Are you relocating during the colder months? Whether you are moving home or office, you'll need to do some preparation for your move. The majority of people choose to move throughout the warmer months, which tends to align with school and work holidays, however you can still successfully execute a move in the winter months with some organisation. There are also some benefits to moving in the cold. Due to less demand, you’ll likely be able to find a better deal or increased availability from removalists.
Moving in rain, snow and the cold
At Allied, we help Australians move in all weather, from hail, rain to sunshine! With decades of experience, we know a thing or two about what makes a move successful. Here are our tips for moving in colder weather.
Schedule your move smartly
As the colder months see the sun setting much earlier and rising later, you’ll need to factor in the shorter days when you begin planning your move. This is especially important if you are travelling long distances to reach your new home. It’s also recommended that you can be flexible with your move date as the weather can be unpredictable. Moving during excessive rain, flooding or even snow can be unpleasant and dangerous so it’s better to wait for a few dates than risk moving in bad conditions.
Begin packing earlier
It’s tempting to leave your packing till the last minute in the colder months, but getting started earlier can make a significant difference when it comes to moving day. We recommend beginning packing your seasonal items such as summer clothes, belongings like beach towels and fans, and any other infrequently used furniture. If you are moving overseas or to the northern areas of Australia, put aside some clothes that are better suited for the warmer weather. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task of packing, try doing a little every day and working room by room.
Double pack fragile items
When you are packing, you’ll need to ensure your items are protected for both the transportation and any possible weather changes. Breakable items, commonly glass and dinnerware, can break or crack due to temperature changes so double wrap these items in bubble wrap and cover larger items in moving blankets. Packing peanuts can be great when packing many fragile items in boxes, giving an extra level of protection. We’d recommend water soluble peanuts to avoid unnecessary rubbish heading to the landfill after your move. Make sure to label any fragile boxes clearly and let your movers know which boxes and furniture need additional packing or care.
Use the right packing materials
Colder weather can bring snow, rain and wind so it’s important to prepare your belongings and furniture for all types of conditions. Packing for cold weather is most effective when you are using the right materials. Soft fabric items like couches, rugs and mattresses can be ruined if wet from rain or frost so cover these items in plastic wrap. Larger appliances such as washing machines and fridges are best covered in large moving blankets. You can source waterproof moving crates, sturdy boxes, and any other packing materials you need from a packing and moving company like Allied. Our range of services means we can professionally pack your things for the journey as well as unpacking your belongings once you arrive so you won’t have to worry.
Set up the utilities in your new home
Is there anything worse than trying to unpack and set up your new home in the dark and the cold? Arranging for your utilities to be up and running before moving day means you’ll be able to begin settling into your new home straight away. While electricity, water and gas are the obvious utilities to set up, having your internet connection ready to go can also be helpful and enable you to hit the ground running. Unpacking is a lot more fun if you can listen to a playlist or have Netflix in the background.
Prepare your car
If you are driving your car to your new home, you’ll need to do some basic preparation before you leave. Take the time to research the route you’ll be driving and fill your car up with petrol the night before. In the case of driving longer distances, especially interstate, it’s recommended to take your car to the mechanic to double check it’s roadworthy. If you don’t have the time to drive your car yourself, use a car relocation service. They’ll efficiently transport your vehicle to your new destination whether it’s local, interstate or even overseas.
Consider storage
Moving in colder weather is tricky so why not give yourself some more time by using a storage unit? You can store your belongings and furniture securely without risk of being damaged by the weather, which is especially convenient if you are needing to move out of your home or office by a set date. Allied offers both short and long term storage and will deliver your stored items directly to your door when you need them - regardless of where in Australia or across the world you are.
Moving with pets
Moving with pets can be difficult at the best of times, but the colder weather adds another complication. Pets, just like us, can be highly sensitive to the cold and may find moving during rain, storms and snow stressful. We recommend packing warm blankets and clothing (if applicable) for your pets to have on hand during the move. If you are travelling interstate or overseas, be aware that some airlines may not allow your pets to travel in cold weather so plan accordingly. Using a pet transportation service is a great way to ensure that pet is safe and treated with care throughout your move. A relocation service can also advise on any relevant vaccination or documentation you may be required to have when moving interstate or internationally.
Transporting your indoor plants
Plants add beautiful colour, shape and a sense of tranquillity to any home or office. If you are moving your plants in colder weather, you’ll need to pack them for the move. You can wrap foliage in newspaper to avoid damage and reduce their exposure to the cold. Smaller plants can be grouped together in a box, use newspaper to fill the gaps to avoid the plants moving around and ensure to label the box as fragile and the right way up if using a lid. Try to reduce their exposure to the outdoors, and ask your removalists to pack your plants last and unload them first.
Pack an essentials kit
Moving day can be a whirlwind, with a lot to organise, finish packing and some physical labour involved. We recommend creating a small ‘essentials kit’ to have with you during the move. Items like tea, coffee, and some snacks are great to have on hand, helping to sustain energy and boost morale throughout the day. We’d also recommend packing some more practical items in your kit such as phone chargers, water bottle, and a roll of toilet paper. If you are heading overseas, you may also want to have any important documents including your passport, visa and proof of vaccinations, with you.
Hire the professionals
Sometimes, it’s best to leave the moving to the professionals! If you are unsure about how to coordinate your relocation during the colder months, then hire experienced removalists to handle it for you. They’ll have the necessary skills, experience and equipment to be able to do all the heavy lifting for you. Using a professional moving company like Allied is highly recommended during a more complex move such as moving interstate or internationally. Highly trained removalists can oversee all the logistics required for these moves so you won’t need to worry! With a wide range of service offerings, Allied will cater for your every relocation need and provide you with a removalist solution that suits your requirements and budget.
Get in touch with the friendly Allied team to discuss your moving requirements and receive a free quote today!