5 Helpful Tips for Moving in the Winter

1. Consider Hiring a Moving Company

Embarking on a winter move can seem overwhelming with short days and inclement weather often throwing a wrench in the work. Because of this, hiring a professional winter moving company can be immensely beneficial. With expertise in navigating icy roads and safeguarding your belongings against the cold, professional movers can be a gamechanger. 

The professionals at Stewart Moving & Storage are adept at tackling logistical challenges and have a fleet of resources at their disposal to ensure a timely and secure move. Not only do they bring experience, but professional movers are also well-equipped to handle everything a frosty winter can bring. Stewart can allow you to focus on other important aspects of relocating while we take care of the heavy lifting—quite literally!

2. Keep an Eye on the Weather

Staying attuned to snowstorms and freezing temperatures that could impact your move is important when moving in winter months. A surprise snowstorm can swiftly alter your moving plans, enforcing delays or requiring a temporary storage solution.  If meteorological conditions change, having professionals to steer through the storm can be invaluable. We at Stewart are prepared to make quick adjustments based on sudden changes in frosty weather that work with your moving schedule. 

3. Plan & Prepare in Advance

Winter's unpredictability calls for a proactive approach to your moving strategy. Start by planning ahead for weather-related setbacks to minimize disruptions.

When crafting your moving plan for the winter season, keep the following considerations in mind:

• Draft a weather-tolerant moving timeline: think about long-term patterns in your area and how you can adjust based on sudden changes to the forecast
  
• Invest in winter protective packing supplies: Look for specialized boxes, heavy-duty tape, and plastic covers that can withstand snow, ice, and rainfall. Bubble wrap and packing peanuts provide extra insulation for fragile items and help prevent breakage caused by jostling on icy roads. Consider acquiring specialty items such as mattress bags, furniture blankets, and hand warmers to keep you and your possessions secure from the cold.
  
• Be prepared with clothing and materials for moving in cold weather: comfortability during a move is key! Keep your cozy jackets and gloves unpacked and ready for an unexpected chilly early morning. If you are moving to a colder climate, being prepared for the change in temperature will ease your spirits as you finish up your move. 

In the spirit of winter preparedness, having contingency plans and the right gear will make your moving day a cozy success.

4. Prepare to Be Flexible

When it comes to moving during winter, it's especially important to embrace adaptability.  A part of being flexible is having alternative moving plans. Winter conditions can be unpredictable, so having a well-thought-out plan B—or even plan C—is crucial. In the event of a delay, it is important to have a storage plan in mind. Stewart Moving & Storage offers capabilities for storing your valuable items in case of a last minute change. Preparing your items for the potential of storage is a great way to avoid unexpected surprises. 

Flexibility, coupled with tactical foresight, will help you navigate any winter-moving obstacle with ease. To increase flexibility before you move, make sure to de-clutter your previous space while packing. Parting with things that you do not need before moving to your new space will allow for quicker moving and less storage space if needed. If you need help decluttering before you go, we partner with local companies who can assist with selling your items. The more you can declutter before the big move, the easier it will be when settling into your cozy, new space.

5. Make Sure to Confirm Your Change of Address

Before the whirlwind of moving in the frosty months begins, don't forget to change your address—a crucial step in tying up loose ends. Confirming your details with essential services, from banks to health care providers, as well as commonly used shopping and gift registry sites, ensures your life continues undisrupted post-move. The winter months bring many celebrated holidays, which leads to an increase in mail and packages. Planning a change of address before your move will make sure your valuable messages from loved ones follow you to your new space. The first and most important step is completing the address change with your local post office, initiating mail forwarding. 

Step-by-Step Address Change Confirmation: 

1. Notify the United States Postal Service (USPS): fill out an official USPS Change of Address Form. This can be done online for a small verification fee, or in person at your local post office for free.
2. Be Specific with Dates: This is where attention to detail pays off—set this start date a few days before you actually move, ensuring you miss nothing critical and mail-forwarding will begin on time.
3. Double-Check Your Details: After submitting your request, you'll receive a confirmation email or letter. Review it thoroughly to verify that all details are accurate. This is also a great time to register to vote with your new polling station. 

By paying close attention to these particulars, you ensure that even the chilliest gusts of winter won't cause any of your crucial mail to get lost in the mix. Take a look at this Change of Address Checklist to make sure you inform who needs to know about your big move.

Embracing Your Winter Wonderland Move

Tackling moving in the winter can feel like a daunting task. However, armed with a strategic approach and the right help, it can be just as successful as at any other time of the year. As you settle into your new home, warmed by the satisfaction of a job well done, you'll find that the hurdles of a winter move are nothing compared to the cozy comfort of starting the year fresh in your new space. Contact Stewart Moving today to hear more about how we can help you make your winter move a breeze!