How to prepare for a winter time move in Vancouver
Moving in the middle of a Vancouver winter probably isn’t on the top of your list of fun things to do. Instead of packing boxes and shoveling snow, you’d probably much rather cozy up to the latest binge-worthy streaming series and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.
However, if a move has to take place during the most blustery of seasons, you want to make sure you’re prepared and that it happens as efficiently as possible.
Monitor your heating
When you’re moving, you need to keep an eye on the thermostats at both your locations. At your original home, you don’t want to run up your heating bills by letting all that nice warm air escape every time the movers open the door.
And, with December temperatures in Vancouver averaging in the mid-30s, the last thing you want is to get all your worldly possessions moved to your new place, then to realize that your heater isn’t functional.
Watch out for safety hazards
Although it rarely snows in Vancouver, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast and to have a plan B – even if that means rescheduling your move – as winter snow and slush can make your move extra slippery.
In addition, you’ll want to make sure your paths and driveways are properly maintained – let your movers know of any uneven surfaces on their way, and make sure that there are no tripping hazards being hidden under snow, fallen leaves, or rain water.
Working with a local moving coordinator is the way to proactively plan for wet weather. Be sure to identify any areas that might get slippery in case of rain – at You Move Me Vancouver, we use neoprene rug runners on the most travelled paths to keep the main pathways protected and avoid accidents.
Work with a knowledgeable moving company
Think about all the pieces of a winter move that you can’t plan for – icy roads that make it harder for drivers with heavy loads; slippery pathways that can cause trips and falls with a load of antique china or with an expensive media center; temperatures chilly enough to freeze and irreparably damage your electronics.
When you think about all the costs that could come from a poorly executed move, the last thing you want to do is work with amateur movers or inexperienced crews. Instead, make sure you choose a moving team that’s reputable and that has experience dealing with wintry weather moves.
When you work with a knowledgeable, well-recommended moving group, they’ll be able to guide you in decision making so that you can move during the best hours of the day, so you can complete the process most efficiently and so you can ensure your belongings are well-cared-for and well-protected.
Be extra-organized.
Organized packing always helps to keep a move on track. It’s especially important for a winter move when your items might be sitting outside in the moving truck for a while, or might be making a cross-town or cross-country haul.
Label your boxes clearly and discuss with the movers if there are certain items you want to have loaded later or brought in first. Some of the most critical ones to consider include:
- Electronics
- Houseplants
- Delicate wooden items
- Antiques
In addition, consider which items you might need to feel most at home as you start unpacking. You’ll probably want easy access to blankets, winter clothing and your coffee pot, so you can ward off the Vancouver chill.
Have a backup plan.
Things go awry in almost every move, whether it’s forgetting to label a key box or running into traffic that throws off your schedule. It’s important, then, that every move includes a backup plan.
Think about all your most troubling what-ifs, then ask your movers about how they handle them. The moving team you choose should know the Vancouver area (Including Maple Ridge, BC) well and should be familiar with the most common pitfalls that can throw the moving process off-track.
By collaborating, you’ll have a better plan in place to make sure you keep unexpected variables to a minimum and make your move go as smoothly as possible.
We might have forgotten to mention one of our favorite wintertime moving essentials – coffee! You’ll feel better if you have something warm to greet you as you keep transition between locations and as you keep your doors open. We’ll bring you coffee and get your moving morning started off right, and you’ll want to pack your coffee maker somewhere that’s easily accessible so you can keep the warmth and energy flowing throughout the day.
Ready to get moving? Let’s talk about your Vancouver moving plan and get you set for a sunny relocation, even in midwinter!
