10 tips to prepare for your Grand Rapids winter move

Though most of us Midwesterners dislike the winter, we expect it. We have our late Fall routines of winterizing water lines, swapping out the lawnmower for the snowblower, and battening down the hatches. But if you are moving to or from Grand Rapids during the winter months, you will want to share some of your efforts on preparation for your winter move. Prior to your local movers or cross-country movers arriving on your home, you will want to prepare for that the big day. Get a hot cup of cocoa and let’s put together a checklist of ideas to be sure you are all set for a moving day that even Jack Frost won’t mess up!

✓ Dress in layers

During the loading and delivery process, your exterior doors will need to be open for extended periods of time. It is going to get pretty cold in your home! Be sure to dress in layers to keep toasty warm!

Bonus tip: Set aside an extra blanket or space heater in an interior room, such as a bedroom, and plan on spending a lot of your time in there while the movers work.

✓ Truck access

If your more is right after a big snowfall, you should be aware of large neighborhood snow piles or snowdrifts. If your neighborhood is professionally plowed, many places, like cul-de-sacs, may have massive piles of snow in the street. This could alter how your local mover or cross-country mover can access your house. Take note of any major snow piles that weren’t there when you performed your in-home or virtual estimate, and alert your local mover or cross country mover as soon as possible to prevent any problems.

✓ Have driveway and all walkways cleared and salted

The movers are going to be back and forth all day to the parked moving truck. Making sure there is a safe, clean walkway is vital to protect their safety, and the safety of your household items.

✓ Utilities

Be sure to follow your extended forecast, notably for temperature forecasts. If a cold front is coming your way, you might want to delay having certain utilities turned off, such as gas or water . Likewise, make sure your utilities are ready at your new home before temperatures drop too low that can cause damage. No one wants pipes bursting in their new home!

✓ Floor Protection

Your movers will protect your home, using things like old cardboard over wood and rug runners to keep carpet safe. That said, you probably want to lay down some some small rugs or extra carboard just outside your exterior doors, to cut back on the amount of slush, salt, and water entering your home. Even that old flattened box in your basement can create a nice buffer to wipe off shoes before walking inside!

✓ Pack Strategically

There are probably things you’ll want to pack separately, or even pack last. Belongings like your snow shovel, sweaters, warm socks and boots, gloves and winter hats may be things you’ll rather keep accessible. This way you are always prepared for any weather!

✓ Plan for Darkness

Much of your packing will happen indoors, but do not forget about your garage, shed, attic and yard! Since the winter has darker, shorter days, be sure to plan ahead to pack these areas to times that you have lots of daylight left.

Further, local movers face a special winter challenge. For a lot of customers, a local move takes place over the span of one day; i.e. your local movers load, drive and deliver the same day. But with several hours of less light, some moves simply aren’t able to be wrapped up on the same day in the winter months. If your local mover is suggesting you have to split your move over two days, this is probably why. It is unsafe for local movers to haul large items in darkness, so it’s a good idea to move your items over the span of two shorter days versus one long day.

✓ Take extra care packing breakables

A lot of fragile items, like snow globes or wine, may be sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Be sure to wrap fragile pieces carefully, adding even more protection such as newsprint, rags, towels and bubble wrap.

✓ Keep extra towels handy

Rugs are one of the final things your movers will load on the truck. This means once your local movers or cross-country movers hit the road, anybody walking into your home won’t have anywhere to wipe their feet. Lay down a few old towels for people to wipe their feet, cutting down the snow, slush and salt from making its way inside!

✓ Expect the Unexpected

After your cross-country movers have the hit the road to your new place, then now it’s your turn. But do not be caught off guard during your drive to your new house. If you have a long drive to your new home this winter, you want to be sure you have your emergency kit and supplies handy. We have read the horror stories of highways getting jammed up for hours, resulting in hundreds of stranded drivers. Do not let this be you! Here are the necessary items for your car safety kit:

• Bottles of water
• Flashlight
• Towels
• Blankets
• Short handled snow shovel (this will fit nicely in the trunk, and helpful if you get stuck!)
• High protein snacks
• Empty, clean bottle or bowl with a lid (for, bathroom emergencies, especially if you have small kids)
• Baby wipes

 

What is the recommended way to get ready for your upcoming winter move? Partnering with Corrigan! We’ll be there during each step of the process, creating a simple, hassle-free experience from start to finish. Do not hire a mover that will leave you stranded in the cold. Contact Corrigan today!