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Dad and child carrying boxes from car with snow in the background

What You Need To Know: Practical Advice For Moving In Winter

Moving in Winter

When moving in winter months, you’re likely to encounter snow, ice, cold temperatures, and maybe even rain. A few winter moving tips include creating a packing list and packing items in baskets or other containers that are easy to access and move. Also, use wrapping paper rather than tarp to cover items as tarps can damage items. Furniture is one of the biggest items at risk during a winter move. Next, make sure your new home is well-prepared for the cold weather before you move in. In Addition, plan for clearing any snow or mud. Lastly, plan for protecting the floors for easier clean up.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Keep an eye on the weather. Paying attention to the forecast is vital when moving during winter months. It will help you prepare for any weather conditions that Mother Nature decides to throw your way. Not only should you pay attention to the current weather conditions, but also keep an eye out for any weather warnings or alerts. These will let you know if conditions are expected to worsen or if there’s a risk of snow or ice forming in your area. If bad weather is on the horizon, try to move as early in the morning as possible so that you have time to wrap things up before conditions get worse.

Get Your Utilities Situated

Moving in winter can be a stressful time, especially if you are moving to a new city or state. Prior to moving, it’s important to make sure utilities are located in your new home. If services are not available at your new address, arrange service with your local utility companies. You may need to provide proof of residence such as a lease or deed and provide a deposit to secure service. It’s best to contact the companies several days before moving day so that the move can go smoothly. Additionally, keeping necessary items such as blankets and bedding accessible can help you transition into your new home quicker and more comfortably.

Plan For Your Pets and Kids

Dog running in snow with a stick

If you’re moving in winter, remember to take steps to protect your pets. It’s important to find a safe space for your pets while moving. If weather conditions are poor, plan extra time for travel. Plan for your pets and make sure they’re comfortable during the move. Keep in mind that moving can be stressful for both humans and pets, and moving day is always the worst day of the move!

Stock Your Car With Winter Essentials

If moving in winter, you must be prepared for any issues that may arise while on the road. Creating a winter moving survival kit can help ensure you’re prepared for any problems that may arise. It should include items such as packing tape, towels, flashlights, salt, and basic tools for furniture assembly. Additionally, packing layers of clothing like coats, snow boots, hats, gloves, and scarves will help keep you warm in cold weather. Before moving day, have your car serviced and check that you have items for driving in cold weather such as tire chains and ice scrapers. This will help ensure that your move goes smoothly.

Dress in Layers, and Wear Water- and Slip-proof Boots.

Warm snow boots close up looking over a snowy hill with houses in the background

Moving in winter can be challenging due to the cold weather and slippery ice. Ideally, moving day should be planned for a day with no or little snow. Wear warm layers, hats, gloves, coats, and scarves when moving day arrives. It is also a good idea to wear comfortable boots that provide support and won’t have you slipping on ice. To avoid injuries, make sure to move carefully and carefully unpack items from your moving truck. By packing smart and preparing plenty of moving supplies, you can move efficiently and safely during winter.

Have Towels Ready

When moving in winter, it is essential to prepare for cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. Towels can be used to wipe down items such as boxes and furniture. Additionally, towels can be used to mop up excess water after transferring items from one location to another. By having towels on hand, you can minimize the time required to clean up after your move. Overall, having towels on deck will help make move day easier and more efficient.

Cover Your Floors

If you are moving in winter, it’s essential to protect your floors from snow, ice, and water. You can do this by laying down floor protection like sheets, tarps, and rugs. Additionally, place doormats at the entrance of your home to prevent mud, water, and snow from tracking in. At Caseys Movers we offer floor protection as a standard service, even in good weather, so we always recommend this step. This will help protect your floors and make move day less of a hassle. Check out our Red Carpet Service offered standard with every Caseys Movers move.

