How to Save Big on Your Winter Move Insider Tips Most People Don’t Know

Moving in winter is challenging because of cold, freezing temperatures, and occasional snowstorms. But the right planning and moving strategies can save you from stress, cold temperatures, and much money. Ideally, winter is not the peak season for moving, and the holiday season also slows the moving. Winter shifting can be cost-efficient in many ways. In this article, we have shared some insider tips that will help you save big on your winter move:

Off-Season Discounts

• Winter means the holiday season and off-season for moving companies. Very few people move during the winter season, so moving companies offer huge discounts on all moving services. If you decide to move with a professional moving company, don’t forget to negotiate the moving rate and ask for discounts. Some companies display discounts on their social media platforms and websites, so check these places to grab the best deal.
• If you rent a moving truck, you should know that the rental rates are lower during the winter months. Compare multiple companies and find the best deal for your winter move.
• Other than off-season discounts, winter is the time of festivals and holidays and companies promote different festival and holiday discounts.

The Right Strategy for Winter Moving

• Moving is a complex process that requires detailed planning, irrespective of the weather. Winter moves also need strategic planning which includes picking the right moving date and being flexible with the move.
• Moving on the weekends can burn a hole in your pocket. It does not matter if you are moving during peak season or not, moving on a weekend is not a wise decision. Pick a weekday or mid-week and avoid the weekend surcharge. The moving rates will be lower than moving on a weekend.
• The next thing is that you should be flexible with the moving schedule. During winter moves, there are high chances of delays and rescheduling because of unpredictable weather conditions. So, be flexible and ready for any changes in the moving date. These strategies will save a lot of money on your move.
• Also, keep an eye on the weather as the forecast can help you in protecting your belongings from potential damage caused by bad weather.

Hire a Professional Mover

• Moving with a mover will make your move easy and efficient as you will save time and money. To save money while moving with a professional mover, first collect up to three moving quotes, compare them, and then pick the mover that fits your moving budget.
• You can get the approximate value of your move by calculating it online using the Van Lines Move Moving Cost Calculator. After estimating the moving cost, you can decide whether you will move on your own or with a professional mover.
• Avoid getting scammed by the moving companies offering low moving rates on your winter move. Before hiring someone, do some research about them, check their background, and read online reviews about their services.

Pack Smartly and Save Money

• Packing is one of the crucial stages of your move and with the right strategy, you can save and earn money while packing. So, first, declutter the belongings and either donate or sell those items that you do not need in your new house.
• Next, collect free packing supplies like moving boxes, old linen, and rugs. Moving boxes can be collected from several places like grocery stores, liquor stores, and more. Instead of hiring a packing professional, do it yourself.

Protect Your Belongings

• Saving your belongings from moisture and cold temperatures will help you save money. So, wrap all the cardboard boxes with plastic wraps to prevent seepage of moisture. You can wrap all the furniture in blankets and then with multiple layers of plastic wrap to protect it from moisture and dirt. Protect your belongings from any damage and make your move cost-efficient.

Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter

• If you are planning to drive your car during the winter across the country, prepare it for winter. Check the antifreeze, tires, and battery, if required, change them and prepare the car for the long run. In your car, pack a bag of essentials including non-perishable food, blankets, medicines, clothes, and water. This will save money that can affect your moving budget if you have a car breakdown during the move.

Plan Your Meals

• Moving is a long process, and it is difficult to cook homemade food that is affordable and healthy. Instead, you will get fast food from restaurants that can be highly expensive. You can prepare some simple and budget-friendly dishes that you can easily reheat. It will save money as well as keep you nourished with healthy food.

Prepare Your New Home for Winter

• A new house needs to be prepared before you move there. As last-minute arrangements might be expensive. So, before you move, check the heating system and insulation. Also, stock the house with non-perishable food, blankets, warm clothing, and linen.
• These preparations will save money on your move. So, set your moving budget and spend the money on preparing the house according to that.

Stay Safe and Healthy

• Choose the right clothes and shoes for the winter move to be safe while carrying heavy items. Don’t forget to get gloves to keep your hands warm and hold the grip. Use shoes with good traction that will prevent you from slipping on the icy driveway.
• Clean the driveway, remove snow, and you can hire a professional snow removal company.
• Drink a lot of water to keep yourself hydrated, and eat healthy. Take your medication on time and get ready for the move.

Optimize Utility Transfers

• Transferring or surrendering the utilities on time is important for a cost-efficient and smooth transition. You can schedule the transfer of utilities in advance to avoid any extra charges.
• Many utility companies offer bundle services where you have to pay less for multiple services. Bundle services include internet, cable, and phone service by the same provider. Also, take the opportunity to grab the discounts these companies offer during the promotion for new services and packages.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

• It is important to remember that the winter weather is unpredictable, and you need to be ready for any emergencies that may arise during the move. So, pack a bag of essentials carrying a flashlight, warm clothes, non-perishable food, water, batteries, first-aid kits, and a blanket.
• Don’t forget to have a backup plan in case you cannot have the move on a set moving date. You might have to reschedule the move or arrange for temporary accommodation and storage service.

Conclusion

Preparing and planning for the winter move with the right strategies and methods can save a lot more money while you move. You can hire a full-service moving company that will handle multiple moving tasks at affordable rates. Van Lines Move can help you find experienced and reliable moving companies that offer the lowest possible rate and quality moving services for winter moves.

FAQs

• Is it cheaper to move during winter? Yes, winter moving is relatively cheaper as the movers are easily available, and there are several discounts during the holiday season.
• How to protect your belongings from freezing during winter move? Pack electronic items, plants, and fragile items in special packing materials to prevent them from breaking due to freezing temperatures. Use insulated containers or blankets to keep them warm and safe.
• How to negotiate a better moving rate with the moving company? You can get lower rates on your move, negotiate with the mover, ask for discounts, and be flexible with the moving date.

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