TEN Tips for Moving in the Winter
While you may not think of Greenville winters as harsh, there’s no denying that we get the odd snowstorm every now and then. There’s nothing quite like snuggling under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate when the weather’s bad! Snow can strike at any moment here in the Upstate during our chilly winter months, so if you’re planning to move this winter, it’s best to be prepared — just in case!A move during any season comes with its own set of challenges, but don’t be alarmed! This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to move during winter — it just means that you may have a few extra steps to take in preparing for your move.If you’ve never moved during the colder months here in Greenville, here are our top tips for preparing for a winter move:
Make a list of your belongings.
This goes for any move at any time of the year, but it’s a good idea to make a list of all the items you want to take with you, what you want to sell or donate, and what you want to chuck. This will help you stay organized, and you’ll be able to keep better track of your belongings, ensuring nothing gets lost (or accidentally thrown away) during the move.
Make a to-do list.
Right along the lines of making a checklist for your belongings, we recommend making a to-do list for the family. This is especially helpful if you have to sell your house in addition to moving, as there are usually at least a few things that need fixing around the house. Go through every room and mark down chores for each one. Does the baseboard in the living room need a coat of paint? When was the last time you cleaned out the window tracks? There may be more to do than you initially thought!
Review with your movers how they plan to deal with weather challenges.
While it’s true that a massive snowstorm is rare for the Upstate, it’s not totally out of the realm of possibilities. No matter who you’re moving with, double-check their guidelines or procedures for inclement weather. We also recommend keeping an eye on the weather as well so there are no surprises when you wake up to a foot of snow!
Have a plan for any pets.
The upheaval of a move can affect your pets, too! During the move, carve out specified times to take your furry friend outside for a bathroom break. When they’re not on the leash, find them a quiet place to relax that’s out of the way. You could even board them or have a friend watch them while the movers are traipsing in and out of the front door.
Pack early.
By starting to strategically pack a month in advance, you can ease some of the stress on yourself and your family (assuming you have the luxury of time). Go through items that you don’t need until after your move or won’t need immediately. By starting to pack early, you can do a little bit at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself. We recommend packing one or two boxes at a time and having a designated storage area for all your boxes, such as your garage.Take note of specialty items.If you’re moving long-distance and have specialty items, we recommend making sure they’re adequately packed and insulated. Musical instruments such as violins or cellos are made of wood, and that wood can contract in cold weather, which can cause warping to the body of the instrument during the trip. Pianos are also susceptible to cold weather, but if you move with Swamp Rabbit Moving, you can rest assured that we’ll take good care of it, as we specialize in moving delicate items like pianos.
Be careful with other fragile items susceptible to cold.
Things like glass dishware absolutely hate the cold. Be sure to double-wrap all of your fragile china, dishes, or glassware to protect them from shock. Use extra padding if you need to, and be generous with your bubble wrap.
Take care of utilities and other things ahead of time.
From water to electricity (or gas, if your new home is equipped), definitely take care of having the utilities turned on before you arrive at your destination. Don’t forget about submitting a change of address to the post office, too! You’ll be grateful upon arrival that you won’t have to sit in the cold and in the dark.
Your vehicle needs a little TLC, too!
In the event of inclement weather, a good idea is to make sure your car is serviced ahead of time. Get the oil change, rotate the tires, and check the coolant and brake pads — a tuneup is important to make sure there are no hiccups during the drive. We also recommend putting together a winter weather emergency kit to keep in your car, including:
- Jumper cables
- Flashlights
- Snow scraper
- Road salt or kitty litter (to give your tires more traction if you can’t get out of the snow)
- Warm clothes and/or a blanket
- Extra phone chargers
- A first-aid kit
- Spare wiper blades
- Tire chains
Lastly… remember to breathe.
Moving can be stressful for anyone, but with Swamp Rabbit Moving, you can trust that your belongings will be taken care of. We aim to make your move as stress-free as possible. You may even want to check out our packing and unpacking services, so you won’t have to lift a finger! Be mindful of those moving with you, so try having family check-ins once a week. If you have kids, let them voice their concerns or frustrations. But mostly, be patient with yourself and your family.
Swamp Rabbit Moving is Here to Help!
Ready to get your move on the road? Check out Swamp Rabbit Moving, one of South Carolina’s top moving companies. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured, so you can rest assured that we won’t disappoint. Contact us today and see what the Rabbits can do for you!