Moving This Winter? Here’s How to Prepare for a Cold Weather Relocation

Every year, thousands of people brave the frigid temps and hazardous conditions to move during the chilly winter months. While you may save a pretty penny, you’ll still find that moving during this time of year comes with its own set of challenges. Icy roads, dangerous weather conditions and required home maintenance make it especially grueling. To ensure you’re properly prepared for such a move, we’ve highlighted five important topics to consider when relocating this winter.

Hiring movers for cold weather

For those moving in frigid climates, I strongly suggest hiring movers to help with the heavy-lifting. Trust me, if a blizzard sweeps in at the last minute, you’ll be glad you did. To find reputable movers, you can check out Moving.com’s licensed and insured network of professional movers. Once you find your moving company and set a date, it’s important to discuss a back-up moving date with movers. If horrible weather hits your area (think: power outages or even a snowmaggedon – god forbid), the moving company will need to have a back-up moving date in case of emergency.

Winter prepping

If you are moving yourself, make sure to plan the route ahead of time . Choose main roads over deserted back-roads. In case of snow and ice, it’s likely these main roads will be the first to be cleared. If driving a long distance, have your car serviced before the move. Make sure to have your tires examined and consider replacing them with winter tires, which are designed to provide traction when driving through icy conditions.

A few weeks prior to your move, call the utilities provider to arrange a date and time to set up electricity and heat in your new home. If you can get the heat running a day or two before the move-in date, that would be ideal.

Also when prepping for a move, keep your pets in mind . Unless you plan on containing them in a small space or crate, it’s a good idea to either board or keep your pet under the supervision of a dog walker or friend on moving day. Unfortunately, moving day involves lots of open doors, which make it easy for your dog or cat to run away or get lost – and that certainly wouldn’t be to a great way start out in your new home.

Weatherproof packing

When packing, keep the possibility of freezing temperatures and precipitation in mind. If it’s snowy, icy and generally slushy outside, you’ll need to ensure that your belongings are protected. Waterproof as much of the move as possible by using packing items such as plastic bins, mattress bags, plastic bags, plastic wrap, waterproof moving labels and bubble wrap. Remember: electronics and wet weather don’t mix well . I suggest putting all small electronics, cords and cables in sealed plastic bags before packing them in boxes. For larger electronics, it may be a good idea to have the moving company professionally pack those for you.

NOTE: To find great deals on boxes and packing supplies from UBoxes.com and UsedCardboardBoxes.com , visit Moving.com’s box center .

When packing, also remember to load your car with winter supplies . These include: an emergency first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, hats and gloves, shovels, blankets, windshield scrapers, bottled water, snacks, cell phone chargers and possibly road salt.

Moving in winter

On moving day, I recommend getting the moving process started in the early AM . Days are considerably shorter during the winter months – especially for those living in northern climates. It’s important to start early, so that you have as much daylight as possible while moving. Also, if weather conditions are treacherous, make sure to dress for the occasion . Wear warm hats, gloves, coats, scarves and practical snow boots. It may be a good idea to pack a thermos with some sort of hot beverage as well.

Before the move gets started, I suggest shoveling any sidewalks, stairs, or driveways covered with snow and ice. Salt slippery pathways and doorsteps . If you’re moving to a big city, be prepared to shovel out street parking spaces as well. Once you’re inside the house, protect your floors and entryway with either plastic film or flattened cardboard boxes. This will hopefully keep your home dry and free of the icy slush dragged in by the movers.

Winterizing your new home

Once you’ve moved in, it’s time to start winterizing your new home . By putting time in upfront to properly prepare your house for the cold winter months, you’ll not only save money on utility bills and costly home repairs but you’ll also help to improve the condition and value of your new home.

First, I recommend having a technician come to your house to perform a home energy audit . This will determine whether you need to improve your insulation, ductwork or furnace. Mostly, it will tell you how and where the cold air is coming into your house, so that you can seal up any cold air leaks. Nationwide Insurance suggests sealing air leaks by placing a sweep at the base of any doors leading outside and by applying caulk around your drafty windows. Hire someone to check your heat ducts for any air leaks in your air duct system. Also have them seal your attic to avoid any additional heat loss.

Here are a few other winterizing suggestions to keep in mind:

  • Be aware of dangerous tree limbs that could potentially fall on your home during a winter storm. Remove any threatening limbs, and prune bushes around your house to prevent accidents.
  • Place a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your house . Make sure to regularly change the batteries and test it as well. According to the CDC , the most accidental carbon monoxide poisonings occur during the December and January months due to gas given off by furnaces, stoves, generators, cars and more.
  • Check your steps, brick walkways and driveways to ensure the structures are secure. Any loose bricks, steps, etc could become a walking hazard in slippery wet weather.
  • Clean your gutters . If your gutters are clogged up with leaves from autumn, clean these out ASAP. Debris left in the gutters may lead to a water build-up – which could then freeze, causing leaks in your home.
  • Hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney and roof. If you own a wood-burning fireplace, it’s especially important to have it inspected and cleaned before fanning the flames this winter.
  • Check and change your furnace filters regularly during the winter months . It may be a good idea to have a professional come out to your home and inspect the furnace to check that it’s running properly
  • Insulate your pipes to avoid having them burst and flood your home during those cold months. Trust me – you’ll be glad you did. According to Nationwide Insurance , wrapping your pipes in some sort of heating tape or fiberglass will help keep them from freezing.
  • Check batteries in smoke detectors . Make sure your smoke detectors are in proper working order. Home fires are common during the wintertime because of common electrical problems with heating equipment. Stay safe by not only checking your detectors but your appliances as well.

Once you’ve winterized your new house, you can kick back and enjoy the comforts of your cozy home with peace of mind. Best of luck and stay warm!