Do you have a move coming up this year but don’t know which season is the best to make the transition? Perhaps you already have your moving date locked in, but you are unsure how to handle the season’s challenges. Whether you are a homeowner, renter, or anyone needing moving advice, this guide on seasonal moving tips comes to you from your local expert movers so that you can take action to prepare for the ideal move no matter the time of year!
Seasonal Moving Tips from Local Movers:
Spring Moving:
Spring is one of the most popular times to move. However, it comes with its list of challenges. If you are planning to move during the spring season, here is what we recommend:
Schedule Movers Ahead:
Due to the popularity of moving during the spring, top-rated moving companies get booked up quickly. If you are planning to move in the spring, we recommend booking your local movers as soon as possible.
Plan for Spring Showers:
While spring has one of the more favorable weather conditions of any season for moving, there is still a good chance of getting caught by spring rain showers. Therefore, keeping yourself and your items dry should be a priority.
First, we recommend having waterproof items on hand to keep you and your loved ones dry, such as waterproof shoes, rain jackets, hats, or even plastic ponchos.
Second, plan on water prevention when transporting your items in and out of the truck. First, we recommend having a towel to wipe your feet on as you go in the truck, as you don’t want to leave puddles where you will set items. Second, you can wrap up smaller boxes in plastic garbage bags. For larger items, having a plastic tarp (like those used for painters) can shield items until you get them into the truck. Lastly, if anything does get wet, make sure to wipe it off so it doesn’t stay wet during or after transportation.
Be Prepared to Drive on Wet Roads:
If you are driving your moving truck or van on a wet road, it is vital to review how to handle your vehicle during wet conditions. Of course, if you feel unsafe driving, you can always pull over into a rest stop or parking lot to wait for the rain to ease. Always practice safety first!
Summer Moving:
Summer is often the preferred moving season for families with children as children are out of school. If you are planning to move your family this summer, here is what we recommend:
Book Your Movers Early:
There is often an influx of moving requests right as school lets out for the summer, so if you need to move during that time period, it is best to book your local movers as soon as possible.
Be Prepared for the Summer Heat:
Unlike in the spring, when you have to plan for the rain, in summer, you must prepare for the heat. Moving during hot weather comes with its own set of issues, so here is what we recommend.
First, when moving, keep yourself, your family, and your pets hydrated and protected from the sun. Wear loose, light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against UV rays, and always have plenty of water on hand.
Next, be prepared to protect heat-sensitive items. Items like electronics, artwork, instructions, appliances, and some furniture may become damaged if left in hot conditions. So, if you have a small amount of these items, you will want to keep them air-conditioned with you in the main cabin of the truck if possible. However, if that isn’t possible, we recommend requesting an air-conditioned truck to ensure the heat safety of your items.
Autumn Moving:
Cooler temperatures, favorable road conditions, and lack of competition for services make autumn one of the best times to move during the year. However, it is often underutilized due to the timing of school and the holidays. Therefore, we have these tips for you:
Take Advantage of School Sales:
With the start of the school season, there are often discounts on school supplies – supplies that are very similar to moving supplies. We recommend taking advantage of these sales to stock up on markers, tape, stickers, totes, and whatever else you can get your hands on.
Be Prepared for Shorter Days:
With the season inching closer to winter, the days will be shorter than that of late spring and early summer. We recommend planning to do your moving actions during the daylight hours, as unloading trucks and driving in the dark may be stressful for some people.
Be Aware of Unpredictable Weather:
As you near the end of autumn, there will be an uptick in hazardous weather conditions. Remember, the last day of autumn is December 21st. Here in the Tri-Cities of Washington, the end of fall could include heavy rain, sleet, snow, ice, and windstorms. So, it is best to be prepared for all weather conditions
Winter Moving:
Winter is by far the cheapest time to move, but it comes with the issue of battling winter weather! If you have no choice but to move in the winter, here is what we recommend:
Ask for Moving Discounts:
Given that winter is a slow time for most local movers, companies often offer winter discounts. We recommend asking if they offer a winter discount or bundle and what services they provide.
Be Prepared for Extreme Weather:
If you are moving during the winter, you will likely face hazardous weather conditions. Not only that, but you will have very few daylight hours to complete tasks. We highly recommend skipping a DIY truck and requesting professional movers to handle the entirety of your move. Not only does this ensure the safety of your items and your family, but moving truck drivers are experienced with winter driving conditions. They know how to traverse snowy roads, deal with closed passes, and keep your items dry!
Moving Advice No Matter the Season:
Our tips above detail the best way to handle the challenges of each season, but that isn’t the end of our moving tips. If you would like to learn more, we recommend reviewing our blog on 10 Expert Long Distance Moving Tips to secure a fully actionable moving checklist no matter the season.
Premier Service with Local Movers Larsen Transfer
Are you planning a move? Contact Larsen Transfer today for expert moving services and personalized advice to ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation.
