Winter isn’t our busiest season for household moves, but a moving service takes the bite out of a winter move. DIY Moving is not for the faint of heart, but to do this in winter is more than most can take.
However, there are some advantages to moving at this time of year, mainly the need to hibernate correlates with home making. Also, there are fewer tasks to tackle, like gardening.
What to prepare:
- Heating is a priority, so be sure to check that you have sufficient heating devices for the bedrooms and lounge, move these early.
- Bedding, beds and electric blankets are next on the list for obvious reasons, move these in the first trip, so that beds can be made up while the second load is en route.
- DSTV and other entertainment installations should be prioritised, so that once you’ve done the work, you can keep the kiddies occupied on move day evening.
- Pack a clothing bag for everyone, for a couple of days or longer. Jerseys and track suits don’t crease, so as long as you have enough warm clothing to wear, you’re sorted until you’re unpacked.
- Dinner isn’t a priority when move day begins, but getting take out and relaxing on your first night in a new home may save you a lot of frustration.
- Security is always a concern, the cold doesn’t keep criminals at home, ‘though. Please make sure that armed response is working correctly and that you’re not advertising your move with empty boxes and packing materials.
Timing is everything:
A move day can seem very long and very short all at the same time, but with shorter days during winter, it’s a good idea to be realistic about how long the move will take. You may decide to do two trips with a smaller truck if your homes aren’t far apart, so that your essentials are all set up and ready before it gets dark.
- Loadshedding is a nightmare when you’re settled, so check on the schedule at your new home and make sure that you have everything you need in place, charged and ready for use.
- One trip or two – one large truck load takes around 2-4 hours to unload, you may want to start preparing earlier with two trips, or schedule an early move.
- Movers won’t transport your gas bottles if they’re full of gas (insurance), so make sure you either transport these yourself, or have alternative heating in place to give you time to re-fill gas bottles later.
- Waiting two hours before switching on your fridge and freezer is easier in winter, but we need to remember that food won’t stay fresh for longer at the lower temperatures winter days offer us.
- Remember that your mover won’t guarantee a finishing time, so plan the move with them to fit in with your unique circumstances.
Customise your move:
We work with you from the beginning, making sure that your day runs smoothly, no matter what your individual needs. This obligation-free consulting service is aimed at ensuring that our customers receive the best possible service and support during this disruptive time.