10 tips to prepare for your Auburn Hills winter move

Though most of us Midwesterners loathe the winter, we are prepared for it. We have Fall routines of winterizing water lines, swapping out the lawnmower for the snowblower, and battening down the hatches. But if have a move to or from Auburn Hills in the upcoming winter months, you’ll want to spend some of your focus on preparation towards your winter move. Prior to your local movers or cross-country movers walk up to your doorstep, you need to be ready for that the big day. Pour a hot cup of coffee and let’s write down a checklist of ideas to ensure you are prepared for a move day that even the Snow Miser won’t ruin!

✓ Dress in layers

When we’re loading and unloading, your exterior doors will have to be open for extended periods of time. Expect it to get pretty cold in your house! Make sure to wear layers to keep toasty warm!

Bonus tip: Keep an extra space heater or blanket in an interior room, perhaps a bedroom, and plan on spending a lot of your time inside while the movers do their thing.

✓ Truck access

If your more is right after a major snow, you should look for large snowdrifts or snow piles around your neighborhood. This is also the case if your neighborhood is plowed by a professional, many areas, such as cul-de-sacs, may have big piles of snow in the street. This may affect how your movers, either local or cross-country can access your home. Document any major snow piles or drifts that weren’t present during your in-home or virtual estimate, and tell your local or cross-country mover as soon as possible to prevent any surprise problems.

✓ Have driveway and all walkways cleared and salted

Our movers will be going from your house all day to the parked moving truck. Ensuring there is a safe, shoveled walkway is crucial to protect their safety, as well as the safety of your household goods.

✓ Utilities

You should also follow your area’s extended forecast, especially forecast temperatures. If a polar vortex is headed your way, you may want to hold off having your utilities, such as gas or water, turned off. Likewise, ensure those utilities are active at your new home prior to temperatures dropping too low and cause damage. No one wants pipes bursting in their new home!

✓ Floor Protection

Movers will take care of your home, using items such as old cardboard over wood and rug runners to keep carpet safe. But, you may want to lay down some extra cardboard or small rugs just outside your exterior doors, to further reduce the amount of slushy mess in your house. Even a flattened box in your attic can become a nice buffer to wipe off shoes before coming inside!

✓ Pack Strategically

There are certain belongings you may choose to pack separately, or even pack last. Things like sweaters, socks, boots, gloves, winter hats and your snow shovel could be things you’ll rather keep with you personally. This way you’re always ready for the cold weather!

✓ Plan for Darkness

While the majority of your packing happens indoors, don’t forget about the yard, shed, attic, and garage! Because winter means darker, shorter days, make sure to plan ahead to pack those exterior areas hours of the day that you have hours of daylight left.

Also, local movers bring a special winter challenge. For many customers, a local move occurs during a single day; where your local movers load, drive and deliver the same day. But with less daylight, some moves just aren’t able to be completed same day this time of the year. If your local mover is advising you have to split your move over a few days, this is probably the cause. It’s unsafe for local movers to carry large items in the dark, so it’s best to move your things over the span of two shorter days versus one long day.

✓ Take extra care packing breakables

Many fragile possessions, like wine or snow globes, are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Make sure to wrap delicate possessions carefully, add additional protection with paper, washcloths, towels or bubble wrap.

✓ Keep extra towels handy

One of the last things your movers will load on the truck are your rugs. That means once the local movers or cross-country movers leave your house, anyone coming into your house will have nowhere to wipe their feet. Put down some old towels which will let people wipe their feet, reducing the snow, slush and salt from getting inside!

✓ Expect the Unexpected

If your cross-country movers have started heading to your new home, then it is your turn now. But don’t get unprepared on your drive to your new house. If you’re looking at a long drive during the winter, you want to make sure you have your emergency kit and supplies ready. We have heard the horror stories regarding highways ending up at a standstill for hours, leaving hundreds of stranded drivers. Do not let this happen to you! Here are the necessary items for your automotive safety kit:

• Bottles of water
• Flashlight
• Towels
• Blankets
• Short handled snow shovel (one that fits well 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 is the recommended way to get ready for your upcoming move this winter? Partnering with Corrigan! We will be there through each step in the process, making for an easy, no-hassle experience from start to finish. Do not hire a mover that will leave you stranded in the cold. Contact Corrigan today!