Ayla & Julia with Moving Made Smooth, Inc.

Winter can be a tricky time for moving, but many of the obstacles have solutions that won't delay the process.

Your movers will need a cleared path free of ice and snow. This applies to all entrances to the home and any areas around the moving vehicle. Moving Made Smooth's employees are covered for liability, but that is no excuse to be unprepared. By not handling this basic winter maintenance you are risking our movers and the furnishings (Your furnishings) that they carry.

Be sure to put extra clothes, blankets, a first aid kit, and water in the cab of your moving truck in case you become stranded. Hand warmer pouches may also be a good idea.
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The truck is loaded and now you're driving. Take it slow and allow more distance to stop than you would driving your normal vehicle. On interstates and highways, choose the right lane designated for slower traffic. If mountain passes are part of your drive, bridges, overpasses, and roads at high elevation are likely to freeze. You may want to consider putting tire chains on your moving truck to improve traction. If roadways become obstructed by winter storms it is always a better idea to find a hotel and wait for the roads to be cleared rather than risking your life.

Here is a link below to a few extra tips about driving a moving truck:
http://blog.gopenske.com/rental/tips-for-safer-winter-rental-truck-driving/

Ayla & Julia with Moving Made Smooth, Inc.

As you look around your home try to imagine everything inside is now outside or in your garage. What do you think will survive the freezing temperatures?

Plants
If this move is across town, an easy solution is to shield them by surrounding the plant with paper or plastic leaving the top exposed. This protects the plant from some of the cold air, but allows the plant to breathe. Moving out of town gets complicated for various reasons (the first comment on the bottom of the linked page says it all and also has some good advice within the article http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-can-i-move-plants-cross-country-good-questions- 186049). Plants cannot go on the moving truck, but can be moved in your personal vehicle. This article also suggests taking clippings from the plants to make starter plants in your new home, instead of moving the large plants themselves. Moving Made Smooth recommends giving plants to friends, family, schools, charity, or organizations (shelters, doctor's offices, etc.).

Electronics
Never use any electronics or appliances without allowing them to reach room temperature. Any liquids will freeze in the winter cold. Be sure appliances are drained. Even ink cartridges can freeze and explode, so it is better to remove them.

Musical Instruments
It is not advised to have any musical instrument in the cold or any weather extreme. If it must be on the moving truck, DO NOT open the case until your instrument reaches room temperature. Moving Made Smooth, Inc. suggests an online search for tips regarding your specific instrument or contacting a music store.

Moving Made Smooth, Inc. has selected a few articles about winter moving that you may find helpful:
http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/12/18/6-tips-for-moving-during-the- winter
http://blog.sparefoot.com/1781-cold-weather-moving-tips/_

Ayla and Julia with Moving Made Smooth, Inc.

When planning a moving day, there will always be that one unavoidable, unpredictable situation...
The weather.

Moving Made Smooth, Inc. is prepared for all weather conditions and is flexible with scheduling for high temperature in the summer and winter storms. We all want the safest outcome for your move.
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The best approach to this topic is seasonal, beginning with summer, and then will be broken into sections (you, your movers, and your belongings).

Summer
You (Our Customer)
1.    Wear ventilated, lightly colored clothing to help you stay cool. 2.    Have plenty of water handy. 3.    If possible, you should consider turning the air conditioning on in your new home prior to your move so that it is comfortable before your movers arrive.

Your Movers
1.    Our movers are allowed to take short breaks to drink water. This is a necessary measure to prevent our laborers from succumbing to heat exhaustion. Please be considerate. It is also an OSHA requirement (see link). https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/work_rest_schedules.html
2.    As stated above, it is also beneficial to our employees if your air conditioning has been turned on before their arrival. Thank you!
Your Belongings
1.    Keep in mind, the temperature inside your moving vehicle or storage container will exceed the temperature outside.
2. Do not pack foods because the high temperatures can make them go bad. You should also avoid the use of boxes that contained food or alcohol as they can draw pests.
3. High temperatures can be unforgiving to technology. Be sure to allow these devices to cool before charging or use as they can overheat and become damaged.
4.    Musical instruments often will come out of tune when exposed to a different temperature and, in extreme cases, can be damaged from heat/humidity.
​5.    You may want to reconsider packing any candles or wax product, as these could melt in transit. Also never pack anything that is flammable (you can also see our blog about what not to pack).

Winter
You (Our Customer)
1.   Keep your snow shovel, ice scraper, and salt/sand handy. Have sidewalks shoveled prior to the arrival of your movers.
2.    Have warm drinks prepared. 3.    Dress in many layers; clothes can be removed if you become to warm.

Your Movers
1.    Weather conditions can sometimes slow the progression of movers- i.e. movers having to walk around snow drifts.
2.    Our employees may need to take short breaks in order to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Please be considerate.
3.    Moving Made Smooth, Inc. provides neoprene runners (floor runners) to prevent our employees from tracking mud, snow, and water around your dwelling.

Your Belongings
1.    Remove all batteries, cords, disks, and accessories from your technology before packing as any moisture or temperature change can be detrimental to these items.
2.    If you are moving any items into storage, you may want to consider using desiccants (moisture removing substances). This is especially a good idea if you are storing any clothing, technology, furniture, or appliances. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Stack-On-Safe-n-Dry-Desiccant-10-Pack/14707414
3.    Be sure to turn off all electronics and appliances several hours before your move, as sudden changes in temperature can crack screens and damage moving parts in appliances. Technology can be stored in cold temperatures as long as it is not turned on. These must also equilibrate to room temperature before being used or charged.
4.    Be sure all appliances (washers and fridges with water lines) are drained (see our appliance blog to see how). Appliances need to acclimate to room temperature for 24 hours before using or plugging it in. The oil that lubricates the moving parts gums-up in the cold and if the appliance is used immediately it can damage these parts.
5.    Be aware that wood and glass are sensitive to temperature changes and can crack or warp.

For more helpful advice on moving during the winter months, check out the links below:
http://moving.about.com/od/youremovingnowwhat/a/Tips-For-Moving-In-Winter.htm