Pros and Cons of Winter Relocations
The winter season is not a recommended season for moving. Ideally, you would have to pick a time when it's not too hot or too cold to make sure you have one less thing to worry about. However, moving doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes it’s not possible to wait until spring or summer to relocate. You should know that moving in winter has some advantages, too, so don’t you worry if your moving date is scheduled in cold months. Here are the pros and cons of winter relocations to help you plan the process efficiently and safely.
Winter relocations – advantages
Let’s start this article on a positive note. Moving in winter have several positive aspects.
Your budget will thank you
Planning a moving budget often brings a headache. Moving costs can be pretty high, especially if you’re moving when everybody else is moving – the peak moving season. Luckily, the winter months bring lower moving costs. Moving companies don’t have a lot of clients in the cold season, so they lower the costs of their services to attract more of them. Additionally, if you’re flexible with the moving date, you can expect to pay much less for relocating your home to another address.
Scheduling a move can be easier in the winter season.
It’s easy to book movers
Scheduling a moving team to help you out can be pretty challenging. When narrowing down your options to the best two or three moving teams, there are several factors to consider. After you have managed that, you must deal with the problem of balancing between their vacant dates and the most suitable time for you. Finding a perfect date that suits both you and the moving team may be difficult. Fortunately, this is generally not a problem with winter relocations. One of the main advantages is the simplicity of the hiring process. It's easier to find available moving teams and pick a suitable date for your move.
Heat-sensitive items are much easier to move in winter
Summer months are not for items that melt or are generally heat-sensitive. Candles, electronics, cosmetics, instruments, etc., can be easily damaged when moving on a hot day. That’s why moving in colder months is a bit easier. However, be sure to follow proper packing guidelines for delicate items, ensuring they are safe during transport.
Pack items safely when moving in winter.
Moving teams are more focused and careful
As they are not too busy during winter, moving professionals are more focused on what they do. That’s why you can expect them to be more careful with your items and dedicated to delivering them safely to the new address. However, if you’re moving long-distance, you may not be that trusting to the moving teams you don’t know so well. In this case, start with contacting the trustworthy moving pros from Idaho that can help you out and give all the information you need for easy relocation. Get advice from the local experts and be more relaxed with the whole process.
The cons of moving in wintertime
Undoubtedly, winter moves have some cons, too. However, if you're well-prepared, these shouldn't discourage you from moving into a new home.
Bad weather
Probably the most significant disadvantage is moving in bad weather. Snow, rain, and low temperatures make people postpone the moving day until spring or summer. However, if you look at the weather forecast and prepare well for the process, you can avoid the worst winter days and have a smooth moving day.
Remember: If temperatures go below zero on your moving day, make sure you make the driveway and the entrance to your home safe for everybody. Ice and rain can make it slippery, so be sure to clean everything in the morning or just before the moving team arrives to load your belongings.
Days are shorter
Another drawback of moving in winter is that days are shorter. As it gets dark pretty early, you have less time to do everything. Some moving companies will not work after it gets dark, so be sure to consider that as well when scheduling your moving day.
Holiday season
Moving around the holidays can be considered as a negative side of moving in winter. Firstly, the roads and stores are busier than usual, which can bother you on certain occasions. To save yourself time, make sure you buy everything you need for your move on time, using online shopping services. Shop for packing supplies and other bits you need for the moving day early, and avoid waiting in line.
Tips for safer winter relocations
Moving in winter can be pretty smooth when you are ready for all the conditions and challenges. Here are some tips on making your winter move as safe as possible:
⦁ Move less – declutter your home before packing to ensure you've got fewer moving boxes to deal with;
⦁ Expect complications and be flexible – in case of bad weather, your moving day could be postponed. Be flexible, and don't stress out if that happens;
⦁ Pack extra safely – make sure delicate items are packed well, and insulate the ones sensitive to harsh temperatures. Also, as it is much easier for boxes to get wet, it's better to use plastic containers for packing delicate items;
⦁ Prepare your home for the moving day- as we mentioned, always make sure your driveway and entrance are clear from snow and ice. Furthermore, make sure your floors are protected from winter shoes, moisture, and dirt. Cover them with some plastic sheets and save time when cleaning afterward.
Packing for a winter move needs to be done extra carefully - replace cardboard boxes with plastic containers.
Winter relocations are not the easiest, but you can make them much more straightforward with these tips. Finally, take good care of your movers, as they are working in harsh weather conditions. Provide some warm beverages, and don’t forget to give a good tip!