Winter is not the most popular or ideal season for moving, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until spring to start enjoying life in your new home. Although moving among the extreme temperatures of Kansas winters can be challenging, it is doable, especially with help from moving companies in Wichita. Follow these tips from Rightsize Moving Solutions to make loading, transporting and unloading your belongings easier while taking the appropriate precautions.
Check the Weather Periodically
Keep an eye on weather forecasts before and during the day(s) of your move. Be wary of potential incoming storms or heavy snowfall and make any necessary adjustments to the schedule. Plan travel routes carefully and have a backup option in case the first one is closed because of inclement weather. On the day of the move, start loading belongings into the moving vehicle early in the morning, keeping in mind that it gets dark earlier during winter and temperatures are more bearable during daytime.
Pack With Additional Protection
If you own delicate items that would normally have to be wrapped before transportation, provide extra protection for them when moving during winter. When they are exposed to extreme temperatures, fragile materials such as antique glass can become even more brittle and prone to cracks and breakage. Pack them carefully using layers of paper, foam or cloth as padding. Blankets work well because, in addition to protection from bumps or scratches, they provide insulation. If possible, take fragile items with you in a heated car rather than the cold moving van. Moreover, try to minimize the stress caused by abrupt and sharp temperature changes as you move them from a warm home or vehicle into the cold outdoors and the back inside. For instance, leave glass pieces in less warm areas of the home, such as the basement or laundry room, for a day or two before unwrapping them.
Clear Walkways of Ice
Snow, ice and water covering the driveways and sidewalks on your path between the moving vehicle and the house are serious hazards. Make sure somebody removes them from the entrance to your current and future homes before loading and unloading moving boxes. Pouring a solution of rock salt and hot water on the ground is one way to prevent snow and ice from sticking to the concrete. In addition, protect the walkways inside the home. Cover hard floors with heavy-duty paper and carpets with rug runners to protect them from wet footprints. Place a doormat at the entrance and remind your family and Wichita movers to use it to reduce the chance of slipping while carrying heavy boxes inside.
Keep Winter Supplies Handy
A pro tip for moving in Wichita is to keep winter supplies such as shovels, windshield scrapers, salt and mittens in your car, separated from the other boxes. Should you need them on the day of the move, you won’t waste time going through all your packed belongings to find them. Also, keep a first-aid kit and a list of emergency contacts on hand.
Stay Warm
Carrying heavy items in and out the house or up and down stairs for hours could leave you feeling fatigued and overheated. Instead of impractical, bulky winter coats, dress in several layers so you can feel lighter and be able to quickly add and remove them throughout the day. Make hot beverages such as coffee, cider or chocolate and share them with whoever is helping you move.
Have a Backup Plan
Before moving, make sure the lights and heat are working in the new home. In any case, outline potential places where you or some of your belongings could spend a night or two if moving in takes longer than expected after moving out from your previous home or, in the case of a storm, until the weather subsides.
Hire a Professional
Moving can be stressful and tiresome enough on a normal day. When severe weather is added to the equation, don’t strain yourself trying to complete all the heavy-duty work alone. Wichita moving company Rightsize Moving Solutions can assist you throughout the process. From packing to loading and unloading, we are here to help you settle into your new home faster. Call us today for an appointment!