How to handle New York to Virginia relocation during winter season

Moving during the winter season is not very easy, but when you think about it – is moving during the hot summer days any easier? Every season brings challenges. Today we will be talking about handling New York to Virginia relocation during those cold months. New York is known for snowy and icy winters and that can be tricky. Luckily, there are people who can help you but we will talk more about that later in the text. We have to start from the very beginning and no, relocation doesn’t start with packing. There is so much to be done before you start packing.

A fun fact – moving during the winter season is more affordable

You can relocate without haste as the heavy snow sets in and the relocation rush slows down. According to a recent study, just 16% of people migrate in the winter, even while 35% plan their relocation for the summer. You may find more open dates and affordable rates if you take on your move during the off-peak season. A winter relocation will necessitate different planning than a summer one, despite being more convenient.

A person putting a coin into a piggy bank.
Saving some money is always a plus.

You will need to be flexible during the winter

When your moving day draws near, keep a watch on the weather app because snow blizzards or ice storms may develop suddenly. Ensure you have a simple means to contact a representative if your moving partner had not already appointed you a personal move coordinator. Inquire about their procedures for moving during adverse weather and how they prioritize safety. Plan for some wiggle room in your moving schedule just in case the weather has other ideas for your special day.

Packing has to be different during the winter season

Some things have to be different during this New York to Virginia relocation. Packing is just one of those things. Cold weather increases the risk of cracking your delicate belongings. Be especially cautious when wrapping your breakables if you plan on DIY-ing packing. Cover all your breakables in two or three layers of padding. Bubble wrap is our favorite but plain paper will do as well and soon enough you will be able to pack like an expert. Invest in specialized dish boxes and dividers for bowls made from cardboard, mugs, and other equipment to give every item the safety it needs. Resist the desire to overpack each box. Instead, cram the packing peanuts into any unused space.

A cardboar moving box on the bed ready for New York to Virginia relocation.
Packing can be a daunting process but you need to be extra careful during the winter months.

You need to have your essentials nearby

According to our research – it takes the typical American roughly 180 days to unpack all moving boxes after moving. We think that’s unacceptable. There is a way to speed things up – hire local movers to help you to unpack and settle in. Then, if necessary, they can put excess items in a unit to keep them safe until you have enough space for everything.

Put your winter needs, toiletries, and medications in an easily accessible bag that you can transfer in your own car rather than spending months trying to figure out which box includes your bulky coat. To ensure that you or your movers can swiftly unpack household items you need to stay warm in your home, properly label all your moving boxes.

Clear out your driveway

Now that you are done packing room-by-room, you should think about what’s in front of your home. In case there is a lot of snow obviously. Make sure a shovel is nearby. To travel to and from your home, you or your movers don’t want to have to navigate snowbanks. Make sure there are open pathways from the vehicle to your home in order to protect you, your moving team, and your belongings. If snow plows frequently pass through your neighborhood, schedule your relocation. The snow never lasts for months in New York.

Don’t forget to protect the floors

When it comes to relocations during the winter, your welcome mat will not be sufficient. We are talking about protecting your new flooring from the elements. To keep snow, ice, and slush from entering your area, cover your carpets and hardwood floors with cardboard. Use tarps to cover your hardwood floors. If you are hiring a firm that offers a full range of relocation services like helixmoveva.com, it is probable that they will take care of this stage for you.

Moving day has to start very early

In the winter, there are fewer than 10 hours of daylight available for you to become acclimated to your new residence. That is not a lot so you need to use every minute of it. Moving during the night is possible obviously but if you have the chance to use the natural light – use it.  Consider getting an early start on the day so that you or your movers will have enough time to finish moving, unloading, packing, and installing your possessions before it gets dark. Choose the perfect day (if possible) and time that allows you to take advantage of the daylight as much as possible by coordinating with the person who is coordinating your move.

A professional mover counting moving boxes Before New York to Virginia relocation.
This is one of the downsides of moving during the winter, there is not much daylight.

Before we go

Before we go we have to tell you one more thing about your New York to Virginia relocation. You are ready. This is no big deal. You have the right movers by your side and winter is just a season. Soon enough you will be enjoying your new Virginia home and remember this challenge as a funny anecdote. Just be careful if the roads are frozen but it’s unlikely this season for that to happen. Good luck and hopefully everything will be over before you even know it.

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    I was not looking forward to this move, and I felt pretty stressed out on a moving day, but the movers were great and did all they could to take the anxiety out. I would like to say a special thanks to Steve and his team for a wonderful job!
    Christopher Adams
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