10 tips to prepare for your Pittsburgh winter move

While many Midwesterners dread the winter, we know it is going to happen. We have our late Fall routines of battening down the hatches, winterizing water lines and swapping out the lawnmower for the snowblower. But if you’re moving to or from Pittsburgh in the coming winter months, you’ll want to share some of your efforts on preparation for your winter move. Before your local movers or cross-country movers walk up to your door, you want to be prepared for that the big day. Grab a hot cup of coffee and let’s write down a checklist of ideas to ensure you’re prepared for a move day that even Jack Frost can’t ruin!

✓ Dress in layers

During the loading and delivery process, the exterior doors to your home will have to be open for extended periods of time. Expect it to get pretty cold in your house! Make sure you dress in layers to remain warm!

Bonus tip: Have an extra space heater or blanket in an interior room, such as a bedroom, and plan to spend the majority of your time in the room while the movers are working.

✓ Truck access

If your move is scheduled right after a substantial snow event, you should look for large snowdrifts or snow piles around your neighborhood. This is also the case if your neighborhood is professionally plowed, a lot of places, such as cul-de-sacs, may have very large piles of snow in the street. This might alter how your movers, either local or cross-country can access your home. Take note of any major snow piles that were not present during your in-home or virtual estimate, and tell your local or cross-country mover right away so you can prevent any issues.

✓ Have driveway and all walkways cleared and salted

The movers will go back and forth to the parked moving truck all day. Being sure there is a safe, shoveled path to walk is vital to protect their safety, and also the safety of your belongings.

✓ Utilities

Also check the extended forecast, especially the temperature forecast. If a polar vortex is imminent, you may want to keep your utilities, such as gas or water, on. Alternatively, be sure those utilities are turned on at your new home before the temps drop too low which can cause damage. Nobody wants pipes bursting in their new home!

✓ Floor Protection

Your movers will protect your home, using things like reused cardboard over wood and rug runners to keep your carpet clean. However, you might want to lay down some extra cardboard or small rugs outside your exterior doors, to further reduce the amount of salty slush entering your home. Even an old flattened box in your garage can be a nice buffer to wipe off shoes before entering!

✓ Pack Strategically

There are certain things you may choose to pack separately, or last. Things like winter outerwear and a snow shovel could be things you will like to keep handy. That way you’re always prepared for the frigid weather!

✓ Plan for Darkness

The majority of your packing will happen indoors, but don’t forget about the yard, shed, attic, and garage! Since the winter brings shorter, darker days, make sure to plan ahead and pack areas hours of the day that you have hours of daylight left.

Additionally, local movers face a unique challenge in the winter. For many customers, their local move occurs over the span of a single day; where your local movers load, drive and deliver all on the same day. But with less daylight, some moves simply can’t be finished the same day during this time of year. If your local mover is advising you should split your move over a few days, this is probably the cause. It’s dangerous for local movers to carry heavy items when it’s dark, so it is best to move your belongings over the course of two shorter days instead of one long day.

✓ Take extra care packing breakables

Fragile items, like snow globes or wine, may be sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Make sure to wrap delicate belongings carefully, try to add extra protection such as paper, washcloths, towels or bubble wrap.

✓ Keep extra towels handy

Rugs are one of the last things your movers will load up. This means once the local movers or cross-country movers leave your house, anybody walking into your house will not have anywhere to wipe their feet. Put down old towels for people to wipe their feet, and reduce the snow, slush and salt from getting onto your floors!

✓ Expect the Unexpected

Now that your cross-country movers have started heading to your new home, then it is your turn now. But don’t be unprepared during your journey to your new place. If you’re looking at a long drive ahead of you this winter, you want to ensure you have an emergency kit and supplies handy. We have read the horror stories regarding highways ending up shut down for hours, resulting in hundreds of drivers stranded. Do not let this happen to you! Here is a checklist for your automotive safety kit:

• Bottles of water
• Flashlight
• Towels
• Blankets
• Short handled snow shovel (one that fits easily in the trunk, and useful if you get stuck!)
• Snacks, especially ones higher in protein
• Empty, clean bottle or bowl with a lid (for, bathroom emergencies, especially if you have small kids)
• Baby wipes

 

What’s the best way to prep for your upcoming winter move? Partnering with Corrigan! We’ll be there for every step of the process, creating an easy, hassle-free experience from start to finish. Don’t hire a mover who will leave you stranded in the cold. Contact Corrigan today!