Top 10 Tips for Moving House During Winter

If you’re in the midst of planning a house move, you’re probably looking to schedule it for the summer months, when the longer days and warmer temperatures make your moving day a much more pleasant experience. However, sometimes this just isn’t possible and you may need to adjust your timeline and move during the winter instead. 

Whilst the thought of moving during the cold weather might not initially appeal, there’s no reason why your moving day shouldn’t go just as smoothly as one during the summer. With this in mind, the team at Simon Long Removals Gloucester has written this article detailing our top 10 tips for moving house during winter.

Be flexible

Over the winter period, the UK can get hit with some pretty unpredictable weather. From floods and storms to snow and ice, inclement conditions may affect your moving day. It’s important to take a deep breath, be flexible and be prepared for last-minute schedule changes due to the weather.

Start early

During the winter, nights close in exceptionally early, with the sun setting at around 4pm every day. Whilst moving your possessions in the dark is possible, it’s not very pleasant, so it’s best to start your moving day as early as possible to maximise the available daylight. 

Layer up!

We might be stating the obvious here, but moving house during the winter can be cold! When you’re constantly traipsing between the inside and outside, you’ll definitely feel the chill – especially if the heating is turned off in your old property or not yet set up in your new one. Therefore, it’s important that you’re dressed accordingly; bundle up in warm layers and make sure not to pack your winter coat!

Use proper packaging materials

Although it may be tempting to just make do with whatever cardboard boxes you’ve got to hand, it’s important to invest in proper packing boxes to ensure the safety of your possessions. This is even more essential in winter when you may be moving during rain or snow, as weak cardboard can become soggy and damage your belongings. 

Alternatively, you could contact your removal company and see if they offer a dedicated packing service – that way, you won’t need to lift a finger! Here at Simon Long Removals Gloucester, we’re a full-service company and can provide a packing service if required.

Keep winter essentials close at hand

When you’re moving all your worldly possessions, it’s easy for items to get misplaced amongst the chaos. Be sure to keep a box full of winter essentials at hand, containing blankets, hot water bottles and, of course, your trusty kettle! That way, you’ll always be able to get cosy with a hot drink, no matter what stage of the unpacking process you’re at.

If you’re moving over the Christmas period, it might be a good idea to store a couple of decorations in your essentials box to help make your new home feel a bit more festive.

Prepare your paths

If you’re moving on a snowy or icy day, it’s important to prepare any pathways surrounding your home; the last thing you want is for any injuries to yourself or your removal crew. If possible, spread some salt over the surface to help melt the ice and reduce the risk of any slips.

Protect your flooring

Winter weather means wet, muddy and – if you’ve salted your paths as mentioned above – gritty boots. You don’t want to traipse all of this mess through your new home and damage your floors, so it’s important to put some protective coverings down, like old sheets or tarpaulin. When you hire a trusted removals company like Simon Long Removals Gloucester, they should come prepared for every eventuality to ensure your flooring stays spotless.

Have adequate lighting

If you’re moving during the winter, chances are you’ll be working in darkness for at least a few hours. Whether you choose to use portable LED lights or head torches, be sure to have adequate lighting in place to ensure visibility and safety.

Turn on the heating

Moving day can be long, and arriving at a cold property can make it feel even longer. If possible, contact the previous owners of your home to see if it’s feasible for them to leave the heating on low, especially if they’re moving out a day or two before. That way, your new home will be warm and welcoming when you arrive, making unpacking much more comfortable.

Hire a trusted removal company

By hiring a reliable removal company, you’ll take the stress out of moving day. Whatever the weather, you’ll be able to relax as they handle all the little details for you – you might even be able to obtain an off-peak rate if you move over the winter.

Here at Simon Long Removals Gloucester, we have over 20 years of experience helping the people of Cheltenham, Gloucester and beyond to move house during the winter. Come snow, rain or shine, our BAR-accredited experts will work tirelessly to ensure your moving day goes ahead without a hitch. Get in touch with our experts today to obtain a quote.