Bad Weather Moves
By Jane Hodges
Winter relocation is typically no one's goal, but for many people, job changes
or other factors don't give them much choice. If you're
hiring a professional mover, one benefit to a winter move is that you may
find scheduling easier and pricing better than it was during the peak months
from May to September. And if you're
renting your own truck from a DIY moving company, chances are the fleet is
properly winterized. But the financial savings and scheduling flexibility you
get in winter could be undercut by complications associated with foul weather at
your origin, destination or points in between. Here's what to consider as you
plan your move:
What Can Go Wrong?
Does your current location typically experience bad weather at the time of year
you've scheduled a move? What about your destination? Or maybe you expect the
unexpected to materialize on the route in between -- which may involve mountain
passes where road conditions, snow accumulation or the occasional avalanche
complicates things. Check the weather using local or online tools (The
Weather Channel offers historical weather) and talk to an automobile
association such as AAA about road conditions for winter driving so you can
anticipate where trouble lies.
Packing Carefully
Consider temperature's impact on belongings that are going into trucks or that
will stay in an unheated car or rented moving truck overnight. Cold temperatures
can kill houseplants and freeze liquids, leading to later spoilage of liquids or
cracking of containers, with liquids leaking and contaminating surrounding
items. Get more tips for
moving houseplants at HGTV's FrontDoor.com.
Exiting Your Space
If you've hired professional movers, you should know that they'll expect
unimpeded access to your home. This means you need to make sure that the
driveway, sidewalk, curbs and the space around any doors that movers will use
are snow-free and ice-free, or at least salted and sanded for maximum traction.
Consider daylight hours and the fact that movers who are bundled may move more
slowly. On the weather front, note that blizzards and storms are considered acts
of God and are not grounds for delay-related reimbursement in most relocation
contracts.
Routing and Transit
There's not much you or your mover can do if a blizzard hits, a mountain pass is
slow going or a patch of highway winds up closed. Remember that this falls into
the "acts of God" department. If you and the moving trucks are traveling
separately or on different dates, your travel experiences may differ widely --
so make sure that the belongings you have on you are sufficient should you have
to wait for the items on a truck. You may be able to negotiate specific pick-up
and delivery days with penalties on the part of the mover for failing to meet
them -- which would allow some reimbursement if weather's a factor. But read the
fine print before making assumptions. If you're renting your own moving vehicle,
make sure you understand how to operate it properly (especially if it's a truck
powered by diesel fuel, which may require different protocols for starting and
shutting off the vehicle). If you're conducting your own move, consult AAA as
well as state transit agencies for routing guidance.
On Arrival
Keep in mind that the conditions you left may be the same (or worse) when you
arrive. Make sure you've got snow shovels and salt (or know folks who do) when
movers arrive, so they have clear access to deliver your belongings. To prevent
snow, ice, salt and mud from accompanying movers into your house, use plastic or
other floor protectors to line entry ways. Alternatively, you could have moving
items unloaded in an intermediate space (garage, porch) so you can introduce
them into the house gradually. Keep in mind that many appliances or
water-related products which may have frozen during the trip should not be
reconnected or plugged in immediately, as resulting damage may not be
warrantee-backed. You may want to contact manufacturers or manuals before
re-connecting or using washer/dryers, refrigerators and freezers, electronics
and waterbeds. HGTV's FrontDoor.com has more tips for
moving like a pro.
More Moving Advice From HGTV's FrontDoor.com: