Winter Moving: How Should You Prepare and Pack?
Moving is a stressful process, and depending on the time of year you will be moving, temperature and weather can add to that stress. In other states, moving in winter is highly challenging because of the bitter cold and icy conditions. Luckily, living in South Florida, we know the winter months provide colder temperatures, less rain, and light, breezy weather. Unfortunately for families, winter moves often interfere with school and add stress to families trying to stay on specific schedules.
The key to a less stressful moving experience- regardless of the time of year- is organization. Having everything ready, employing the right team, and executing plans as seamlessly as possible can take the inconvenience from any move and lessen the burden.
Is it a good idea to move during winter?
Remember, a moving company’s busy season runs from May to September. If you want to save money and avoid the busy periods of moving companies, the winter season is the perfect time to move. Winter moving can save you money and scheduling conflicts as moving companies- even here in south Florida- have less of a demand on their time. Winter months are also outside of Florida’s regular rainy season, meaning your move is less likely to be wet. Additionally, lower temperatures mean your belongings will be much more likely to avoid heat-related damages. As we all know, items such as vinyl records, soap, electronics, and candles can all withstand losses associated with high temperatures.
The only downside to a winter move in south Florida is the slight increase in traffic due to seasonal residents returning for the winter. However, having a phenomenal trusted moving company to pack and relocate your possessions is key to avoiding accidentally breaking/destroying your things due to shifting items. To have a successful winter move, you should hire a reliable Florida moving company such as Best in Broward to help you out.
Winter moving tips
Aside from hiring movers Florida, you should also keep the following points in mind:
- Check the Weather
On the days leading to your moving day, you must stay abreast of the weather. Check for a potential of rain or other severe weather. Knowing this ahead of time may help plan out the best times of the day to move your items from your home to the truck or from the truck into your new location. Communication is critical with any movers you choose to hire.
- Communicate with the Movers
A day or two before the move, you should confirm the details with the movers. We recommend checking with them a few times before the day of the movement, especially if it is a tremendous job.
- Prepare your new house
Before you pack things up, you must ensure that the home you’ll be moving in is prepared. Check the heating/cooling system and ventilation to make sure it is working correctly. Make sure the area is clean, and you have an idea of where your furniture needs to be placed.
On the day of the move, make sure someone is there to meet the movers once they arrive. If there’s no one to man your new home, you can give the movers the key to the property. Just make sure that they are trustworthy enough.
- Cover your floors
Moving can be messy, especially if you don’t prepare your floors. Before the moving day, shop for some plastic tarps and floor mats. Place these in front of your doors and all areas that the movers will access. You should also prepare rugs to wipe wet floors if needed. Covering the floors also prevents damages due to the entry and exit for the movers, protecting your carpets and hardwood floors.
- Plan for your pets
Even when working with a professional moving company, everyone will be busy managing and organizing your move. We recommend putting your pets in a boarding facility or with a friend in the meantime. This way, you won’t have to worry about their safety, and there will be no animals roaming around as the movers do their job.
- Keep towels handy
On moving day, you should have napkins, blankets, and sheets ready. This is always helpful as, regardless of plans, the unexpected spill or wet area inevitably seems to pop up.
- Pack fragile items twice
When moving, it is essential that we handle your fragile items with care. If you are packing your own home, we recommend thoroughly and correctly packing your expensive/valuable items. This may include double or triple layering electronics, antique furniture, and costly items. When wrapped successfully, well-packed items are much less likely to break and/or get damaged.
- Clear your walkways
Before movers arrive at your home, you must clear your sidewalk. You will have undoubtedly packed boxes and have then ready to go. Make sure, however, there is a clear path you and the movers can walk to access all areas of your home quickly.
- Plan the route
Once you have packed and your new home is prepared, you must plan the course with your movers Fort Lauderdale. This way, you will all be clear on how and where your belongings will be moved.
