Moving During Winter + Printable Safety Checklist
December 6, 2016 | Moving
Google moving during winter, and it’s no surprise that Chicago, famous for its frosty winters and icy winds, pops up on the first page. Here at Metro Self Storage, we know a thing or two about winter moving. So we’ve created a helpful checklist for you to download and print at the end of this blog.
Our first storage facility opened its doors in Chicago more than forty years ago. We’ve lived through, and sometimes even loved, every winter since, which probably qualifies us as experts on moving during winter more than just about anyone else.
If you are moving this winter season, don’t stress. Remember to take time out of planning your winter move to enjoy friends, family, and festive activities. After all, you’ll want to celebrate all of your hard work.
Plan ahead for your winter move
The key to planning any successful move is preparation. However, not being prepared for a winter relocation could be disastrous. Moving in the Midwest during winter is going to be a very different experience than say, someone who is moving on the West Coast. The goal is to get you and your belongings, as well as any pets or family members who are traveling with you, to your new home safely and without too much discomfort.
Avoid accidents when moving furniture and boxes
During the winter it can be dangerous to load your boxes and furniture into a moving truck rental, especially when the sidewalks are covered in snow and ice. If you can afford it, hire a professional moving and relocation company.
Shop around because winter is the slowest time of year for moving companies. Having someone else do the heavy lifting and loading will be a much safer solution.
There are fewer daylight hours during winter
In Chicago, there are 15 hours of daylight during the height of summer. In the dead of winter, the amount of daylight diminishes to only 9 hours of sunlight. While there might be enough daylight to complete a local move, keep in mind that a long-distance move may be impossible to complete in one day during the winter months.
Travel conditions are more treacherous
If you live in an area that experiences snow and ice storms like Chicago, coordinating a moving truck on move out day can be tricky. Winter storms not only cause dangerous driving conditions, but they can also cause delays and complications with rental leases or real estate contracts if your move gets postponed.
If you are planning a DIY winter move, Penske offers some helpful winter driving tips that include tuning into your local radio station for the weather forecast and packing extra gloves and ice scrapers so you can see out of your windshields.
Anyone in the relocation, apartment, or real estate business will be the first to tell you all the great reasons why moving during winter is a good idea.
Why? Because it is the slowest time of year for moving companies, apartment leases, and home purchases. As a result, there are good deals to be found during the winter months.
Thankfully, you can rent a storage unit at Metro Self Storage at a great value any time of year. As always, drive safely.
