winter moving – 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!

December 8, 2014December 10, 2015 Movers Who Blog Moving

Moving in a winter wonderland? Save time and money!

Written by Arika Ford

Take the wonder out of moving during the winter months with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®.

With the snow flying outside and the temperature dropping, inclement weather can make for hazardous moving conditions that can prolong your move. Below are frequently asked questions our customer service representatives get asked during the colder months, along with the answers to clear things up for your winter move.

Q: If it is snowing, sleeting, or raining, will the movers still complete the move?

A: Yes, our movers will still complete moves even in precipitation (hail, drizzle, snow) unless it’s truly severe. For example, if it starts to snow hard enough that it is not safe or the movers cannot see ahead of them, they will wait it out in the truck. Typically these types of weather breaks are not on the customer’s bill. Please keep in mind that travel may take longer due to hazardous roadways. We want to ensure not only the safety of our movers, but also your belongings.

Q: Does my sidewalk and driveway have to be clear of snow and ice?

A: The movers will shovel and salt your walkway or driveway for you, but the time it takes to do this is an expense of the customer. To save money, it is best if this task is taken care of in advance. For safety purposes, it needs to be done before the move can begin.

Q: If it gets really cold, will the movers continue to work in low temperatures?

A: The movers will dress accordingly, but if it gets too cold, they are encouraged to take breaks to warm up either in the customer’s home (with permission of course) or in the truck. Additionally, this time is not usually counted toward the customer’s final bill.

Q: What is the protocol in blizzard-like conditions?

A: Our movers are allowed to take breaks at their discretion. If the weather is hazardous and poses safety issues, they are encouraged to break. If the weather is too extreme, the customer always has the option to reschedule.

Q: Will my belongings get snowed on and wet?

A: Almost every piece of furniture will be stretch wrapped, but ideally we encourage customers communicate with the movers about those possessions they’re most concerned with. This allows the movers to ensure proper and extra protection of special items during the move. The customer can even request to have their items pad wrapped, in which the movers put a furniture pad over your belongings then wrap them with stretch wrap for ultimate protection against the wintry elements. Mattresses are not usually stretch wrapped, so it is up to the customer to purchase mattress bags prior to the move. The movers will be happy to put them into the bags for you.

Q: Will my plants and pets be too cold in the truck during the move?

A: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® cannot move anything living in the truck. The customer must take all living things with them in their personal vehicle where they will be safe and warm.

Holiday moving tip: If you’re moving around the holiday season, and need your presents moved, make sure to mention it to the movers. They can organize the move to take extra care of them. They will even make sure to place the presents in the truck so they’re hidden and will unload them before your kids get home.

The customer should also ensure the garage and driveway are clear of vehicles so movers can back the truck up as close to the door or garage as possible. This helps the move to go quicker, more safely, and as dry as possible. Communication becomes even more critical during the winter months so please communicate with your movers and ask questions; they are very happy to help any way they can so you stay warm and comfortable throughout your moving experience. Hiring TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® allows you to leave the moving to the pros!

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.