Coordinating a move in St. Louis at any time of the year can be a stressful task, but what about when a wintry mix leaves the sidewalks and driveway a mess? Or a timely blizzard drops 12 inches of snow the night before the movers arrive? The following tips will make sure you’re ready, protect your furnishings, and help your move go as smoothly as possible.

#1: Enlist a pet/babysitter

If possible, having a family or friend take the kids and pets while the moving truck is being loaded/unloaded will be a life saver. Having small children or pets moving in and around the boxes, movers, and stacked furnishings can be dangerous. Plus, it’s easy for them to escape outdoors without anyone noticing. Getting them out of the way is safer for everyone involved.

#2: Prepare your home & walkways

Often, winter weather means extra moisture and mud. Protect your home from the constant onslaught of foot traffic that will occur back and forth through doorways and in hallways. Use sheets, rugs and plastic to protect your flooring. If it’s sleeting or icy, clear the path from your doorways to your driveway or street and use salt or other de-icers to prevent yourself and the movers from slipping.

#3: Have extra padding and covers on hand

If you are moving with Dodge, you can rest your mind at ease here. We will have padding and covers available for use. If you are moving yourself, with the help of family and friends, rent extra padding and covers or ask everyone to bring theirs. Your furnishings are much more susceptible to damage when they are exposed to moisture or water from mist, rain or sleet.

#4: Keep the utilities on

Sometimes homeowners or renters jump the gun and have their utilities turned off on moving day in order to save money. This can be a nightmare if it’s a cold, snowy or stormy day. You want to make sure your home has plenty of light and heat so everyone can see what they’re doing and get warm from time to time.

#5: Allow for extra travel time

Wintry weather can mean slower speeds on streets and highways. Make sure you’ve accommodated for extra travel time, especially if your move is local and you plan on using multiple trips to complete your move.

#6: Watch out for temperature swings

Oddly enough, wood furniture can sweat when moved between areas with extreme temperature changes. Have some towels on hand to wipe your furniture down when it arrives to your new location. Concrete floors can sweat if they get cold then warm, so watch out for your cardboard boxes or other items sensitive to moisture. Also, electronics and appliances need to be brought to room temperature before they’re powered on if they have been traveling or resting in a truck in cold temperatures for long periods of time.

The Key: Organization & Planning

Moving into your new home is an exciting time for you and your family. The key to any successful move is organization and planning, and these tips for moving in winter are a great start. At Dodge Moving we look forward to making your moving day simple and stress-free - contact us today!