- Take care of the movers
During the moving day, you should make sure you have drinks and small snacks available to your movers. Moving is exhausting and can dehydrate and exhaust even the best of movers quickly. It’s imperative for the health of the team that they are allowed to drink and/or refuel whenever needed.
Understand the best movers need to take short breaks during a massive move, ensuring that they are in good condition. Keeping energy upkeeps movers enthusiastic and keeps your belongings safe.
- Factor in extra travel time
Remember that when traveling with valuables, it’s important for our drivers to keep a slow, consistent pace. Travel time can take longer in the winter only due to increased traffic from “snowbirds” wintering in the area. Make sure the driver of the truck and you have exchanged numbers. This way, you can consistently know the whereabouts of your belongings and any issues that may arise.
- Prepare for potential change
Moving at any time can be prone to last-minute changes. Be flexible and try to work with your drivers in any way necessary. It’s never too late to reschedule a move if inclement weather is expected during the day of your move. Your movers will appreciate not having to drive through an extreme weather/tornado warning.
- Check Insurance
You should choose insured movers such as Best in Broward. This way, your belongings will be in good hands. This is critical for the safety and security of your belongings, especially if they will be transported for hundreds of miles.
- Have a spotter when carrying items
If you’re lifting boxes to the truck or your car, you must have another person serving as a spotter. An additional person can assist in preventing injuries and damages to the belongings. Take note that spotters are critical for piano movers Miami. Our best in Broward team is as knowledgeable and prepared for any Piano moves as we are to handle fragile items and furniture. When planning to move it, look for movers who are skilled in specialty items.
- Don’t unpack your chinaware just yet!
If it is cold outside or extremely hot, once your belongings have been delivered and unloaded, avoid unpacking crystal and china items right away. Wait until the box and its content reach room temperature. If you badly need to unpack these items, you must do so carefully. The intense cold causes the items to be more brittle.
If you have chosen Best in Broward’s white glove services, you can rest assured that the movers know how to handle such items correctly. We are movers Fort Lauderdale FL with extensive experience in specialized items.
- Come up with a backup plan
Moving can be unpredictable. This is why you should come up with a backup plan. Have a contingency plan in place should you need to reschedule the move…If you need to vacate your location right away, you can arrange delivery to storage space. This way, you won’t block the person moving into your old property.
How to keep your belongings safe during a move
- Properly use padding
Don’t skimp on padding when packing your belongings, especially fragile and electronic items. Use moving paper, bubble wrap, crumpled newspapers, towels, foam peanuts, and/or any other items you can. Adding insulation to items prevents breaking if the box becomes damaged in any way.
- Waterproof your boxes
If you know it will be extreme weather/rain, crates and cardboard boxes should be wrapped in plastic film to prevent water damage. Do this regardless if you’re moving locally or long-distance.
- Ask the help of professional packers
For special items like antiques, wine collection, and other temperature-sensitive items, you must ask the help of our professional packers. Aside from knowing the proper packing technique, our experts have the right materials and special packing tools to secure your belongings.
- Make unloading quick
Best in Broward Movers in Fort Lauderdale will park right in front of your new house or as closely as possible. This way, there’s only a short distance to travel to unload your belongings. It will reduce the exposure of your belongings to extreme temperatures.
- Stack it properly
Best in Broward Ft. Lauderdale and Miami movers will stack your belongings properly. Fragile items should never be placed under heavy objects. Also, the movers will use more than one truck if needed to ensure that your belongings will be transferred accurately.
- Measure your furniture
If moving on your own, before you bring an item out, you should measure it first. This way, you won’t waste time and energy on moving an item that turns out too big for the truck. Our Best in Broward professionals planning the loading of the items almost immediately after seeing what needs to be moved. Knowing dimensions prevents damages and speeds up the process.
- Detach smaller parts
For items with detachable parts, it’s best to disassemble it and store it in the same box. This will help save space while preventing damage to the details.
- Cover corners and walls