winter moving tips – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

January 3, 2023January 23, 2023 Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

Expert moving tips to help tackle a home move during the winter months

It doesn’t seem to matter where you are around the country lately, as cold temperatures have swept the nation and given us a frigid transition into 2023.

While your main goal might be to stay bundled up and warm inside, there still may be some of you out there who are planning on moving during the winter months. Thankfully for you, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is still operating like normal and moving in the snow – we might just have a few more layers on!

Whether you live in an area effected by the winter season or not, there are still some important tips to keep in mind when you’re planning on home moving during this time of year. We’ve been doing this for a long time, so we’ve added seven of our best winter moving ideas below.

Follow along!

Dress appropriately

Seems obvious, right? Well, it’s still an important reminder when moving during the winter season. It’s always easier to shed a layer than add one. We all know how unpredictable the weather can be this time of year, so it’s important to stay as warm as you can for safety reasons and to avoid getting sick.

Check the weather forecasts

Building off the last line above, it can be unpredictable this time of year when it comes to the weather. You never know when a snowstorm might come in, so it’s important to pay attention to the weather forecasts in your area leading up to moving day so you can try and get an idea for what you’ll be experiencing.

Be prepared for early darkness

One of the hardest parts about this time of year is how dark it gets very early in the day. This needs to be considered when planning your move, as you want to avoid having to move in the dark if possible. Factor the sunset into your scheduled time, and make sure to have accessible lighting in the area where moving will be taking place should you need it.

Be mindful of where you are walking

This is another one that may be considered “obvious,” but it’s no secret the ground can get slick out of nowhere this time of year. While that might not be as much of a worry on a normal day, it becomes much more worrisome when your personal belongings are being moved.

Make sure everyone involved is utilizing proper footwear, and be sure to lay down salt ahead of time to counter some of the ice and snow.

Keep floors protected

With snow and salt being so prevalent on the ground, it runs a high risk of being tracked into your home, which can cause damage to your floors and carpets. Be sure to use floor runners, towels, and old sheets to lay down in areas of heavy walking traffic to limit this type of damage.

Hydrate

Cold or not, heavy lifting while moving is a strenuous activity, and it’s always important to stay as hydrated as possible.

Hire professional movers

Instead of using all of these tips above for your own moving process, it might just be easier to hire professionals like us to get the job done right. We’re trained, equipped, and ready to handle the winter elements to get your move completed safely and efficiently.

To get a jump on your next move and to create your own moving checklist to stay organized, click here!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

January 10, 2022January 31, 2022 Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

Use these 7 helpful tips if you have a winter move coming up

The calendar has now turned to the year 2022, and we’re right in the middle of the winter months – which for many of us can mean cold, snowy days.

While it may not be blustery for everyone (and we’re jealous of those who don’t have to experience this!), winter weather still remains in many parts of the country and even during this time, the show goes on for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK and moving. Thankfully, we’ve been doing this long enough that we’ve learned a thing or two about moving during these dark winter days – no matter what the temperature might be.

If during these next few months you find yourself moving, check out some of our best winter moving tips below to ensure you’re ready to tackle moving day in perhaps less than ideal conditions.

Watch Your Step

Seems obvious, right? Well, it’s still worth repeating, because safety always comes first! Be careful when moving around outside on sidewalks and driveways if ice is forming, or if the ground is slick from precipitation. Using the proper footwear or laying down salt ahead of time can help you get extra grip.

Dress Warm

Another one on the “obvious” category, but you know how the old saying goes: it’s always easier to remove layers than it is to keep adding them. Weather can be unpredictable at times during the winter season, so come prepared with enough clothes to keep you comfortable and warm and adjust as the day goes on.

Prepare For Early Darkness

If people were to rank their least favorite parts about the winter months, you’d have to imagine “getting dark early” would rank pretty high on the list. This comes into play during moves, too. Time and the sunset should be factored into when the move is scheduled, but it’s also smart to be prepared with accessible lighting should the sun go down before the job is completed.

Pay Attention to The Weather Conditions

Like we said above: wintertime weather can be unpredictable. Still, you want to do your best to monitor the forecast leading up to moving day so you can at least have an idea of what you might be experiencing on moving day.

