7 Tips for Moving to a New Home in the Winter

move to a new home

Deciding to move to a new home, condominium, or apartment can be an exciting adventure, especially when it comes to reorganizing and planning out your near future. Unfortunately, once the cold weather sets in, the idea of moving all your stuff out to the moving truck in the ice and snow can suddenly seem much less intriguing. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make a winter move easier and safer. Here are a few tips you can follow before packing up your things and moving during the holiday season.

1. Salt Your Driveway

This may seem like a no-brainer. But if you wake up in the morning and find your walkway has been completely frozen over, you run the risk of slipping and falling. This is dangerous on its own but combined with lifting heavy loads like furniture and filled cardboard boxes, you have yourself a recipe for disaster. Salt your driveway and all sidewalks leading to your rental truck or moving vehicle. More importantly, give the salt time to do its work.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

We certainly don’t mean to hydrate the sidewalk you just salted! During the summer, it is very apparent when you become overheated from physical exertion and can rest when needed. In the winter, it may not be as obvious. When you sweat in the cold, the evaporating moisture can make you feel even colder. This usually increases the desire to stay moving to keep warm. In the midst of this cycle, it is just as important to stay hydrated with water. Dehydration can happen just as easily in the winter as in the summer.

3. Protect Yourself from Solid Surfaces

Just as you don’t want to slip on ice, the moisture you’re going to be bringing back into your house during the move is going to make another serious tripping hazard. Don’t pack away the rugs right away, and as the day goes on, periodically dry the floors with towels to keep traction.

4. Start at the Right Time of Day

Winter months mean shorter days. If you aren’t careful, you could find yourself facing off against the sunset and sinking temperatures to get everything packed. Start early enough in the day that you will have the light you need to get the job done safely.

5. Keep an Eye on Weather Reports

The day before the move, plan around what the weather is expected to be like. Inclement weather can make you think twice about exposing moisture-vulnerable belongings like blankets, artwork, and books. If you can avoid bad weather by packing another day, it may be wise to do so. If not, weather warnings can help you prepare to make everything waterproof.

6. Prepare Your Utilities at Your New Place

After a long cold day of moving, the last thing you want to arrive at is a freezing destination. If possible, set up your future home with utilities beforehand and save yourself a few nights in sub-zero temperatures.

7. Consider Assistance from Professional Movers

If you’re worried about moving in the cold, then consider getting help from one of the most dependable moving companies in St. George, UT. We know how difficult it can be to move your entire life into a new place. We also understand the fear that can come from having to do it all in freezing temperatures. Whether you have a large number of belongings to move across the country, or just a small apartment’s worth of items moving across town, Slater Transfer and Storage is ready to give you a helping hand. Contact us today to learn more about our moving services to help you get the most out of your winter move!