For whatever reason, your house move is scheduled to happen in the colder months, meaning moving day could prove a little more tricky than perhaps those scheduled over the summer. If you’re moving in the winter, you’ve got snow and ice to contend with, along with financial issues that could come with a move close to the holiday season.
These tips should help you move home with fewer hiccups so you can get to the ultimate goal of putting the kettle on in your new place before you know it.
Declutter first
As with any house move, it could really pay off to have a good clear out. Getting rid of a good chunk of things will feel cathartic and could even save you money when hiring a van (maybe you’ll be able to choose a smaller van!). You might even make some money by selling your items on eBay or Gumtree which you can put towards the move or the new house. Decluttering in good time should give you more space in the new home to enjoy and prevent you having to pay to put things into storage.
Don’t forget to contact your energy supplier(s)!
In cold weather it’s even more important to do this. Make sure your energy suppliers have been informed of your house move, and that the utilities in your new home will be ready on moving in day for you to use. The last thing you want is to be freezing in your new home, waiting for the switch-over.
You might need an extra pair of hands
Most things are more difficult when it’s cold, so ensure you have enough help on moving day. You might have friends and family that are willing to help, or you may need to use Shiply to find a reasonably priced moving company to help you out. Sharing the load (literally!) could make the job a lot easier and prevent you from being in the cold weather for too long. Be honest and ask for help if you think you’ll need it – moving can be a stressful time and family and friends might be able to take some of the weight off your shoulders.
Pack an ‘essentials’ bag for moving day
Having a bag full of day-to-day items to prevent you having to rummage through boxes trying to find your toothbrush or some toilet paper. Other useful items for a moving day bag include a change of clothes, pyjamas, your phone charger and some snacks. If it’s very cold you might even want to add some hand warmers and gloves for moments of inactivity.
Make sure your car is up to the job
Driving with extra weight will make your vehicle feel different to normal. If you’ve got a car full of possessions, everything will be slower and will feel more labored, so take your time making turns and braking. If you’re driving in snowy or icy weather, make sure the tyres are in good condition – ie they have good tread depth, or have chains on if needed. You might even prefer to hire a van with or without a driver if you’re worried about driving.
Pack securely
Make sure you’ve secured your items and strapped anything down that might be likely to come loose loose or swing around in the vehicle. Anything that’s outside the car (strapped to the roof or in the open back of a pickup truck for example), cover with tarpaulin so it is not affected by the weather and is held down more securely.