Protect Those Floors

If you hire professional movers, they will provide floor runners to help keep the floors in your home protected, but there are also some steps you can take as well. Have old towels or sheets handy to lay down in areas where you want to stop snow, salt, and other messes from the outside getting tracked inside. Also, be sure to remind everyone to wipe their shoes when possible.

Hydrate

This may not be at the front of everyone’s mind when it’s cold out, but hydration is always crucial for those participating in moving day. Heavy lifting is strenuous and demanding regardless of the weather, and you want to stay hydrated to keep yourself feeling as best as possible for moving day.

Hire professional movers

To get a jump on your next move and to create your own moving checklist to stay organized, click here!

January 25, 2021February 15, 2021 Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

Top 7 tips for moving during the winter months

The fun of the holidays has worn off, most people have returned back to work, and for many regions around the country, we’re stuck with one thing for the next few months: the cold, winter season.

Winter is in full-swing, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t still moving. Regardless if the weather is beautiful or snowy and cold, you can count on TWO MEN AND A TRUCK to be there to help you throughout the moving process. We’ve compiled some of the most crucial tips for you to follow if you’re moving anytime soon during the winter season.

Pay attention to the conditions

Seems obvious, right? Either way, it’s still important to have an idea of the forecast out there and what is coming weather-wise. This will help you and your moving team prepare for an increase in snow, slush, or ice and let you make the necessary adjustments to keep everyone safe.

Protect your floors

Moving teams will provide floor runners to help with this, but there are some things you can do to help as well. Have towels or old sheets handy, and cover your floors where possible to stop snow, dirt, and salt from getting tracked inside. Be sure to wipe down your shoes and moving equipment too incase they get wet outside.

Watch your step

Another tip which could seem obvious, but it’s still very important for safety reasons. Be careful when maneuvering around during moving day if the outside conditions are bad, as ice and slick sidewalks can be a factor. If possible, lay down salt on sidewalks and driveways to eliminate the risk of falls.

Dress warm

Most people will do this anyways, but it’s always easier to remove layers than it is to find new layers to add on. You don’t want to be uncomfortable during your move, and we all know how fast winter weather can change on us. Be sure to leave out weather-appropriate clothing from your packed boxes so you’re ready for move day.

Prepare for the early nightfall

One of the main downsides to winter is how fast the sun goes down at night, and this is something you should factor in when planning for your upcoming move. Starting earlier in the day is great, but if that isn’t possible, but make sure there are lights accessible should darkness come into play.

Stay hydrated

Remembering to stay hydrated may not be on your mind when sunshine is replaced by snowflakes, but any heavy lifting you’re doing requires extra energy, regardless of temperature. That means drinking water during the moving process is a must!

Hire professional movers

To get a jump on your next move and to create your own moving checklist to stay organized, click here!

February 3, 2020February 24, 2020 Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

Tips to take the worry out of your winter move

-Written by Andie Millerov

Although winter has its challenges, it can be just as ideal of a time to move as warmer months as long as the necessary steps are taken to prepare.

Utilize the following tips to make sure the unpredictability winter can bring doesn’t affect your move experience.

Hydrate. Remembering to stay hydrated may not be on your mind when sunshine is replaced by snowflakes, but any heavy lifting you’re doing requires tons of energy regardless of temperature. That means drinking water during the moving process is a must!
Keep an eye on conditions. Fluctuations in temperature means slush can quickly turn to ice. Be sure to plan ahead for the hazards this can create, and check the weather frequently to make adjustments as needed if snowfall or heavy winds are predicted.
Protect your floors. Have old sheets and towels handy! Cover your floors at both locations to avoid snow, dirt, and salt getting tracked inside. And, wipe down your shoes and moving containers that have gotten wet in the commute before heading inside.
Dress warmer than necessary. You can always take layers of clothing off if needed. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortably cold during your move.
Watch your step. Unfortunately, ice can still remain even after carefully shoveling and salting walkways. Be mindful of where you’re walking outside – and be sure to wipe up any excess water that may have gotten inside – to avoid slips and falls.
Prepare for nightfall. Shorter days in the winter months means it’s crucial to make sure outdoor lighting works in case your move wraps up later in the day.
Set up utilities. There’s so much to remember when preparing for your move, but ensuring heat and electricity are ready to go at your new home should be at the top of your to-do list.
Consider hiring professionals. Perhaps it would ease your mind to leave it to the pros. If so, investing in a move team may be the right choice for you. Just be sure to do your research and select a company you can trust to give you the best experience possible!

