Winter is on the way, and if you’re planning a big move, that means a whole new set of challenges for you to plan for. In 39 U.S. states, winter typically brings both freezing temperatures and snowy weather, which will definitely impact any moving plans you may have.
There’s never an ideal time of year to move, but there are specific ways to prepare for a move in the cold, and you can often save money moving in the later months of the year. If you’re thinking about moving in the winter, here are five things you should consider beforehand.
1. Protect yourself, your home, and your movers.
When moving to or from somewhere with traditional winter weather, it’s important to take precautions to preserve the health and safety of everyone involved, and to protect your new home. If there’s any ice or snow, make sure you salt any path or outdoor space where you or your movers will be. You don’t want anyone to slip or fall. Ice and snow can also damage many types of flooring. Have your movers put down floor protection to keep ice and dirt from melting into your floors.
2. Consider a climate-controlled storage unit.
There are several reasons to consider investing in a storage unit when moving. First, you might find that you over packed or that there are things you’d like to sell or donate that require space outside your home. Second, it’s a great way to free up extra space for the items you actually need. A climate-controlled storage unit is the best idea because of the protection it offers.
Some of your possessions can be damaged by direct sunlight or even indirect light, and some sensitive items require humidity control to avoid moisture accumulation. No matter what you’re hoping to store, you can make sure your belongings stay safe by looking for a storage company with the best climate controlled storage units.
3. Set up your utilities in advance.
While you always want to set up your utilities before you move, it’s even more essential if you’re moving in the winter. You don’t want to find yourself without light or heat, even if it’s only for a day or two, in the middle of winter. Talk to your landlord or your realtor about what company services the area that you’re moving to, and find out how to get in touch with them before your move-in date. Usually, it’s no problem for the company to create your account and ensure your utilities are fully operational by the time you arrive.
4. Work with experts in the area.
Moving locally is simpler than moving to a new area, but you shouldn’t be afraid of relocating somewhere unfamiliar. Still, enlisting the expert help of professionals familiar with the city and state is the best idea for any big move. Venterra Living, for example, focuses specifically on moves within Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas. You can check out venterraliving.com for options in your apartment search. By honing in on certain markets and locations, companies can offer more nuanced and relevant expertise and make sure you get the best living experience.
5. Make your space feel like home.
One winter reality that you may not have considered is that it can often come with seasonal affective disorder or other types of seasonal depression and malaise. One way to help is to make the transition easier is by making your house feel like home as soon as possible. Whether that’s repainting a room or putting up some hanging plants indoor, it’s important that your new home feels like it really belongs to you.
Houseplants and greenery can liven up space, and developing a green thumb can be fun and educational. You can keep it simple with some ivy or a small fern, or consider a more dramatic hanging planter featuring a plant like the string of pearls. The responsibility of taking care of a real plant can also be a satisfying and rewarding experience. If you’re worried about caring for a real plant, you can always try succulents, which are much easier to care for and difficult to kill.
It might sound incredibly difficult to pull off a move in the winter, but it’s more than manageable with the right planning and preparation. A winter move comes with some obstacles, but you may even find that you can save money and have more flexibility in scheduling. While not every state has intense winter weather, most of the United States experiences some degree of ice and snow, so make sure you prioritize safety. Be organized, take the steps necessary to protect yourself and the people helping you move, and learn as much as you can about your new neighborhood before you move, and it’s a safe bet that your move will be a success.
