A few tips for off-season moving
Everyone loves settling into a new place, but very few like the process of moving. Add in some below freezing temperatures, a few flurries or the dreaded sleet and an already arduous task becomes a nightmare.
Luckily, there are some advantages to moving in an off-peak season like fall or winter. Those using movers pretty much have their choice of prime dates. And usually, many leasers are so desperate to get an apartment rented out that they waive security deposits. But there are a few things you should keep in mind when making an off-season move.
Safety first
Moving is a contact sport; we pick up boxes, carry furniture up-and-down stairs and are always on our feet. You’ll need to take a few more breathers than expected, even if it’s not on your agenda. Don’t let the low temperature play a trick on you; you still need to keep hydrated through the whole process.
Drink plenty of water. Have a few extra gloves and hand warmers for yourself and your helpers. And don’t be afraid to take a break for some hot tea, a warm meal or even some shut eye. We like to joke with our customers that the first thing we set up is the bed so you can take a nap!
Slow down
Be extra careful! The more the temperature drops, the more likely a slip-and-fall incident can occur. And with a large piece of furniture in your hand, a simple step up can turn into a disaster. We like to wrap our larger pieces of furniture in padding before we start moving things out of your old apartment. And we are always very careful of fragile items in boxes and take extra care to not damage anything.
Avoid a bad encounter with black ice be being aware of where you’re going and moving slowly. Rushing through the process on iffy weather days can cause drops or lost items, and that only adds to the stress. Take your time packing, and take it easy on the move. It will get one.
Choose your van and driver wisely
Winter is unpredictable, especially in Chicago. And winter driving is a pain when there are snow gusts, ice on the roads, sleet and hail, or darkness as early as 4pm. Add to that a moving truck filled with thousands of dollars in furniture, clothes, dining items and everything else you own? Anxiety runs very, very high.
In this instance, it’s never good to skimp. If you’re not 100% comfortable with navigating the winter roads in the big moving truck, ask a friend who you truly trust. And if you don’t know of anyone, hire someone. We only work with skilled, professional drivers that maintain their trucks and themselves to the highest standards. If you’re going to splurge on anything in your upcoming move, we suggest investing in a reliable driver.