Every year, approximately 43 million Americans move. Moving during any season can be a challenge, but moving during the winter can be a real nightmare. Snow doesn’t stop for anyone and ice creates a dangerous obstacle course you’re carrying furniture. The good news is that you can help your relocation this winter go a lot more smoothly by avoiding a few key moving mistakes.

Here are five things you never want to do when you’re relocating during the winter months.

Mistake #1: Ignoring the Weather

It can be tempting to ignore the weather report when you’re already anxious about moving. But the more you know about the weather leading up to the move, the more prepared you’ll be for moving day. It’s better to expect snow and plan ahead for it than it is to be surprised and unprepared. Additionally, if it looks like the weather is going to be terrible during your relocation dates (for instance, if it sounds like there’s going to be a blizzard), it’s a good idea to call your moving company to express your concern and potentially delay your move. Your movers will be able to give you advice based on their own experience, too.

Mistake #2: Not Planning for Delays

Winter weather isn’t the only thing that can cause delays when during a relocation. While summer days can last well past 8 PM, it can start to get dark at 4:30 PM in the winter. It’s important to take that time into consideration during your relocation to avoid hiccups. Because there are fewer daylight hours available for moving, and because of precautions that need to be taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, your move may take a day or two longer than you might expect. Plan ahead for these delays and keep your expectations realistic. If you’re not flexible during your winter move, you’ll only set yourself up for disappointment.

Mistake #3: Not Preparing Both Moving Sites

During a winter relocation, it’s important to remember that there are many safety hazards that could put you and others at risk. While you might remember to shovel at your current home or apartment, you also need to remember to prepare the space where you’re moving, too. Make sure that sidewalks, driveways, and walkways are shoveled and salted. To prevent slips, trips, and falls inside, place rugs with secure rug mats to keep them from moving by entryways to help to keep any snow, mud, or slush tracking to a minimum. Keep any clutter away from pathways and make sure that your movers have enough room to get in and out of both moving sites.

Mistake #4: Not Checking the Utilities at the New Place

It’s commonly recommended to turn the heat down or even off at your current living space while you’re moving during the winter. This helps to prevent your furnace from short-cycling while the door is open for moving furniture and boxes. Space heaters can help to make up for the lack of heat elsewhere in your current home. However, it’s essential that you check on the utilities at the place you’re moving to before you begin moving in. You don’t want to finish moving in the middle of winter only to realize the heat hasn’t been turned on yet in your new home. Remember that it can take a few days for power companies to turn on your utilities and so it’s best to check that all of the utilities at your new home are sufficiently working at least two days before you begin your move.

Mistake #5: Not Hiring Professional Movers

Moving during the winter is already tricky, but moving in the winter during a pandemic can be especially dangerous. You can never be too sure if friends you promise to pay with pizza have actually been socially distancing. By hiring professional Reston VA movers, you can feel confident knowing that your move will be as safe as possible. Reston movers have experience moving during the winter season, and our movers practice CDC safety guidelines to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Need help with your relocation this winter? We’ve got you covered. Contact our moving professionals Craig Van Lines to schedule a consultation with us today.

5 Winter Moving Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make