To get a jump on your next move and to create your own moving checklist to stay organized, click here!

January 7, 2019January 25, 2019 Movers Who Blog Downsizing, Hiring Professional Movers, Moving, Organizing, Our People, Packing, Preparing to Move, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

10 key tips for your winter move

Although the summer season is the busiest time of year for home moving, sometimes a move needs to happen during the snowy, winter months.

Moving is already stressful enough, but adding in factors such as snow, salt, cold weather, and less daylight hours create new challenges that must be considered to ensure the move is done right.

At TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, we’ve handled winter moves for more than 30 years – our company started right here in Michigan, and we’re no strangers to the cold!

We’ve been able to assemble the best tips and tricks for winter moving over time, and we’ve created a helpful moving tips list video for you to follow as you get ready to move.

Enjoy!

November 26, 2018December 10, 2018 Movers Who Blog Hiring Professional Movers, Holiday Fun, Home Sweet Home, Moving, Organizing, Our People, Packing, Preparing to Move, Tips and Tricks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Uncategorized

Get ready for the holiday season with these expert holiday moving and packing tips!

Thanksgiving has come and gone, December is just around the corner, and that means the holiday season is in full-effect!

From decorations needed to be unpacked and put up, to bringing in additional furniture and rearranging it just right to accommodate guests, there’s a lot that needs to be taken care of to ensure you’re fully prepared for the holidays.

Here at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, we’re known for our moving services, and over the years we’ve put together the latest and greatest for tips and tricks to help you with all holiday moving, packing, and storage tasks. The key to it all is being prepared, so following along with our extensive tips will help you get ready to decorate and store it all once the holidays are over!

Be sure extra boxes are available.

One of the most important things during the holidays is storage space, and having extra boxes at your disposal will give you a security blanket when trying to move things around. From decorations to dishes, silverware, ornaments, wrapping paper, and so on – these can all be stored away safely with the right moving boxes.

Bring in additional furniture.

It’s no secret that holiday parties can get pretty crowded, which is why the importance of having enough furniture to handle every guest is important. Make sure to pull those extra chairs out of your attic, garage, or storage space, and be sure to call our professional moving teams if you need help transporting them around the house!

Rearrange furniture effectively to fit the needs of guests in your home.

Holiday decorations take up a good amount of space, and that can create some clutter when trying to create space for furniture. Be sure to rearrange everything accordingly so there’s comfortable room for decorations and your normal furniture for guests!

Need gifts delivered? We’ve got you covered.

Some gifts are hard to move from the store to your home, and businesses don’t always deliver. No worries! TWO MEN AND A TRUCK offers pickup and delivery services to handle this issue, and we can pick up and deliver large or heavy gifts and bring them right to your home.

Effective packing can save you hassle now and later.

When the holidays have concluded, it’s time to pack away all of the holiday decorations, and effective and efficient packing will not only help you when putting stuff away this holiday season – it will take a ton of stress of next year when you need to do this all over again.

For more professional packing tips from TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, visit here!

February 12, 2018March 5, 2018 Movers Who Blog Downsizing, Home Sweet Home, Moving, Organizing, Our People, Packing, Preparing to Move, Uncategorized

Tackle a move during the winter months with these expert tips!

–Written by Erik Sargent

It doesn’t matter what time of the year it might be – when it comes to home moving, it can be a stressful process!

But despite the stress, it’s safe to say that during the cold, winter months, the challenge becomes even tougher due to the elements of certain areas of the country where the temperatures are plummeting and snow is covering the ground. This type of move requires extensive planning and delicate care, and thankfully for you, as the “Movers Who Care®”, we’re trained on just how to tackle this type of situation.