Clear Your Walkways and Driveway

Moving in winter can be a risky and costly affair with poor planning. You must clear the walkways and driveway of snow and ice on the day of the move to prevent accidents. Additionally, ensure that the parking area for the moving truck is cleared and ready for work. Clearing the walkways and driveway of snow and ice on the day of the move reduces the potential for injuries and damage. Before moving, thoroughly shovel and sprinkle salt on walkways and driveways to reduce chances of accidents.

Drain Liquid from Appliances

It is essential to drain the water from any appliances before transferring them. Doing so ensures that they move smoothly and without damage. Additionally, it ensures that the moving company does not have to waste time drying the appliance before hand. It also makes sure that there is no moisture inside of the appliance that could cause damage during the move. Lastly, if move day has freezing temperatures it is important to let appliances thaw before running them. Even heating appliances such as driers need time before running when subjected to freezing temperatures.

Items to Keep Handy When Moving in Winter

To be prepared for a winter move, it is essential to keep handy items such as first-aid kit, flashlights, phone chargers, cat litter or salt, and non-perishable snacks. These items can come in handy during inclement weather conditions and help you stay positive and focused. Apart from these essential items, packing warm blankets, coats, hats and gloves can also help you stay comfortable and warm throughout the move. It can also be beneficial to have warm soup, or drinks ready for that extra boost when moving in winter.

Conclusion

Moving in winter can be brutal, and during a blizzard is even worse. If you are moving in winter weather, you might need to move items that would make move day easier first, such as shovels, ice scrapers, warm clothing, blankets, and snacks. You’ll also want to stock items that will help you keep warm, like flashlights and winter coats. It is not impossible, but winter months can provide more of a challenge for your move. If you find yourself having to move in winter hopefully this guide helps you be prepared to move like a pro! If all else fails you can always rely on the pros at Caseys Movers to provide a consistent 5 star moving service regardless of the weather.

People Also Ask

What month do people move the least?

Generally speaking, the months with the least amount of people moving tend to be in the winter. December, January and February are often considered the slowest months for relocation due to cold weather and holidays. School and other schedules also contribute to a lower rate of moving in winter.

Is it cheaper to move in winter?

Moving in winter can be cheaper in some cases, but it also depends on where you are moving to and from. Generally speaking, winter is a slower season due to the colder weather and additional risks associated with winter moves such as icy roads or frozen pipes. This means that you may be able to find lower rates during this time of year. However, in some areas, costs may actually increase in the winter due to higher need for extra services or challenges. In Oregon, moving companies are regulated by their licensing to uphold a standard pricing scale so the season has no effect on price. Additionally, don’t forget to take into account any special circumstances related to moving such as long-distance moves or difficult access points that could cause prices to fluctuate more than usual.

Portland Oregon Sign

Helpful Things to Know When Moving to Portland Oregon

Moving to any metropolis can be a huge culture shift so learning about your destination ahead of time is essential. Portland is known for it’s quirkiness and beautiful backdrop of landscape along two rivers, not to mention Mount Hood towering over the background almost everywhere you go. Whether you are moving to Oregon for work, retirement, or the culture we welcome you! I hope these facts find you with a smooth relocation if you’re moving to Portland.

Living in and Moving to Portland

Portland has a population around 640,000 and is the 3rd largest city in the Pacific Northwest. Portland was founded in 1843 to provide accessible transportation for the Oregon Trail. In the 1940s Portland went through an industrial boom because of World War II. Modern Portland is nicknamed “Silicon Forest” for it’s tech companies, and is also a headquarter for sneaker enthusiasts and home to both Nike and Adidas. Portland is divided into quadrants and the Williamette River which runs north south and intersects the Columbia River. The quadrants are named North Portland, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast aptly.

On top of it’s booming tech industry and culture, Portland is also known as “Stumtown”. This refers to a time when the city was growing and they needed to cut down a ton of trees for the growth! One common phrase you’ll see and hear in Portland a lot is “Keep Portland Weird.” You’ll see this on merch, tourist gifts, online pages, and more. Either way the City of Roses offers history, art, entertainment, world class festivals, and as much nature as you can handle.

