Winter can be a tough time to move. Cooler temperatures, treacherous weather conditions, and shorter daylight hours can complicate things. But, there’s good news for those of you that need to move in the winter... lower moving rates! Fall and winter are considered part of the “off-peak” moving season. You’ll find that prices are a little higher right around the holidays, but outside of that, if a low price is your goal, you’re moving at the right time.
If you do find yourself moving during the winter, we would like to provide some helpful tips, safety information, transportation options and ways to get the best rates.
Moving in the Winter- Weather Safety
As you carry stuff in and out of your house on moving day, be sure your walkway is clear of snow and ice. Use an ice melter mix, put sand over the walkway, and make sure you are wearing rubber-sole shoes for more traction.
Dress appropriately. You’ll want to wear warm clothes in layers (that you can remove if you get warm). Don’t forget to watch for strings that can get caught while carrying furniture and boxes—specifically hoodies; the strings can get caught. Also watch out for sweaters that could snag. You don’t want to hurt yourself or ruin your clothes.
Keep an eye on road conditions. As you know, snow, ice and fog can complicate travel. Plan ahead and check your state’s (and any states you will be traveling through) transportation department’s website for road conditions. You can find your state’s DOT website here.
Travel with caution. Remember to drive slower, leave plenty of room between your vehicle and other vehicles, and use extra caution on bridges and overpasses. Read these tips for driving in the snow and ice.
Prepare your vehicle. Make sure your tires and breaks are in good condition, all fluids are full, your battery is fully-charged, and the heater is working well. It’s also important to keep an emergency kit, blankets and bottled water and snacks in your vehicle. Lastly, make sure your phone is fully charged before departing on your trip. Learn more about winterizing your vehicle here.
Moving in the Winter- Transportation Options
When moving in the winter, you may want to stay away from rental trucks. Many people have difficulty driving large rental trucks in ideal conditions, much less on snow or ice. U-Pack Moving provides an affordable option that allows you to drive your personal vehicle—not a moving truck!
U-Pack is a great alternative for your winter move. You get the great low rates associated with truck rental, but U-Pack does all the driving. It works like this:
U-Pack brings you a moving trailer or moving container.
You pack it up (or we can arrange moving help for you).
We drive it to your new home.
You unload.
U-Pack’s prices include all the transportation costs such as fuel, the driver, tolls…so there are no surprise costs along the way! Get a free moving quote to see how much your move would cost.
If you have questions about moving in the winter, leave us a comment. We’re happy to help.
