Moving Towards Storage

I have always been one of those people who is concerned about keeping their house as clean as possible, which is probably one of the reasons I started thinking more seriously about using professional storage. I didn't want to have to worry about tripping over things that I didn't use on a daily basis, so I began focusing on making things right. Within a few short months, I was able to rent a storage unit, pack things up, and move them out of my house, and it made a huge difference. This blog is all about moving towards renting a storage unit and sorting things out.

5 Tips For Moving In Winter

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Summer is the hottest season for moving. The weather is nicer and the kids are out of school, making it the best time to move to another house, state, or even country. However, sometimes you don't have the luxury of planning your move, and you end up needing to moving in the middle of January. Winter moving may seem less ideal, but with these tips, you won't have to worry as much about your move not going smoothly. 

1. Book your moving truck with a few variable days.

Sometimes, you'll wake up on the day of your planned move to snowflakes falling thick and fast or to the aftermath of a bad ice storm. Hauling your household belongings on a day when the roads are bad and the streets aren't cleared will be a recipe for disaster. When booking your truck in advance, ask if the company will provide a "rain day" without charging extra to change plans because of a bad forecast. Remember, the moving company or rental company doesn't want their equipment harmed, so it's in everybody's best interest to allow for rescheduling in case of bad weather. 

2. Plan for extra time.

Your move doesn't have to be stressful if you plan for it to take a little longer than it normally would. Moving things in the cold requires more time for helpers to break and warm up. It takes extra time to make sure no furniture is set down in the snow while those carrying it adjust their grip. Walking slowly and carefully during a winter rain helps to reduce injuries. If you're not stressed about completing the move because you've planned for it to take a while, everyone will feel less stressed. 

3. Get an early start.

You'll lose daylight more quickly in the winter time, and since winter temperatures can get pretty cool at night, you'll want to be up bright and early to take full advantage of the daylight, especially because you'll be moving to a less familiar home, city, or neighborhood. 

4. Protect the floors and prepare the way.

You don't want the people helping you move to have to take their shoes off and on at the door, but you also don't want mud and wet snow to be tracked all over your home -- both old and new.  If possible, go to the new place of residence before the truck arrives to tape down cardboard boxes or indoor-outdoor rugs that can protect the floors from dirt and water damage. 

Similarly, you don't want people to struggle through snowbanks or slip on icy front steps. Keep a bag of ice melt in your car and spread it over the outdoor access areas. if it snow the day before the move, take the time to shovel the driveway and walkways for easier access. Injuries to yourself or to your help will only slow you down and cause you extra expense. 

5. Provide essential supplies. 

Finally, you don't want your volunteers and hired help to get too cold, tired, or stressed. You can provide some essential supplies to help make everyone more comfortable, including:

  • a portable indoor heater to help people warm up their hands when they need to rest.
  • a large container of hot drinks, such as coffee or cocoa, to help people feel warm.
  • gloves to warm the hands and protect from injury. You might also provide hats and scarves if the weather is colder than expected. 
  • plenty of water. It's easy to become dehydrated in winter and not realize it because of the cold.

For more information on planning your local move, contact a professional moving company in your area. You can also visit websites like http://www.allenstransfer.com.

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14 August 2017