Portland Oregon and Mt Hood

What Portland Neighborhood works best for your move?

What exactly is it that you’re after, for example it’s important to consider your commute as getting around the city in rush hour can add quite a lot of time especially if you’re traveling across town by car. However, the city has fair share of main streets that connect the quadrants and you will get know them and their traffic varies by time of day. During normal hours the commute to any part of the city is usually fast and most neighborhoods are accessible by train and bus.

Meanwhile, bike people will love the east side of the city and downtown with it’s ample bike lanes. This is also a good note for any drivers who are not used to sharing the road with bikes. Bikes in Portland are treated like cars. Although most streets have bike lanes it’s important to know a biker’s space on the road. There are even bike lanes all the way to the airport!

When choosing a neighborhood in Portland it’s important to ask yourself what you are looking for and what you need. Prefer to walk for food and entertainment? Next, is being able to use public transportation important? Also, what about space and a garage? Lastly, is privacy something desired?

No More Sales Tax

Oregon isn’t the cheapest of places to live and has rather high income taxes but one benefit is no sales tax! Even when shopping online there is no sales tax. It takes a while to remember when first arriving here and can be confusing (in a good way), some items are taxed (like cans and bottles), but there are easy recycle systems that pay us back such as BottleDrop. In addition, be prepared to bring bags to shopping stores. Some stores do not even have bags to provide anymore, but most will sell you a bag for a small fee. Portland is very green oriented but makes it easy!

Forget Pumping Your Own Gas

Yes, seriously we cannot pump our own gas (at least we’re not supposed to). However, Oregon fuel stops have attendants who are there to pump your gas. Legally we’re not supposed to do it yourself so take a break and relax or get some quick shopping done while the attendant finishes up, but make sure to pay first. When in a hurry it is usually no issue to pump gas by yourself.

Yes, It Rains.

Our winters can typically be pretty mild the rainy and cold season starts around the middle of fall. The rain will be on and off during the day and night, and sometimes can be consistent for days. Surprisingly there is not a lot of thunder storms in Portland. During winter the temperature really varies from year to year but typically stays warmer than 30 degrees, some winters it doesn’t snow at all even when it snows in other parts of Oregon.

Portland’s summertime is dry and mild, but lately the summer temperature has been going into the 100s and most places don’t have A/C. However spring and fall are typically perfect weather and you’ll want to live outside at those times.

What Neighborhood do I Want to Live In?

Neighborhoods to check out when moving to Portland

The Rose City is growing and it’s neighborhoods are becoming well defined by their characteristics. The main neighborhoods of Portland have some of the most noticeable changes. Portland’s Southeast neighborhoods are all a short bike or walk away from each other. They all have slightly different culture from each other, Hawthorne for the vintage stores, small businesses, and shopping district. Meanwhile in Division you’ll find a more modern version of Portland. With so much to experience it takes time to learn Portland.

Areas to Check Out if Moving to Portland

NORTHWEST:

21st Shopping District
23rd Avenue
Alphabet District (streets alphabetized starting at Burnside)
The Pearl District
Old Town

NORTH:

Mississippi
Dekum Triangle
Kenton
University Park
St. Johns

NORTHEAST:

Hollywood
Laurelhurst
Alberta Arts
Killingsworth
Roseway/Rose City Park
Kerns
North Tabor
Cully/NE 42nd Avenue

SOUTHWEST:

Ladd Hill
Goose Hollow
Corbett
Hillsdale
Multnomah Village
Downtown Beaverton
Bethany
Orenco Station

SOUTHEAST:

Hawthorne
Belmont
Division
Clinton
Foster Powell
Sellwood
West Moreland
Brooklyn
Milwaukie
Tabor
Central Eastside

Moving to Portland is an experience quite like no other place in the country. There is a lot to experience and learn here that makes this city unique. Famous for a book store, world class festivals, insane scenery, and more we’re sure you’ll love living here. If you find yourself needing help moving to Portland, be sure to hit up Caseys Movers and we’ll make sure you have a warm welcome to your new home!