In Philadelphia, you never really know what kind of winter you are going to get. Some years it’s milder, but still others bring severe snowstorms. If you're making a move in the winter season, you need to be properly prepared. Use these moving tips from Safeguard Self Storage to ensure a safe and efficient move into your new Philadelphia home – and use storage units when unpredictable winter weather threatens to ruin your move.
Check the Weather
Because of the inconsistency of Philadelphia winters, you’ll want to stay updated on the weather forecast. Check the days that you plan to move, and make sure there aren’t any impending storms on the horizon. You’ll want to avoid winter storms at all costs. Also, check the road conditions and traffic reports. Choose a safe route that has low traffic to ensure your safety.
Make Sure You Have Help
Recruit some friends and family to help you with the move. The more people you have, the less time you’ll spend moving out of your old home and into your new one. Whether they owe you a favor or you bribe them with payment, you’ll want to round up any able participants – and you’ll want to do it early so there’s time to plan and arrange schedules.
Clear a Path
Snow and ice covered paths are already a danger during regular transit. When carrying and moving belongings, this equation can lead to injuries. Clear the driveway and walkway at both your present home and your new one. Get rid of any and all potential tripping hazards to ensure a safe and efficient move.
Find a Temporary Home for Pets
Pets can get underfoot, so it’s best to find a temporary home for them during move in day. Either find a place to board them or send them to a friend’s house. If you can’t find a temporary home away from home for them, try locking them in a room of your new house. We’d suggest a bathroom since tile and linoleum floors make it easy to clean up any mishaps.
Pack Winter Gear Last and Unload it First
Don’t pack any winter gear that you’ll need for move-in day. Any winter gear you do pack – that you won’t be using on that day – should be packed last and unpacked first. You’ll most likely be making use of these belongings sooner rather than later, so you’ll want to have them readily on hand in your new home.
Be Careful With Temperature-Sensitive Items
Any temperature-sensitive items can be damaged in the extreme cold. This includes items like house plants and china pieces that can crack or get fine lines in extreme cold. Take special precautions with these items, such as packing them last or transporting them in your car rather than the back of a moving truck.
Dress in Layers
Keep yourself warm by dressing in layers. You’re likely to work up a sweat while moving, so having layers that are easy to remove helps you regulate your body temperature.
Protect Your New Home
Trekking in and out of your new home all day can lead to tracking dirt and grime in with you. Place towels and rugs down on the floors to keep them clean. You can also keep towels and rags on hand to wipe down your shoes before going inside your new home.
Prepare for Emergencies
Winter weather can be unpredictable and you’ll want to have some emergency supplies on hand in case your move in day gets ruined by a winter storm. If your new home is a long distance from your current home, consider investing in nearby storage unit to make the transition an easy one. You can move your belongings to a nearby Philadelphia storage unit and unpack periodically rather than taking it on in one day.
Turn – or Keep – Utilities On
Leave the utilities on in your current home until move out day, and make sure to have the utilities turned on in your new home before move in day. You won’t want to be stuck in either home without your utilities in winter – especially heat.
Self Storage Amenities You Will Need
When storing during the winter month’s you will want to select a storage facility that offers Climate Controlled Units. These spaces are heated during the cold winter and air conditioned during the warn summer and designed to protect items from temperature fluctuations while in storage. Also look for storage locations with drive-in loading areas to keep you and your items safe from the elements while loading and unloading. Security items such as computer controlled access, unit door alarms and digital video recording will provide you with peace of mind while your items are in storage.
Moving in winter might not be ideal, but for those looking to get a good deal in the slower season for home sales, it can be a great option. Make sure your move is a good experience by utilizing these tips and Safeguard storage units to ease your transition. Find a unit near you today and start making your move!