In a perfect world, every moving day would be dry, warm and sunny. But unfortunately, sometimes you have to move in wintry or wet conditions, and unpredictable Indiana weather can put a serious damper on events of the day.
If you’re planning to move this winter or during inclement weather, keep the following tips in mind.
Prepare for the worst
Even if the forecast assures you no snow will fall on moving day, assume the forecast is wrong. Come up with a plan that accounts for snow removal at your current and future home.
You may need to have a friend on standby who will go shovel the walk at your new home as you pack up your current household. Keep a bag of ice melt at both locations – you’re going to need it eventually, anyway.
If you’ll be packing your cars full of boxes, they’re going to be heavier than normal and may be more likely to get stuck in the snow. Put a small shovel in your trunk, in case you need to dig out of a snow bank.
Protect your belongings
Your moving company is familiar with what it takes to protect your belongings in inclement weather. Professional cardboard boxes are designed to protect most of your belongings even if they get wet.
However, you may also want to use specialty items — including plastic coverings, artwork boxes, heavy blankets, and mattress pads — to make sure that your belongings are appropriately contained during the move. You also may want to consider packing items that you would normally keep loose, such as clothing and smaller items.
Be safe
When carrying items outside, especially down steps, use extra caution when snow or ice is on the ground. Aside from using ice melt, you might also throw down a few carpet remnants or rubber mats for traction. You can also use those items to provide traction if your car gets stuck – just wedge them under your wheels before hitting the gas.
Turn on utilities early
No one wants to pay two electric bills or two gas bills, but you want to keep your new home at a reasonable temperature before you move in. In extreme cold, pipes may freeze – not a problem you’ll want to have immediately upon moving in (or ever).
Make sure the utilities will be on continuously at your new home before you move in. So, if the current occupant is turning off the heat a week before your move-in date, you should have the gas turned on a week early. The same rules apply if you don’t yet have a buyer for your current home. Keep the utilities on there to avoid maintenance problems and create a cozier experience for potential buyers.
