Although most home sales tend to take place during warmer months, the residential real estate industry is busy no matter the season. Whether due to job relocation, upsizing or simply desiring a new view, we’ve got you covered with multiple tips on how to move smoothly if you’re changing homes this winter.
First things first
As soon as you close on your new home, hire a mover. Ask about winter discounts and weather flexibility and schedule your move to start early in the day given the season’s limited daylight hours. If you have children, set a withdrawal date for school or daycare and establish enrollment in the new community. Moving during the school year can be a sudden transition for children. Give them a special part in boxing toys and planning new room décor.
Organizing and packing
As you fill boxes and plastic tubs, consider if you truly need to move each item. Could it be donated or thrown away instead? Set aside extremely fragile items to be moved yourself and double wrap breakables as they could be damaged while sitting in a cold moving truck. If you are moving a washing machine, dishwasher or fridge, contact a professional plumber to winterize and transport them separately.
Turn on utilities
No one wants to spend the first night at their new home in the dark! Call utility companies and set the start date for electric, gas and water for at least two days before you move in. As soon as you gain access, ensure all utilities are working properly. Consider turning the heat down on moving day to conserve energy, as doors likely will remain open. Meanwhile, add a space heater or two to a bathroom and the kitchen to keep a few areas toasty. Turn on outdoor lights to aid moving in dim conditions.
What to move yourself
Set aside a large tub or two for the items you know you’ll need in the new home before the movers even get there. You’ll want quick access to essential paperwork, cleaning supplies, money for tipping, plastic plates and cups, snacks, pet food, batteries, and a toolkit with a flashlight, scissors and tape. Ensure your own vehicles have plenty of gas and pack them with extra blankets and outerwear. Set aside precious cargo to haul yourself such as plants, electronics and delicate items. Consider boarding pets to ease new home jitters.
Watch the weather
One week out, confirm moving details and discuss a contingency plan with your movers if rough weather is in the forecast. Are they willing to reschedule if the outlook looks ominous? Safety is paramount—for you and the moving crew. The day before your move, clear snow and salt walkways, and put down rugs or flattened cardboard to collect rain, snow or salt. Plastic tablecloths from a dollar store can be thrown over furniture as protection if it’s snowing.
Take care of your crew
Everyone works hard on moving day! Tip the movers well and offer warm beverages such as coffee, hot chocolate or hot apple cider. Have extra sets of dry gloves handy for movers if it’s snowing. Create efficiency by labeling boxes with room numbers and taping corresponding signage to each room’s door.
Whether you plan to move in the frosty winter or sweltering summer, you are sure to be warmly welcomed if your new home is in the Vista Pointe community! Our premier builders are busy constructing new, custom homes during every season and go out of their way to make sure the day you move in is one of the best your family can imagine.
Learn more about building a new home at Vista Pointe