We’ve learned a thing or two over 30 years of moving people forward, and given the fact that we got our start in Lansing, Mich., we’ve put together several helpful tips on how to handle a winter move.

Check them out!

Stay up-to-date on the weather

For those who reside in snow states, you know just how important this is. Weather can change quickly, and you want to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings to ensure you don’t run into any problems during your move. Be sure to check your go-to weather source for upcoming changes, whether it be a phone app, your TV, or the radio.

Plan ahead and take care of utilities

The last thing you want is to handle your move perfectly, only to arrive at your new home and not have utilities turned on. Make sure you call ahead with your local utilities provider to guarantee that when you arrive at your new home, the heat and the electricity are ready to go.

Stay warm!

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating – bundle up! Harsh winter conditions are no joke, and using multiple layers of warm clothing can make a huge difference if you’re in and out of the house loading your car, or if the door is propped open for the movers.

Be prepared with emergency supplies

Nobody wants to think of a winter emergency or accident happening, but the sad reality is that is happens more than you think. It’s important to have emergency supplies handy should something happen to you or your vehicle as you go back and forth from your old home to your new home.

Keep your floors safe throughout the moving process

It’s not news to anyone that when the snow starts falling, that means there’s usually slush and salt getting tracked in on shoes. This means it’s important to protect your floors.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK movers are NOT allowed to remove their shoes at any time during the moving process, so you’ll want to make sure you’re properly protecting your floors to prevent any snow or salt damage.

Make sure you can see the moving area with proper lighting

Another one of winter’s classic obstacles is that the sun is down at an incredibly early time – this comes into play with your movers! Since we like to work around your schedule for your convenience, it’s important the area where movers are operating is properly lit. This prevents movers from navigating through the dark and potentially damaging your items or injuring themselves.

Work to prevent slipping and sliding

It’s a good idea to ensure there are towels, clothes, or something else handy that can wipe away the snow and muck that gets tracked in from the outside. This will prevent any unwanted slipping and sliding, and will also keep the house nice and clean.

Keep a clear walking pathway

Before the moving process begins – regardless of what doors people will be coming in and out of – make sure there is a clear pathway for the movers. This keeps the process moving along nicely, and with many moving companies charging by the hour, could even end up saving you money.

Have a plan ready for pets, plants, and others!

If you have pets or even plants in your home, make sure there is a plan in place to get them where they need to be. Pets or plants cannot go in a moving truck, so they will rely on your personal transportation.

Hire professional help!

Taking on a home move during the winter sounds like a good idea … until you’re actually doing it. Don’t stress yourself out! Call TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, and let us handle this winter move for you. Our uniformed and professionally trained movers will make this process a breeze and get you on the way to our new place in no time. Contact TWO MEN AND A TRUCK today to begin planning your winter move!

January 4, 2016December 22, 2015 Movers Who Blog Hiring Professional Movers, Moving, Tips and Tricks

10 tips to survive your winter move

Written by Jessy Howe

iStock_House in the winter

Moving can be hard, but moving during the winter season can make the process that much more difficult. To help ease your winter move stress, we’re sharing our top 10 winter moving tips. When using a moving company, many concerns below will not be a worry. However, for those do-it-yourselfers, with a few extra precautions, you can master the art of moving during snowy, winter weather.

1. Clear the path

Shovel or plow the driveways and sidewalks at both your old location and your new location. It’s easy to misjudge stairs and drop-offs when they’re hidden by snow. Taking a few extra moments to clear the way will make moving easier and safer for everyone.

2. Watch the weather

Temperatures can change quickly during the winter, with slush turning to ice within a few hours. It also gets dark earlier in the winter and with this in mind, plan trips between the old and new location accordingly. To find out more about the moving protocol during blizzard-like conditions, we’ve answered all of your questions, here.

3. Carry emergency supplies

Whether you drive your own vehicle or rent a moving truck, ice and snow on the road may get in your way. If you do get stuck, you can get yourself out quickly if you carry a shovel, salt and/or sand. It’s also wise to keep a vehicle emergency kit, water, snacks, and blankets handy just in case.

