Think Safety First When Planning Wintertime Move
In the northern hemisphere, winter weather during the months of December through March is inevitable. In Niagara, some years we have more snow than others, but generally, there is cold, the potential for ice and some form of precipitation to deal with.
At Bird’s Moving and Storage, our teams of expert movers have taken folks and their house hold goods from point A to point B during some horrible winter weather. We have taken our experiences and come up with some tips for homeowners who are planning a wintertime move.
* Since it’s winter, you will want to keep snow shovels handy, along with ice melter, tarps and snow brushes – at both your old home and your new one. Clearing snow from your doorways and driveway will help ensure safety for the Bird’s Moving crews. We use floor runners within your home in the main traffic areas to protect them not only from the crews footwear and your personal belongings, but from weather elements as well. It is always wise to have have some spare cardboard for more specific areas like bedrooms or living rooms if you are worried about the floors in those locations. While our Bird’s teams do carry some of this equipment, clearing away the snow and ice should be done before we arrive. It’s the most important thing for a winter move, because it helps protect our crews from slips and falls that might damage your belongings, in addition to saving you some money on local moving due to time factors.
* For a move that is happening within a day, keep in mind that losing daylight will be a distinct possibility on those longer relocations. Provide outdoor work-type lighting where possible, so your moving crew can safely see the path from the truck to the door of your new home.
* Plan ahead to ensure your utilities will be functional for moving day. You’ll want to make sure you have heat, electricity and water – if you aren’t sure how to go about this, call your utility companies well in advance of the moving date. Some utility firms even allow address changes online, so checking out their websites a few months before you move is always a good idea. You don’t want to arrive at your new home, only to be left in the cold AND in the dark.
* During winter, moving delicate items such as plants and pets can pose a difficulty or two. We do allow plants onto our vehicles, but they are always at your own risk. Pets can be boarded overnight and picked up the following day, or taken to the new home early in the day and isolated in a bedroom. Don’t forget to bring the litter box for cats, along with a familiar pet bed or blanket, a water dish and some treats! Bringing in a radio and leaving it on can help cats and dogs relax, since they are sure to be upset by the upheaval and noise. Don’t worry; they’ll get over it quickly!
* If winter weather is happening on moving day, it stands to reason traffic might also be bad. Depending on the location of your new home (whether it’s in the same city or a few hours away), you’ll want to keep an ear on traffic reports. Make sure all cars making the trip carry emergency kits and mobile phones with fully charged batteries.
* Lastly, our Bird’s Moving and Storage crews suggest dressing in layers. This means you can shed layers if you overheat, then redress as needed. Keeping your hands and feet warm can be difficult if you are moving around outside, so Bird’s crews suggest carrying hand warmers that can be put into gloves, and wearing thermal socks. Good boots are a must, too:
Since winter is inevitable and you have to move, taking some cold-weather precautions will ensure your transition happens as safely as possible. Keep a weather eye out, and don’t forget to layer up! Here’s to a warm, trouble-free transition from point A to point B! For a free, no-strings-attached quote, give the Bird's Moving and Storage office a call at 905-682-2646. Or, reach us HERE!