silicone spray for lubricating door seals (prevents freezing)
seat heating pads
belts, straps and nets for securing luggage
spare fuel tank
roadside assistance subscription/contact

Winter move must-haves

Specialised materials and equipment are a must for a successful winter move. They are an essential part of the relocation preparation in advance, ensuring you have a less stressful and streamlined process. Among the necessary acquisitions that will help you cope with winter relocation are:

Snow Removal Machine

With its help, you will be able to clear snow-covered areas in a practical way and clear the path for the carriers of your belongings. It is a good idea to have such a machine (you can rent it just in case of moving), so you can react quickly in case of unplanned heavy snowfalls. They are also useful in case you live in a remote area where snow ploughs do not pass and getting around by car would be a challenge.

Sand, salt and shovels

Again, needed in order to clear and secure the areas where your belongings will be transported. You are advised to engage someone close to you to help clean the area around your home. Also make sure that the path is clear and not blocked by garden plants, shrubs or any other type of obstruction.

Winter boots, clothes and accessories

Tips on how to make your winter move a success include having the right clothing, sturdy boots with a gripper (anti-slip), and accessories such as suitable gloves to help you hold your boxes properly.

Hot drinks

They will allow you and your helpers to warm up in the breaks while carrying your belongings. Make sure your home is warm by packing heaters at the end or setting aside blankets to wrap up with.

Use waterproof packing materials

Humidity is higher in winter, so we advise you to be extra careful when packing items such as electronics, books or clothing. Use plastic wrap or bubble wrap to not only secure them, but also to protect them from getting wet. You can also wrap the boxes themselves with plastic wrap.

Reusing your packing materials after your successful winter move

When moving in the winter, Christmas is probably knocking at the door. If you've managed to complete the move before the end of December, then don't be too hasty to part with the packing materials. Instead, turn them into:

Christmas decorations

With a little more creativity, colourful paints and decorative materials, boxes can be turned into interesting toys for the tree. With them, you can create other decorations such as a "Merry Christmas" sign to put on your wall or door, gift boxes or even a cardboard tree to use in the future as an alternative to natural trees.

Gifts for your new neighbours

Wrapping materials are great for making something beautiful to delight your neighbours with, such as so-called Christmas treat boxes. You can put various homemade treats or gifts for the home in them.

Hiring a removals company for a winter relocation

When it comes to a successful relocation, working with professionals can definitely save you a lot of headaches. This is also true for hassle-free winter relocation, which is associated with bad weather, poor road conditions, heavy pre-holiday traffic and frequent accidents caused by icy conditions or low visibility.

Due to the risk of unforeseen events, delays and injuries, many movers choose the warmer months to move into a new home. This is what leads to the lower workload of professional moving companies in winter, also related to more affordable transportation services. Among the reasons to trust professionals is that they have the necessary equipment for a hassle-free winter move, would secure your belongings in the best way and offer reliable vehicles with which the risk of road accidents is reduced significantly. When choosing a company to hire for a successful winter move, we advise you to:

Don't wait until the last minute

Start your research for reliable specialists several months before the relocation. This way, you can compare prices, the wealth of services, and consumer reviews and even consult your pre-selected removal companies.

Ask for advice on winter relocation

Enquire if the company has experience with winter relocation. Ask questions related to the equipment it works with, how fast the transport service is, whether delays are possible, and how it handles unforeseen situations (traffic accidents, damage to the property being moved, physical injuries, etc.).

Explore the possibility of insuring the belongings

Snowy driveways and slippery streets could make it difficult to carry your belongings. In this regard, we advise you to trust a company that offers insurance for your belongings or a packing service to reduce the risk of damage and additional costs. If you are moving specific items, find out if the company has temperature-controlled trucks.

Choose a company on time

The lower occupancy of moving companies in winter doesn't mean you'll be their only customer. Inform the company in advance of the date you will be relocating, allowing them to also plan for the process by researching appropriate routes, monitoring the weather forecast, preparing the necessary equipment and engaging enough employees.

Now that we've revealed how to successfully handle your winter relocation, we have no choice but to introduce you to Movega Removals, a company providing transport services across Europe. With more than 2,000 satisfied customers, we are continually adding to our expertise by offering a variety of services. Get in touch with us now via the available chatbot feature or our online contact form.

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