4. Layer up

Although you will be working hard on moving day, it is a good idea to dress in layers. If you begin to overheat you can always remove layers. Don’t forget your hat and warm gloves!

5. Avoid slips

Keep old rags and towels handy to wipe away the snow, salt, sand, and dirt which will likely get caked to your shoes and your moving containers causing slippery surfaces.

6. Light your area

Be sure all outdoor lighting is functioning properly at your new and old location prior to your move. With the sun setting early throughout winter months, it is important your visibility isn’t compromised should your move go late into the day.

7. Protect your floors

Cover your floors with old sheets or tarps to avoid tracking mud and snow into your home. Not only will this protect your belongings but will also keep the floors at your new location clean and dry.

8. Turn on utilities

Plan ahead and ensure utilities will be turned on upon your arrival. In harsh winter months, you will not want to be without these! Additionally, leave heat and electricity on in your old home until you are completely moved out.

9. Keep your plants safe

Don’t transport live plants in the cargo hold of the truck, as they can easily freeze. To keep plants safe and secure during a move, pack them in your personal vehicle and drive safely to your destination.

10. Hire help!

Hiring a moving company can take much of the pressure off of you and allow you to enjoy your new home even sooner! Many of the precautions above will be worries that disappear when hiring movers. Our uniformed movers and drivers are committed to exceeding expectations and ensuring your move is completed with care and efficiency. We realize moving needs are unique for every customer, so we’re ready to customize a plan to provide the best moving experience. Contact TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® today to begin planning your move.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services, subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

January 6, 2015January 6, 2015 Movers Who Blog Moving

7 winter moving tips

Written by Mariah Obiedzinski

The ice, the snow, the cold winter. This is possibly the worst time to move, right? Wrong! Moving during the winter presents a unique set of challenges, but it’s manageable with a few extra precautions.

Use these seven winter moving tips to make sure you and your belongings arrive at your new home safely:

Get help. Hiring a professional moving company is imperative this time of year. Invest in a quality move team instead of trying to do everything on your own will minimize your time in the cold, decrease your risk of frostbite or injury, and avoid the chance of a friend or family member losing their footing in rougher conditions. Deciding what moving company you want and trust to move your valuable possessions can be difficult. Make sure to do your research when selecting your movers by verifying their reputation for high customer service and a track record that supports it.

Clear the path. Take time to shovel or plow the driveways and sidewalks at both your old location and your new location. It’s easy to misjudge stairs and drop-offs when they’re obscured by snow. Taking a few extra moments to clear the way will make moving easier and safer for your crew.

Watch the weather. The temperature can change quickly in the winter. What starts as slush can turn to ice within a few hours. It also gets dark earlier in the winter, so plan trips to and from the new location accordingly.

Carry emergency supplies. There are plenty of small unplanned challenges which are a natural part of the moving process, but don’t let snow or ice be one of them. Whether you drive your own vehicle or rent a moving truck, ice and snow on the road may get in your way. You can get yourself unstuck quickly if you carry a shovel and salt or sand. It’s also wise to keep a vehicle emergency kit, water, snacks, and blankets handy just in case.

Layer up. It’s important to dress warmly, even though you will be working hard on moving day. Consider wearing layers you can peel off as necessary. It’s better to start with too many clothes on than to deal with being cold all day. Make sure your ensemble includes a hat and warm gloves.

Wipe it down. Keep old rags and towels handy to wipe away the snow, salt, sand, and dirt which will likely get caked to your shoes and your moving containers. This will not only protect your belongings but will also keep the floors at your new location clean and dry.

Raise a glass. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you won’t sweat. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the moving process. It’s also a nice gesture to provide warm drinks or water for your crew to enjoy during or after the move (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate are inexpensive and will be much appreciated by your friends, neighbors, or professional movers).

With a few extra precautions, moving during the winter can be easy and safe. If you feel overwhelmed, remember this: At least it isn’t hot!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mariah Obiedzinski is a freelance blogger for USCargoControl.com, an e-commerce company specializing in moving supplies for both professional and DIY movers.