Safety Tips for Moving in Winter Weather
Safety Tips for Moving this Winter
Moving during the winter can be stressful and hectic. The weather and road conditions can bring hazards that you don’t have to prepare for at other times during the year. Being safe during a move should be your top priority, and we want to ensure that you and your belongings are ready to move this winter. Check out our safety tips for moving in winter weather.
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Check the Weather Updates
Follow the weather forecast around your moving day. You want to ensure that you are prepared for whatever mother nature plans for your moving day. Be ready if there is a hail storm, snow, heavy winds, or a downpour in the Pacific Northwest. Knowing what to expect will help make the day more manageable and less stressful.
Clear a Path
Before your movers arrive, clear a path for them to get to and from your home, and keep salt and shovels on hand to clear ice and snow from your walkways. This is one of the essential safety tips when moving in winter weather to prevent slips and falls during your move. Pay special attention to outdoor stairs, ramps, and other slippery areas. Additionally, if possible, clear the parking area for the moving truck of snow. You may want to research your city’s plowing schedule and alert movers to any potential issues ahead of time.
Winter Supplies
Don’t pack items you may need if you are moving in winter weather. Things like ice scrappers, chains for your tires, shovels, and whatever else you may need in case of snow or ice. Equally important, it is essential to have extra towels around if you need to wipe down any boxes or furniture after you load it on the moving truck. That way, it doesn’t get water damage while it’s in transit to your new home.
Have a Backup Plan
Things don’t always go as planned. Especially when moving in winter weather. Having a backup plan is critical when planning a winter move. Snow storms, hail, and sleet can make for hazardous moving conditions. If any of these things were to happen, it is always good to have a backup plan ready, even if that means postponing a move a day or two until the weather and road conditions improve for a safer move.
Ready Your Car
Winter travel can be tricky and dangerous. From snow to ice, these hazardous conditions can slow down your moving day. It is best to have your car ready for whatever the weather offers when moving in the winter.
Service your car before moving day. Take your vehicle in for a tune-up before you hit the road. It may be what your car needs to make it through the winter weather safely.
Pack a Winter Weather Emergency Kit. If you are moving a long distance, prepare a winter weather emergency kit before you hit the road. Include things like flairs, blankets, extra clothing, and anything you would need to hunker down in your car if you get stranded on the road for a period of time.
Know the Warning Signs
It’s always best to be safe when moving in the winter and know the symptoms of exposure to cold temperatures. First aid training can be helpful, but if you don’t have the training, you can educate yourself by knowing the warning signs for issues such as hypothermia.
Ensure Your Utilities Are Up and Running at Your New Home
You don’t want to arrive at your new home to find out the electricity and heat aren’t turned on. Contact the utility companies in your new area about a month before moving day. These may include electric, natural gas, water, sewer, garbage, cable, and internet. Ensure that the services will be transferred to your name and turned on by the time you plan to arrive.
Winter Moving Made Easy
In summary, keeping an eye on the weather and adjusting your plans if needed are the best ways to stay safe when moving in the winter. Moving can be challenging at any time of year, but moving in the winter poses issues you don’t face at any other point. Your best option is to hire a professional moving company with the experience to move you safely and securely any time of year.
Are you planning a move this winter? Contact us at 888-507-6304 or fill out our online residential moving quote form. We can assist you with all your winter move.
